Nick Clooney and his sisters Rosemary Clooney and Gail Stone at Rosemary's television program, The Lux Show, in 1957. Gail did not pursue a career in entertainment.
Nick Clooney, born on January 13, 1934, is an American journalist, anchorman, and television host. He is widely recognized as the brother of the legendary singer Rosemary Clooney and the father of the renowned actor George Clooney.
Early Life
Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky, to Marie Frances and Andrew Joseph Clooney. He grew up in a family of five children, with a rich mix of Scots-Irish, Irish, and German heritage. During his time serving as a Corporal in the U.S. Army, he became a disc jockey for the American Forces Network in Germany, hosting the shows "Music in the Air" and "Melody-Go-Round." After a brief stint in show business in California, Clooney settled in Ohio, where he met and married his wife Nina Warren. Together, they have two children, George and Adelia.
Broadcasting and Journalism Career
Clooney's impressive broadcasting and journalism career spanned several decades. He began his journey at WKYT-TV in Lexington, Kentucky, where he worked for eight years. He then went on to host his own TV show, "The Nick Clooney Show," in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio. Eventually, he gained national attention as the host of the ABC daytime game show "The Money Maze."
Nick Clooney hosting "The Money Maze"
Clooney's dedication to journalism and his commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news coverage made him a celebrated figure. He was highly regarded for his coverage of the 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club fire, leaving a lasting impact on the local community. Under his leadership, WKRC-TV became the dominant news station in the Cincinnati area, surpassing long-standing competitor WCPO-TV.
2004 Congressional Campaign
In 2004, Clooney took a leap into politics and ran as a Democrat for a seat representing Kentucky's 4th Congressional District in the House of Representatives. Although he faced a tough opponent in Republican Geoff Davis, Clooney's name recognition and endorsement from outgoing Democratic congressman Ken Lucas made him the favorite. However, the race took an unexpected turn when his Republican opponents coined the phrase "Hollywood vs the Heartland," drawing attention to his famous son George Clooney. Despite a valiant effort, Clooney fell short, losing the election 44% to 54%.
Post-Congressional Run and Activism
After his foray into politics, Clooney continued to make significant contributions to different causes. In 2006, he and his son George traveled to Darfur, Sudan, to film a documentary called "A Journey to Darfur." This powerful documentary shed light on the ongoing crisis and was widely broadcasted in the United States and other countries. The proceeds from the DVD sales were donated to the International Rescue Committee to support the people of Darfur.
Clooney's activism extended beyond his documentary work. He actively participated in rallies and open forums, engaging with local high school students in Ohio and Kentucky. He received numerous honors for his dedication to peace, including an honorary diploma from St. Xavier High School and an honorary degree from the University of Kentucky.
Legacy and Current Endeavors
Nick Clooney's dedication to journalism and his transformative impact on the media industry continue to inspire. In recognition of his remarkable career, he joined the Sons of the American Revolution in 2021. Even after retirement, Clooney remains connected to the world of communication and journalism. He served as a faculty member at American University in Washington, D.C., teaching opinion writing and sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation of journalists.
Nick Clooney's journey as a journalist, anchor, and television host is a testament to his passion and commitment. His contributions to the field, along with his activism and philanthropy, have left an indelible mark. As we reflect on his incredible achievements, we honor his legacy as an influential figure in the world of media.
Bibliography
- The Movies That Changed Us: Reflections on the Screen. New York: Atria Books, a trademark of Simon & Schuster, November 2002. ISBN 0-7434-1043-2.
References: IMDb, Campaign finance data from 2004 Congressional race, "Nick Clooney archives" - The Cincinnati Post, "Game show days a dizzying maze" - The Cincinnati Post, 1975 interview (from sister Rosemary Clooney's site), The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, Atria Books, The Lux Show
