George Clooney has an anti-marriage shrine


According to The National Enquirer, George Clooney has a small memorial to marriage in his mansion. He’s taken his old wedding ring from his first marriage, to actress Talia Balsam from 1989 to 1993, and strung it on a ribbon tied to two candlesticks along with the rings from three of his friends. They say that Clooney uses the display to show that he’s not getting married again:

“George has assembled an anti-marriage shrine by stringing his old wedding ring and those of three other buddies on a ribbon and tying it between two candlesticks,” a friend told The Enquirer.

“It’s not like he has anything against the institution of marriage, it’s just not for him. He doesn’t think a piece of paper telling you you’re married makes much sense. George’s homemade memorial is his personal tribute to staying single…

“But as far as tying the knot again, George has said ‘Been there, done that, won’t do it again,'” says his friend. “That’s how he’s explained his wedding ring memorial.”

You could see Clooney doing this for laughs but being serious about it at the same time, like he has to remind himself what he and his friends went through. Whenever I think about Clooney and marriage, I’m reminded of his cad divorce lawyer character in Intolerable Cruelty who got scammed into married scheming Catherine Zeta Jones’ character without a prenup. I know that’s just a film, but I can’t help but think there are parallels to Clooney’s life. It’s like he knows he doesn’t always think with his head and is trying to keep himself single by force of will.

Clooney’s latest and surprisingly long-lasting girlfriend, former cocktail waitress Sarah Larson, recently told a Las Vegas reporter that she met the famous actor a few years ago at a party, but wasn’t available to date him until they saw each other by chance at the Ocean’s 13 premiere. Clooney is rumored to have broke up with Larson briefly in mid March when he suspected she leaked the rumor that they were engaged in order to pressure him into popping the question. He is said to have reconciled with her after telling her there was no way in hell he’d ever marry her. I see a theme here. It could have been created by the tabloids, but it does have a ring of truth to it.

George Clooney and Rene Zelwegger are shown at the “Leatherheads” premiere in Rome on 4/10/08, thanks to PRPhotos. They sure look friendly.

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60 Responses to “George Clooney has an anti-marriage shrine”

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  1. Enonymous says:

    He really needs to grow up and leave this middle age phase that it seems he has been in years. Now he looks like a pathetic and desperate old man with a body of a nearly 50 year old and a mind of a 19 year old, he sets a bad example to young men that it is ok to use women for their beauty and body but not for their personality and mind and then you can anytime switch them for someone younger and hotter while you grow up older and uglier. I am 20 years old and attractive and there is no way in hell that I would hook-up with someone like George for all the fame and money in the world because that means I would have to lower myself to his standards and he is NOT worth it. I my opinion George Clooney is arrogant and U.G.L.Y.

    • Gold Digger says:

      @Enonymous,
      I’ve read all your comments and replies so I know you’re not fooling anyone, especially me. Don’t try to pass as someone intelligent when you’ve made mistakes after mistakes not to mention loopholes in your arguments. How old are you now, 24? So you are four years wiser from last time.

      Listen, I’m not completely sure how women’s logic work, but for men they have the right to fear marriage and being tied down. So many things can go wrong, especially with today’s women’s logic and mindset. Men have been getting wiser over the years regarding marriage. You do realized that there is a 50% divorce rate in the U.S. right? Why do you think this is? Is it the man’s fault or the woman? Whatever the case men are now more cautious into our decision making.

      A prime example of this is the Kobe Bryant divorce case. I’m not condoning what Kobe did is right, I’m just saying he should have pulled a Clooney when he had the chance to never put himself in the situation that he’s in right now. His ex-wife is milking him of his assets, what he worked for and earned. You wouldn’t understand because why would you? You’re not a man so you wouldn’t understand nor can comprehend it.

      All I’m saying is Mr. Clooney is a wise man for not marrying and not having any children. You do realized the drastic effect it would have on a man not to mention the horrible consequences it would bring. There are so many wrong women out there who married for all the wrong reasons. They trapped the man by having a baby, which more times than not turns out to be not of the man they’re trying to trap but of someone else. Tell me if this isn’t low? Mr. Clooney just doesn’t want to see the law rains down on him when (not a matter of if, but when) things turns sour.

