George Clooney Explains Why He Took ‘A Step Back’ From Acting

George Clooney recently explained why he decided to take a step back from acting just three weeks after he was accused of his “ER” co-star, Vanessa Marquez, from blacklisting her in Hollywood.

According to People, Clooney has not starred in any films since 2016, but the actor is not troubled by it because he knows for a fact that he no longer needs the money. While speaking with The Sunday Times, the 56-year-old star also admitted that he’s no longer the guy that gets the girl in films because he has aged.

“But, look, if somebody’s got Paul Newman in ‘The Verdict,’ I’d jump. But there aren’t many like that. Acting used to be how I paid the rent, but I sold a tequila company for a billion f------ dollars. I don’t need money. I have money. So I can fight to make movies I want to make. If you look at what I’ve been in over the past 15 years, for the most part they weren’t going to get made if I didn’t do them,” he said.

Clooney also cited the likes of “Up in the Air,” Good Night and Good Luck, Michael Clayton” as the two films that wouldn’t have been released if he didn’t fight for them.

Despite not starring in movies lately and being picky about the projects he will sign on for, Clooney said that he still remembers that time he used to do coffee commercials. A lot has changed throughout the years, and Clooney has become one of the most influential actors of his time.

His influence has extended to his “ER” co-star Marquez’s belief that Clooney paid a crucial role in getting her blacklisted from Hollywood. But “The Ideas of March” star denied the allegations. While speaking with E! News, Clooney said that he isn’t even aware that Marquez has been blacklisted from the industry.

“I take her at her word. I was not a writer or a producer or a director on that show. I had nothing to do with casting. I was an actor and only an actor,” he said.