George Clooney was absent from a press conference for his new film, Jay Kelly, in Venice on Thursday due to a ‘serious sinus infection’.
The conference moderator announced his absence saying: ‘I’m afraid George Clooney is not going to be here, because he has a bad, serious, sinus infection. We hope that he should be on the red carpet tonight.’
The film’s director, Noah Baumbach, said: ‘Movie stars get sick too.’ His co-star Laura Dern added: ‘George is so devastated that he can’t be here.’
His co-stars Eve Hewson, Laura Dern, Riley Keough and Adam Sandler were all in attendance and it’s hoped that George will attend the premiere of the film later in the evening with his wife Amal.
The 64-year-old actor unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach’s competition film, Jay Kelly, on Wednesday — the first day of the festival — and also skipped a dinner with the film’s cast and crew on Wednesday night.
The Hollywood legend reportedly started feeling unwell on Wednesday, sources told The Hollywood Reporter, adding he was advised to go ‘home’ and rest ahead of a busy Thursday, which includes the world premiere of the film tonight.
He and wife Amal are staying at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice during promotional activities for the Netflix film. They were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, where Netflix is based, at around 4pm on Wednesday.
George Clooney was absent from a press conference for his new film, Jay Kelly, in Venice on Thursday due to a ‘serious sinus infection’ (pictured yesterday)
Earlier this week, George and his beloved wife Amal hosted his Jay Kelly co-stars at their $100M Lake Como villa before arriving in Venice.
George welcomed Oscar winner Laura, Barbie director Greta Gerwig, 42, as well as comedy icon Sandler, 58, and actress Eve Hewson, daughter of U2’s Bono.
George and Amal, 47, along with their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander, treated their guests to a trip on their motorboat as they left their majestic Villa Oleandra for lunch at the exclusive Villa d’Este.
The film is set to hit streaming services on December 5.
Jay Kelly sees George take on the title role of the Hollywood movie star who ‘always plays himself’, weeks after hitting back at claims that he himself lacked onscreen versatility.
Directed by Gerwig’s husband Noah, the trailer sees George’s character questioning his life choices, despite being fawned over by fans and staff.
On a trip to an Italian film festival in his honour, joined by his devoted manager played by Adam, he’s hailed as the ‘hero of cinema’ before being brutally asked about always playing himself.
To which George’s character snaps back: ‘You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it’.
Jay Kelly is seen continuously reminding himself that he is ‘Jay Kelly’ as he and Ron embark on a trip through Europe amid the disappearing appeal of showbiz.
The offical synopsis reads: ‘Famous movie actor Jay Kelly and his devoted manager Ron embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe. Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices they’ve made, the relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies they’ll leave behind’.
The star-studded cast also includes Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, Billy Crudup as well as British comedian Lenny Henry.
George and Amal arrived in Venice on Tuesday.