      Mr. Clooney enjoys his free life. No law nor woman to bind him. I’m surprised not more men are taking a clue from Mr. Clooney and doing the same. I hope you understand. Good day to you.

      • Heather says:

        @Gold Digger
        Agree 100%. I admire George, and I also prefer the ‘mutually beneficial’ relationships myself. I am female, in my 40’s (yes, 40’s!) who never wanted to be married or have kids. I have maintained ‘relationships’ with well-to-do men over the years, my longest one being 22 years (with a married man, and still going strong) and couldn’t be happier. I have all the financial benefits of being married, yet have my freedom to do what I want. I have all the ‘love’ I crave from my many rescued animals (only children I want!). I look nearly 15 years younger than my age due to no stress in my life. I am never lonely, as some people like to think I am. Nor am I ‘weird’ because I don’t want to have kids. Thanks, but no thanks. I wish some people could understand that you don’t have to live a conventional ‘ideal’ life to be happy. I think most are jealous of my situation, and this is why the negative reactions. I say live and let live…but some people were just meant to be miserable I guess.

  2. Herman B says:

    i have an anti-marriage shrine too. it’s called my ex-wife, beverly a. riddle.

  3. Herman B says:

    you know you’ve settled into marriage, when you think your spouse is trying to kill you . . . but you really don’t care.

  4. Enonymous says:

    Herman B, wow is that true. Did you provoked her in any way or did she had emotional problems (you do not have to answer because it is a private matter ). The one thing that keeps me disliking marriage is that you never know how people change.

  5. geronimo says:

    I’m with Enonymous here. He’s way too old for this, he’s really not the prize he thinks he is, and it’s all just looking a bit sad and desperate.

    He should be concentrating on film-making, rather than the endless rounds of media-whoring he seems so fond of, to ensure he actually has a career to fall back on, when it finally hits home that he is no longer Hollywood’s favourite son.

    Seriously, if he were female, people would be calling him every name under the sun.

  6. bros says:

    who cares about george? look at zelwegger. yuck, she is looking rough lately and a little desperate in these pictures. no wonder sarah tried to stir things up with the marriage rumor. 🙂 george has this “stop getting so close” face in every picture.

  7. Dee says:

    This means Larson cant’ access his cash through marital vows.

    But, then I am going to take a valid guess and say he does spoil her.

  8. Sasha says:

    Since when was marriage considered this honorific male Rite of Passage? Did I miss a meeting or something ? He’s living his life as he sees fit- deal with it.

  9. valentina says:

    She knows the lay of the land and it’s up to her if she wants to stay with George. I doubt she blabbed they were engaged because I’m sure by now she knows he isn’t going to commit to marriage under any circumstances. He’s aging and no big prize but money and fame is a powerful draw which is probably a factor in her staying with him.

  10. brent says:

    Herman B, sorry guy, but you had tears running down my face, humor in pain.
    Do you know why married men die before their wives? Because they want to.
    married man says,
    “I hope for death, so i can have the release that it would bring.”

    And woman, you wouldn’t date the old guy?
    RRiiightt, but he’s not looking to date you so your all safe.

  11. daisy says:

    George you are an aging fool

    George Clooney school of acting ( he basically palys his jerk self ) Ben Afflick is a gradutate of that school

  12. Enonymous says:

    brent, speak for yourself because I can have any man I want, believe me. You on the other hand sound a little bitter, maybe you are not getting any female attention?
    Plus, like any other rich man out there, if George Clooney did not have the fame and money then I can ensure you that he would not even get too many second glance from women let alone date them.

    Besides this type of men have nothing to offer emotionally, physically and mentally and they know it, that is why most of them are so insecure because they know that women will toy with them for awhile and then go on with their lives. So they use their fame and fortune to try and impress as long as they can.

    I am not being mean because this is a fact.

    All women will over look physical features if a man is intelligent and sincere enough to look for the same thing in a woman. However, men like George Clooney who are egotistic and immature hook-up with women younger then them who are less life experienced so they would not judge them that much and question their behavior.

  13. geronimo says:

    Perfect example of style over substance, and even the style bit is fading. Clooney’s all smoke and mirrors. Couldn’t give a crap if he gets married or not or who or what he dates, he’s just not the big deal that so many people seem to think he is in either the looks, the personality or the acting departments. That’s all.

