Courtesy of Kitmeout.com

The rugged handsomeness of George Clooney causes many a damsel to swoon, and his every move–from the shores of Lake Como to the red carpets of LA–are rigorously documented by countless of newspapers, magazines and websites. He has lent his face and voice to the advertising campaigns of everything from Fiat and Martini to Nespresso and Budweiser, whilst his versatile acting talents have seen him star in movies as vastly diverse as Ocean’s Eleven and Good Night, and Good Luck.

Yet it would be superficial to assume that George Clooney is just another pretty face with an extraordinary ability to act. A recent exclusive interview with George’s father, Nick,  reveals the depth of the Clooney legacy, which extends far beyond the spheres of Hollywood and into those of the humanitarian, journalistic and political.

Much of the Clooney family–including George’s infamous aunt, Rosemary Clooney–originates from humble Kentucky. Nick Clooney moved his family back to the small town of Augusta in the 70’s so as to be able to give his children the same school town upbringing that he had received, an upbringing which proved significant in forming George’s down-to-earth nature.

It is with understandable pride that his mother, Nina, reveals a room filled with George’s film posters, awards, and magazine covers, a room whose contents are matched only by those of the ‘Afterthought Room’–a room filled, from floor to ceiling, with Nick Clooney’s photographs documenting a journalistic and political career which spans over 50 years.

Nick’s extensive involvement in the world of television was decisive in introducing George to the spotlights of the entertainment industry, and equally as decisive was Nick’s passion for journalism, which brought both father and son to report from war-torn Sudan. What they witnessed in Darfur shocked them immensely, prompting them to produce a short film documenting the country’s tragedies and to work tirelessly so as to bring Darfur’s plight to the public’s attention.

Their inspiring efforts have been applauded and praised the world over, with TIME magazine recently naming George Clooney as one of its 100 Most Influential People in the World for ‘using star power to illuminate the crisis in Darfur.’ In occasion of this, CNN will be airing an interview with George Clooney given by U2’s Bono tomorrow. Click here for an exclusive preview of this extraordinary meeting between two extraordinary individuals.