George Clooney has taken Broadway by storm with Good Night and Good Luck, his first-ever stage role and a daring creative leap. The play, adapted from Clooney’s 2005 Oscar-nominated film, explores legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow’s stand against Senator Joseph McCarthy during America’s Red Scare. As of June 2025, it’s not just the powerful story drawing attention—Clooney’s dyed hair and last-minute Tony Awards prep have become a hot topic, too.
Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Clooney admitted that dyeing his iconic salt-and-pepper hair to a deep brunette for the role left him feeling like he was having a “horrible midlife crisis.” With just days to go before the play’s final performance, the actor joked that he was ready to shave his head altogether before walking the red carpet for the Tony Awards on June 8.
Good Night and Good Luck Sets a Broadway Standard
The stage version of Good Night and Good Luck officially opened to packed houses in early April 2025 and is set to close with a final matinee performance on Sunday, June 8. In that short time, the production has made serious waves both critically and commercially.
Here’s a quick look at what has made this Broadway production such a standout:
- Lead Actor: George Clooney as Edward R. Murrow
- Director: David Cromer
- Tony Nominations: 5, including Best Leading Actor and Best Scenic Design
- Notable Milestone: First Broadway play to cross $4 million in weekly gross earnings
Audiences have praised the play’s urgency, tone, and relevance, with Clooney’s performance as a no-nonsense journalist resonating in an era of renewed focus on press freedom and accountability.
Clooney’s Hair Drama and the Final Curtain
While the actor’s performance is being widely celebrated, his transformation for the role has taken center stage in the final week of the run. To embody Murrow authentically, Clooney dyed his hair darker, a choice he has now openly mocked.
He admitted that while the darker look may have worked on stage under bright lights, it looked “pretty bad” off-stage—and even drew giggles from his wife, Amal Clooney, and their twins. During his late-night interview, he revealed that he planned to undo the color job between the final curtain call and his walk on the Tony Awards red carpet. Whether that means a buzz cut or a quick dye job remains to be seen—but either way, Clooney is ready for a change.
Historic Live Broadcast: A Broadway First
Adding to the excitement, the June 7 performance of Good Night and Good Luck will be broadcast live on CNN—the first time in history a Broadway play is aired live in full on a major news network. This unprecedented move is designed to bring the stage production to a broader audience who may not have the chance to witness it in person.
This live telecast is not only historic but also symbolically fitting. Murrow was, after all, a man of the airwaves—a pioneer who used television to hold power to account. Now, Clooney’s portrayal of him will be beamed across living rooms just as Murrow once was.
Tony Night Pressure and Clooney’s Next Move
The final performance ends just hours before the 2025 Tony Awards ceremony kicks off. With five nominations under its belt, Good Night and Good Luck is poised to make a strong showing—especially for Clooney, who’s up for Best Leading Actor in a Play. Whether or not he takes home the trophy, his bold theatrical leap has already earned him renewed respect across the industry.
Clooney’s final bow is expected to be emotional. The actor, known for his film and television work, has spoken often about how deeply personal the story of Edward R. Murrow is to him. His father was a journalist, and the themes of integrity, truth, and courage in the face of political pressure resonate deeply with Clooney’s own worldview.
Experience the Legacy—One Last Time
With the play wrapping up on June 8, audiences still have one final opportunity to witness George Clooney’s powerhouse performance in Good Night and Good Luck. Whether you’re watching from a seat in the Winter Garden Theatre or tuning in live via CNN, don’t miss this rare and powerful tribute to journalism, integrity, and artistic risk-taking.
Reserve your seat now or mark your calendar for the live telecast. Witness Broadway history being made and catch a glimpse of Clooney’s final transformation before the Tonys.