  14. bros says:

    enonymous, you certainly profess to know so much at the tender age of 20. please, you’re basically a child so please lay off the bravado and sage wisdom dispensing.

  15. headache says:

    Maybe Clooney wasn’t very good at the marriage thing. It’s not like he’s said it was all his ex’s fault.

    I have to give him credit. He’s been honest in his relationships about marriage prospects, he’s been good to these women while he was with them, good to them in the break up and hasn’t bad mouthed any of them in the press after the break up. Plus he’s not littering the world with his spawn.

    Why is he less of a man because he has no desire to marry? It’s alot like people who look down on women for not wanting children.

  16. Enonymous says:

    bros, that made me laugh for some reason. Just because some one is older then me does not make them wiser. Even though I am only 20 I have experienced far more things then most people, so I know what I am talking about.

  17. headache says:

    From what I’ve seen, it’s often the ones who think they know the most who have the most to learn.

  18. Enonymous says:

    you are right headache, perhaps we are all guilty of that. Everyone has a different interpretation of things.

  19. headache says:

    I’m not trying to rag on you, enony. It’s just that I’m not so far away from where you were. I remember thinking I had everything figured out. Much stupidity later, I realize exactly how little I knew and how much more I have yet to learn.

  20. Elizabeth says:

    I think Renee looks great in these photos. Very comfortable and confident. And I don’t like her…as if she cares. I don’t think she’s pretty but, I do think she is a good actress.

    As for George, well, he needs a complete makeover.

    It’s interesting but, I don’t think a blonde suits him. In these photos, Renee clearly dominates the scene.

    Have a great day everyone !

  21. Nisa says:

    Enonymous, you seem intelligent enough, so why trivialize yourself by claiming that you’re basically irresistible to all men? Hopefully, as the years pass, you’ll learn that humility is a valuable asset in nearly every scenario. Especially when you want your opinions to be taken seriously.

  22. bob says:

    Clooney is just holding out until it’s legal for him to marry Brad.

  23. Cindy Kennedy says:

    All these celebrities who slam marriage think they are being so cool and politically correct. Perhaps they know deep down they can’t have a long term relationship with anyone, so they slam marriage for everyone else. Well, there are some people in happy marriages that last forever. Its a myth that no marriages work out – many do.

  24. Cindy Kennedy says:

    Enonymous, I don’t blame you for not wanting to be with a 50 year old man when you are 20. I didn’t either, at that age. In fact, I don’t know ANY young women in their 20s who want a man much over the age of 40.

    These old geezers need to wake up and smell the coffee. They want to be shallow and date only women half their age, but they act enraged when they are rejected by these women. Well, duh. If you are old enough to be her dad or granpa, she just might be repulsed by that, get a clue.

  25. geronimo says:

    Cindy, he’s not slamming marriage! He’s saying it’s not for him. And he’s made no bones about it and is not leading anyone on and that’s 100 times more honest an approach than getting married and divorced every five minutes.

    I just don’t rate the guy. That’s my problem with him, He’s over-exposed and under achieving if you compare him to other more low-key but much cleverer actors of his generation.

  26. headache says:

    I don’t know, geronimo. I don’t think the guy is the best actor around or anything but I do feel that is work is some of the most unique and vared of any actor around. He’s not pigeonholed into anything and he makes a great mix of big budget predictables and off beat quirky ones. Even when he chose a remake, he picked a unique brat pack film which still managed to have some charm and humor in it.

    How many actors can make Syriana AND Oh Brother where art thou?

    He may not be all that but he is definately an A list actor for good reason.

  27. Enonymous says:

    Nisa, I did not mean to sound arrogant by claiming that ‘irresistible to all men’, it is that I got a little tipped off of what brent said so I got a little defensive.

  28. geronimo says:

    Fair point, Headache, I can’t argue with the diversity of films he’s made / been involved with (O Brother will always be in my top 10, loved GN&GL). I think it’s more to do with the opportunities he’s been given because of his looks and his charm that other, better actors haven’t. But that of course is very subjective.

    Where I would disagree with you is that he’s an A-list actor; A-list star and celebrity, no question, but actor, no. He’s said himself he’s got a limited range and, knowing this, surrounds himself with good material, godd writing, good directors and good actors. So can’t fault him on his business sense etc but still feel that he’s overrated and over-indulged. But jmo.

