George Clooney

Although he was working steadily in Hollywood by his mid-twenties, this magnetic actor didn't become an international icon and sex symbol until he landed the plum role of roguish Dr. Doug Ross on ER in 1994. His star power grew while on the TV medical drama, and he tried his luck on the silver screen. His first blockbuster effort found him running from the law alongside Quentin Tarantino in 1996's From Dusk Till Dawn. Next, he won hearts in the romantic comedy One Fine Day (1996), sought nuclear weapons in The Peacemaker (1997) and battled villains in the infamous box office flop Batman & Robin (1997). Though his movie career had some initial trouble taking off, he didn't't let cinematic missteps hamper his pursuit of stardom. He bounced back with a role opposite Jennifer Lopez in the Steven Soderbergh-directed 1998 sexy crime thriller Out of Sight. Solidifying his ever-increasing celebrity, he hung up his ER scrubs and teamed up with director Soderbergh and buddies Brad Pitt and Matt Damon for the big-screen caper Ocean's 11, the first installment of a successful trilogy that boosted Clooney's career. He fell easily into the role of favorite leading man, becoming popular with women and with the paparazzi. In 2002, he co-starred in his directorial debut, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, and was praised by critics for his filmmaking acumen. He won acclaim both behind the camera and in front of it in 2005. He landed an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his enigmatic portrayal of a CIA operative in Syriana, and he drew Oscar nominations for writing and directing Good Night and Good Luck. Although critics were impressed with his directorial skills, he has attracted audiences more with his on-screen performances in a diverse range of engaging films including Michael Clayton (2007), Burn After Reading (2008), and Up in the Air (2009). Off-screen, he uses his celebrity status to serve as a dedicated human rights advocate. With his non-profit organization, Not On Our Watch, and his role as an appointed United Nations Messenger of Peace, he helps raise awareness and support for the victims of global atrocities. ~ Rovi