George Clooney's Broadway Debut Yields Substantial Earnings

George Clooney earned an estimated $9 million from his Broadway debut in the play 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' which ran for 13 weeks at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York. Financial documents filed with the New York Attorney General's office in November revealed his earnings, derived from multiple roles: as star, author, and producer. Clooney received a weekly salary of $125,000, star royalties of $3.5 million, author royalties shared with Grant Heslov totaling $3 million, and additional profits from production. The play, based on Clooney's 2005 film, broke box office records, grossing $48 million during its limited engagement, with weekly sales peaking at $4.3 million. Despite high ticket prices up to $825, the production offered discounted tickets to students and a live telecast on CNN. Other beneficiaries included director David Cromer, who earned $1.7 million in royalties, and investors, who saw a 55% return. The success highlights Broadway's profitability for high-profile projects, though Clooney had previously expressed disinterest in top earnings. The production also benefited from a New York state tax credit, which may face future adjustments.