George Clooney remembers Norman Lear fondly as he reflects on their friendship on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: During an emotional segment on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' George Clooney offered a heartfelt tribute to his dear friend, Norman Lear, reflecting on their remarkable 40-year friendship and the enduring impact of Lear's vibrant personality.

Clooney's reminiscences revealed the cherished memories and the timeless essence of Lear's spirit that left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Clooney revealed that his first encounter with Lear happened on the set of 'Facts of Life' four decades ago. "I met him on Facts of Life, so I met him 40 years ago," Clooney recalled, underscoring the longevity of their bond.

George Clooney's tribute to Norman Lear's legacy and vibrancy

He reminisced about Lear's role as the executive producer on 'ER', a series predating Clooney's more famous show of the same name, highlighting Lear's lasting influence in the entertainment industry.

Describing Lear's exceptional vitality, Clooney praised his sharpness and wit, emphasizing how Lear was the "youngest man in every room he walked into."

The interview also offered a glimpse into Lear's spontaneous and zestful personality.

Clooney recounted a memorable incident where Lear, upon learning of Clooney's family vacation in Italy, decided to surprise them with a visit.

He simply hopped on a plane, proving his unwavering commitment to friendship and family.

"He got on the plane and flew to Italy. I mean, he was just one of those," Clooney affectionately recounted.

The actor and host Jimmy Kimmel reflected on the shocking news of Lear's passing at the age of 101, expressing their disbelief at feeling that it was "too soon," despite Lear's remarkable age. 

However, they both agreed that in Lear's case, it truly was.

George Clooney's humorous take on multilingual parenting

In a humorous exchange with Kimmel, Clooney delved into the challenges of parenting multilingual children, admitting his inability to speak French or Italian, unlike his children who are fluent in both languages.

Jokingly, he found amusement in his kids possibly deeming him "dumb" for not understanding the languages.

Transitioning to his directorial project, 'The Boys in the Boat', Clooney discussed the challenges of depicting historical events and casting the role of Hitler, highlighting the movie's narrative focusing on the 1936 Olympics and an underdog rowing team's incredible journey.