  29. Enonymous says:

    I know this is off topic but I just read a shocking (but sadly not unusual) true story of how a 30 year old man married a 8 year old girl in Yemen. He forced this eight year old little girl to do sexual activities and all she wanted to do was play with the other kids. I know that this is not related with this story put as soon as I read I just felt sick, disgusted and furious with that pervert man, old to be her father, the parents of this child that forced her to this marriage and with the government that they do not do anything to prevent this kind of crimes. This things still going on in our society too but the girls are 18 (sometimes younger too) then 8. I blame society that allows this pervy old men to get away with this stuff.

  30. headache says:

    Enony, that sitch happens all the time in those countries. What was unique about that story is she is the first little girl in that situation to file for divorce in the court system.

    http://yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=1145&p=front&a=2

  31. Enonymous says:

    That is right headache, thanks for the link. I still feel furious when thinking why the government does not do anything to prevent this. This is pedophilia, rape and just plain hideous crime that needs to be stopped.

  32. brent says:

    Enonymous, If your so hot how come your alone? Nothing worse then a loud mouth broad, who thinks she’s bright. Are you heather mills?
    Trust me, you’ll be looking to cash in on some guy, for his big wad of sweaty cash.
    Can you please refill my coke now? or are you still saving the world?

    P.S. people in Yeman don’t care what you think.

  33. Enonymous says:

    brent, how did you came up with the conclusion that I am alone, since you are in this site too does that mean you are all alone as well? and judging by you attitude I take it you are a uneducated idiot who should STFU and mind his own business.

    PS. I am have a day off from University and I decided to have a lazy day, not that is any of your business. Also I do not care what you and the people of Yemen (this is how you should spell it not Yeman. geez)think of me.

  34. Enonymous says:

    brent, how did you came up with the conclusion that I am alone, since you are in this site too does that mean you are all alone as well? and judging by you attitude I take it you are a uneducated idiot who should STFU and mind his own business.

    PS. I have a day off from University and I decided to have a lazy day, not that is any of your business. Also I do not care what you and the people of Yemen (this is how you should spell it not Yeman. geez) think of me.

  35. bros says:

    its funny to bait enonymous on her pretentiously mentioned “day off from university.” did you take a day off so you could be pedantic for everyone else’s sake? the government in yemen is operating off very different assumptions about gender, age, marriage, and religion-so although the West likes to criticize just about everything in Arab and muslim countries, we need to think about easily passing judgement on cultural systems vastly different from our own. not that I am condoning marrying an 8 year old. i am for radical relativism though, and these kinds of issues will get worked out in time and on each individual cultural system’s time. or would you like another war in yemen to ‘rescue’ these poor downtrodden women too?

  36. Enonymous says:

    bros, what the f*ck are you talking about. I suggest you should not comment on something you do not know about weather it is about the issues in Yemen or about my personal business because you will look like a complete fool.

  37. headache says:

    It should be pointed out that in Yemen though arranging a marriage for one so young is legal, consummating the marriage before the age of 15 is not.

  38. rlr260 says:

    On the subject of George, remember this is citing the National Enquirer in reference to the anti-marriage shrine. I don’t believe there is such a shrine, and everything else in that article is a simply a re-hash of stuff we already know about Clooney’s attitudes about marriage.

  39. bros says:

    i think you mean ‘whether’ rather than weather, right enonymous? better brush up on spelling since you’re so quick to criticize other people spelling things incorrectly.

    thanks for the nuanced clarification headache.

  40. countrybabe says:

    I’d have to go along with headache. I respect his views on marriage, an at least he isn’t out here making a lot kids.
    He’s probably at a stage where he wants more to fall back on and he can’t admit it.
    At a certain point it’s for the women to decide whether (or how long)they are being used for a booty call, and most move on after spending years with men like this.
    Sarah has been with him long and already she conjuring marriage rumors. I guess she won’t last long.
    I’m surprised noboady’s tried the old I’m pregnant trick on him. He most likely would marry then.

  41. Cindy Kennedy says:

    A lot of men aren’t going to marry a woman just because she is pregnant. Stephen Bing did not marry Elizabeth Hurley when she got pregnant. Heidi Klum’s ex-boyfriend left her after she got pregnant. A lot of men refuse to be trapped by that. If they don’t love someone, they aren’t going to marry her, period.
    And men should be more wary of women who try to trick them and should always practice safe sex. I can’t wait till they come out with the male birth control pill.

