With an impressive tally of 67 film awards and 122 nominations, George Clooney embodies Hollywood stardom. Yet, beyond his cinematic accolades, the 64-year-old is also a dedicated advocate for social and political causes.
In an exclusive interview with Ta Nea‘s Yiannis Andritsopoulos, Clooney shared his thoughts while fans waited outside Manhattan’s Winter Garden Theatre hoping for a selfie or autograph.
When Andritsopoulos mentioned his Greek heritage, Clooney responded warmly, “I love Greece,” and reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign for the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles.
“I know they’ll be returned,” Clooney stated confidently.
These iconic relics of classical antiquity have long been a subject of concern for Clooney, who notably clashed with Boris Johnson over the issue a decade ago. At the time, Johnson was London’s mayor and later became the UK’s Prime Minister.
Since then, Clooney and his wife, Amal, have incorporated the Marbles into their broader philanthropic and advocacy work. In his conversation with Ta Nea, the celebrated actor and producer reiterated his conviction that the 5th-century BC sculptures by Phidias will one day be restored to Greece.
For Clooney, this has become a deeply personal mission. “Of course, I still support the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. Both my wife and I are fighting for this cause,” he said, emphasizing their ongoing dedication. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure the Marbles return to Greece,” he continued, assuring that their efforts will persist until success is achieved. “There’s no doubt about it.”
Despite years of pressure—including a UNESCO ruling in 2021, assertions from Turkey that Elgin lacked legal authority to remove the Marbles, successful repatriations from other countries, and extensive media attention—negotiations between the British Museum and the Greek government remain unresolved. Nonetheless, Clooney remains unfazed. “The Marbles will return to Greece,” he said, exuding calm confidence. “I know they will.”
Clooney’s involvement in the issue dates back to 2014, when during a press event at the Berlin Film Festival promoting The Monuments Men, he said returning the Marbles to Greece “would be a very fair and very nice thing to do.” A few days later, speaking in London, he reiterated this stance, with backing from co-stars Bill Murray and Matt Damon.
In 2016, Clooney and Amal launched the Clooney Foundation for Justice, described by The Telegraph as the work of “the world’s most powerful couple.” The foundation offers free legal aid to support human rights and free expression in over 40 countries. Among its initiatives, it investigates war crimes in Ukraine and tracks how antiquities trafficking finances international terrorism.
In March 2021, Ta Nea reported on another effort by Clooney advocating for the Marbles’ return. In a message to actress Janet Suzman, chair of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles, he wrote: “There are many historically significant objects that should be returned. However, none is as important as the Parthenon Marbles, which must be returned to their original owner.”
Source: tovima.com
