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Hollywood on the river; Maysville abuzz during Clooney premiere

By MARLA TONCRAY, News Editor

Friday, March 28, 2008 12:26 AM EDT

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It was everything his fans could have hoped for as George Clooney elected to forego the red carpet upon his arrival at the premiere of his movie "Leatherheads" in downtown Maysville Monday night and move directly to the crowd to shake hands, sign autographs and say hello.

For almost 30 minutes, Oscar winners Clooney and costar Renee Zellweger delighted hundreds of people waving homemade signs and who had braved freezing temperatures for one moment to greet two of Hollywood's biggest stars.

Responding to repeated calls of "George over here" from women, children and men, Augusta's favorite son took his time as he moved from one person to the next down West Second Street in front of the Washington Opera House answering questions and signing "Leatherheads" posters. At one point when asked to pose for a picture with a young woman in the crowd, Clooney took the camera himself and snapped the photo of the two of them.

Zellweger, wearing a black opera coat over her dress and black stiletto heels was also a big hit with the crowd, laughing and talking as she made her way to the front of the theater, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Arriving 15 minutes earlier than scheduled for the premiere, Clooney and Zellweger were able to take in the hometown welcome extended to them by people not only from Augusta and Maysville, but from Loveland and Mason, Ohio, Lexington, Louisville and Indiana. In addition to the large crowd of fans and spectators, a large contingent of media was on hand with reporters and camera crews for People Magazine, The Associated Press, Inside Edition, Variety and CNN Weekly to name a few.

"Leatherheads" posters were displayed on windows of businesses throughout downtown, on the barricades lining the streets at the red carpet area and inside the Washington Opera House, the Duluth Bulldogs football uniform Clooney wore in the movie was on display.

George Clooney gives that signature look as he listens to a question from a fan. -- Terry Prather/Staff

Prior to the arrival of Clooney and Zellweger, Clooney's parents, Nick and Nina Clooney moved through the crowd talking to friends and strangers alike about the excitement the premiere had brought to Maysville and how great it was that George and Rosemary Clooney put the spotlight on Maysville by hosting Hollywood style premieres in their family's hometown.

Also on hand was Rosemary Clooney's childhood friend, Blanche Chambers and her sister, Thelma who grew up with Betty and Rosemary Clooney in Maysville.

Gov. Steve Beshear and his wife, Jane also attended the premiere along with Secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet Robert Vance and his wife, Judy.

Beshear laughed and said it appeared Maysville had "hit the trifecta" recently with Mason County Royals winning the boys basketball state tournament, the premiere of Clooney's movie and former President Bill Clinton's campaign stop here today.

Heather French Henry and her husband, former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry were also in attendance Monday and as always, Heather Henry greeted well-wishers in the crowd, while signing autographs.

Zellweger said she loved playing the part of Lexie Littleton, a spitfire news reporter who uncovers the dirt on John Krasinski's character in the movie. Zellweger also said she loved working with Clooney, noting his ever-changing interests in film production and his dedication to his work and co-workers.

As he moved down the red carpet talking with the press, Clooney, dressed in a suit and black overcoat, smiled and laughed and without fail, turned to the crowd each time a chant of "George, George" went up. At those moments, he would stop and smile for more photos or go back to the crowd to sign more autographs and shake hands, which left some women weak in the knees and holding onto the barricade for support.

"It's pretty great isn't it?" Clooney said with a big smile when asked about the crowd gathered to welcome him.

He also spoke fondly of the Washington Opera House, mentioning the fact that his sister, Ada was in the cast of "Lil Abner" when they were younger.

"It's kind of fun to come back and be at the Opera House," said Clooney, glancing at the facade of the building hosting his premiere.

When asked what it was about this movie that made him want to have the premiere in Maysville, Clooney said it just seemed like the right thing and he said it was great that both he and his aunt Rosemary could host such an event here.

"It seemed like the right thing for this ... the right time ... it feels like the right kind of vibe," Clooney said of his decision to host the premier in Maysville.

Before going into the Opera House, the two stars took a moment clowning around and joking with the crowd, press and others surrounding them.

But George Clooney had one more surprise up his sleeve before the crowd departed and that was a surprise appearance with the State Champion Mason County Royals Boy's Basketball team, coaches and staff who were invited for the 10:30 p.m. screening.

In a private meeting in the parking lot adjacent to the theater, Clooney posed with the team for pictures after giving the players their movie tickets.

Contact Marla Toncray at marla.toncray@lee.net or 606-564-9091, ext. 275.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

Beverly McClanahan wrote on Mar 31, 2008 9:34 AM:

" What a great night for Maysville! I love both George & Renee in all of their movies. Though I didn't get to see this one, I will soon :-D I know that former President Clinton was at the high school that night. Was this a coincidence or what? What are the odds of this happening? Finally, congrats to the ball team for winning the state championship and I hope you win many more. Maysville is beautiful and would be a great place to actually film a movie of any genre. From its' old world charm, to the "French Quarter" by the bridge, to the river wall murals, the hills, the Ohio River and all that Maysville has to offer, I really think it would be ideal. I hope that George enjoyed himself while visiting back home and I also hope that Renee won't be a stranger now that she's found her way here. LOL! "

J wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:42 PM:

" I would like to thank the Ledger and it's staff for their 5 star performance. Everyone composed themselves like true profesionals. Owen keep up the good work. "

jake wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:27 AM:

" It would"ve been great to have had a picture of George and Heather together. There's two fine looking people! "

Debbie Cooper wrote on Mar 26, 2008 8:11 AM:

" I wish that i could of been there to seen George Clooney "

Barbara Kissick wrote on Mar 25, 2008 6:42 PM:

" Maysville looked wonderful due to all the people who worked overtime so that we could enjoy the premiere. This was a one in lifetime chance and my family and I are thankful to have been given the chance to attend. We won in the lottery and were able to see the movie and get George's autograph. Thank you to the Clooney's and Renee for sharing this moment with us. We will never forget it. "

Jakey wrote on Mar 25, 2008 1:05 PM:

" I was so proud of the Clooney family. Nick Clooney is truly a "southern gentleman", his gracious manner is reflected by his son. The Clooneys really love Maysville. George Clooney is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, but you could see the happiness he felt seeing old friends. He was having a ball and tried to see as many fans as he could. My favorite part was his mention of Magee's transparent pies. Thank you Clooney family for sharing that night with all of us!!!!!! "

1 fine lady wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:51 PM:

" Didn`t really matter if you saw the movie. The real treat was George greeting the public. What a star! And yes the Ledger is right when saying "Augusta`s favorite son"! and Yes...We loved him first! "

Janie Hudson wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:08 AM:

" As having the opportunity to be one of the selected seniors from Bracken County High School, I just want to say that I loved the premiere. It was the best night of my life. I just wished that I could have meet with Mr. Clooney and Ms. Zellweger and maybe I could have gotten an autograph. I didn't even really get a good picture of them, but for the time being as long as I have my memory I will never forget that night. I just want to say a big thanks to whoever made that night possible for me.
Thank you

~Janie Hudson
senior, BCHS "

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