  42. Cindy Kennedy says:

    Geronomo I never said George Clooney slammed marriage, I said CELEBRITIES slam marriage. Many of them do.

    Reading Comprehension 101.

    Yes, many celebrities slam marriage because that is the one area of life they have not had success in, and they act like no one else can pull it off, either. Well they are fooling themselves.

  43. geronimo says:

    Oh calm down, cindy. You made the comment on a post about Clooney’s anti-marriage stance. It’s perfectly reasonable that I might think you were referring to him. Be more specific next time.

  44. j says:

    The writer should get the facts straight…..the story has been told many times, by Clooney himself. When his divorce was final, he took off his wedding ring and placed it on the tail of a dragon that was sitting on his mantel. Through the years, as each of his friends divorced, they did the same.

  45. CB says:

    I’m shocked he didn’t dump Larson after those photos appeared on dotspotter of her in a crowded Vegas club getting it on with a guy, her legs wrapped around his waist, banging her up against a wall

  46. GAYGAYGAY says:

    Give the guy a break. Not everyone can successfullly manoeuvre through denial and pretence.

  47. h says:

    What’s the big deal? The man doesn’t want to be married, then the man doesn’t get married. Period.

    Since when people should be criticized just because they don’t want to get married?

  48. brent says:

    Enonymous, let see, whether or weather, guess you missed that on the “Affirmative Action” form that allowed you to slide into college.
    And if you don’t care about what people say, why get your dirty panties in a knot?
    Your twenty, what it’s been two years since you’ve had your mum wiping your nose? But you have all the answers.
    Paying for your own school or are you mooching off the man?

    BTW, George Clooney, dates younger, hot women, becuase he can.

  49. Enonymous says:

    brent, you make me laugh. Hey, whether or weather is a honest mistake that I did not spot. As for your concern for my age, how old are you? What is your excuse for your immaturity and your idiotic comments?. Also, again not that is any of your business but no, I am not mooching off my parents and especially not from a man, it is called having a honest job to support my self through collage.

  50. bros says:

    you mean college right?

  51. Anonymous says:

    OH I CAN’T CARE LESS ANYMORE – I HOPE HE ENDS UP ALONE. HE SELF-CREATES THE GRUMPY STATE HE IS IN.

  52. countrybabe says:

    Thanks Cindy, but keep your comments specific if you are going off mine. I’m not talking generally about all men and the ones you stated. He has alluded to the fact that he would marry if there were a child involved. I guess none of these girls have tried it because they haven’t put it together, just like you didn’t.

  53. Gracie says:

    It’s a pity that so many people are anti-marriage. If you are a mature person, and marry someone with a good character, it can be a wonderful thing.

    I’m divorced – I married someone with a poor character. My current SO has both a strong character and values. We’ve talked marriage, and I think we will be successful. And happy.

  54. MrSam says:

    OK reality check first didn’t deserve the Oscar you got it because you made sexiest man alive twice, you don’t really believe your as good as Daniel Day Lewis, Anthony Hopkins, or even Jim Carey do you? Cmon get a grip.
    Second WHAT AN INFANT instead of making something of your REAL life you intend to playboy around using young women and
    being in general a royal prick. A selfish baby who is so
    sensitive to being normal or not being eternally young and in a constant state of midlife crisis that your willing to be an
    ASS your entire life. What did Clooney not have a Father figure
    or just hates women in general. GROW THE FUCK UP just because you ruined your first marriage because your an ASSHOLE doesn’t mean “hey lets fuck up this next ones life” because you need revenge for being a prick?

  55. nycboy says:

    Why do people feel that because a man does not want marriage he somehow has the mindset of a teen? We’re all individuals people, just because you’ve found comfort and peace with a spouse and/or children, doesn’t mean the next person wants that in their life. Some folks are happy and content being single. I’m 22 and in the same boat, so i completely get Mr.Clooney.

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  58. Max says:

    I firmly support george clooney stance on anti-marriage…there is basically no need to get married anymore…a guy can basically get what he want from in a relationship without the need to get marriage…unless he is simply loaded and dun mind contributing part of his asset to the woman in the event of divorce…><"