George Clooney’s Trademark Smile Has Been Making Headlines Years after Bell’s Palsy — Photos

• George Clooney's trademark smile has not only graced countless magazine covers but has also been the subject of admiration and discussion for years.
• This headline-making smile, which was once affected by Bell's Palsy, continues to shine brightly among other legendary smiles in Hollywood.
• So, what makes Clooney's smile so special, and what's the story behind it?

George Clooney, the man whose smile could light up a room, has been making headlines for years, and it's not just because of his acting prowess. In the world of Hollywood, where charisma is a currency, Clooney is undoubtedly a wealthy man when it comes to his signature smile.

Beyond its magnetic appeal, Clooney's smile, often called one of the best in Hollywood, isn't just about appearances; it's a window into his charisma and resilience. The story behind this captivating grin encompasses his rise to fame, personal battles, and a heartwarming journey through life's ups and downs.

George Clooney's Headline-Making Smile

Vulture, in a 2009 listicle titled "17 of Clooney’s Signature Expressions, Ranked," acknowledged the magnetic pull of his smile. While some may have dismissed it as smug, this list delved deep into Clooney's filmography, gauging his smirks and smiles using a highly scientific "Smarm to Charm" scale. Needless to say, his smiles consistently ranked high on the charm-o-meter.

In 2013, Huffington Post dubbed Clooney's smile as a stress-reducer, labor-inducer, and even a promoter of world peace. People Magazine attributed the smile to his hit movie, "Gravity," where he starred alongside his close friend Sandra Bullock, and a bank account that could fund a small country.

His million-dollar smile became synonymous with joy, even in the midst of a breakup in 2013, while he spent his summers in Italy as a newly single man. In 2014, GQ compiled a list of the "10 Best Men's Smiles," and Clooney claimed the second spot. The ranking came on the heels of his wedding to "the world's hottest lawyer," Amal Alamuddin, in the picturesque city of Venice.

His marriage and his critically-hyped movie, "Tomorrowland," were cited as the reasons behind his radiant smile. Even in a casual setting, surrounded by friends, his smile shines through, leaving everyone in good spirits. But there's more to Clooney's smile than meets the eye. It's not just a product of happy moments.

He sports this Hollywood accessory even during the most challenging times. In January 2023, during the Jimmy Kimmel 20th Anniversary Show, an unexpected story came to light. Kimmel shared Clooney's teenage photo, where he was seen smiling with only half of his face.

The cause of this peculiar sight? Bell's Palsy had temporarily rendered one side of his face immobile, a formidable challenge that Clooney tackled with his characteristic resilience.

In 2022, a tweet beautifully summed up the emotional impact of Clooney's smile: "George Clooney's smile makes me wanna cry." It's a testament to the power of his grin, which transcends screens and touches the hearts of millions.

Behind the Smile: Clooney's Joyful Family Life

In 2017, Clooney and his wife Amal welcomed twins into their lives, Ella and Alexander. The couple's statement radiated joy, with Clooney's trademark smile shining through. The twins' birth certificates, obtained by People, revealed that Alexander arrived first, followed closely by Ella two minutes later.

A source close to the family expressed their elation, foreseeing Clooney as a fantastic father to the twins. Amal's boss, Geoffrey Robertson, QC of Doughty Street Chambers, also shared in their happiness, calling it a great co-production. Sources had confirmed the pregnancy in February, and Clooney, Amal, and both their families were overjoyed.

In an interview with Laurent Weil on his French program "Rencontres de Cinéma," Clooney shared his excitement and optimism, saying, "We are really happy and really excited. It’s going to be an adventure." His words reflected the genuine joy that fatherhood had brought him.

Clooney expressed gratitude for both his career and his loving relationship with Amal, gushing about what a lucky man he was to have found a perfect partner. He remarked, "Sometimes in life, it doesn't happen on your schedule, but you find the person that you were always supposed to be with."

Tom Cruise: Hollywood's Other Smiling Legend

Switching gears, let's not forget about another Hollywood icon with a dazzling smile – Tom Cruise. His smile is as iconic as his blockbuster movies, and it has a story of its own. In GQ's ranking, Cruise stood proudly at number one.

His unconventional choices, from cult-like religions to couch-jumping antics, may have raised eyebrows, but there's no denying that his smile is one of the most iconic in the industry. Whether it's in "Top Gun" or "Mission: Impossible," Cruise's grin has remained a constant.

Known for his attention to detail, he also cares about having a great smile. In 2018, an article by Arden Dental Care shed light on his commitment to maintaining an already much-adored smile. Cruise had slight crookedness in his two front teeth, but legend has it that his orthodontist had already sorted out the problem.

What makes Cruise's smile even more endearing is his embrace of imperfection. His right front tooth, often referred to as his "middle tooth," is slightly askew, and he doesn't hide it. After all, it's part of what makes his smile uniquely his own. He got braces to address overbite and misalignment issues, proudly displaying them on the red carpet.

Cruise's smile may not be symmetrical, but it's undeniably him. Throughout his career, he's exuded confidence, embracing his status as a sex symbol. As he once said, "It doesn't bother me at all. I'm not tortured at night by it."

And he's not the only one. His fans are also not tortured at night by Cruise's unique smile and have, in fact, always admired it. In April 2023, a fan's tweet captured it perfectly: "Always and Forever love Tom Cruise's smile. ;)"

Other Hollywood Smiles Worth Mentioning

Of course, Clooney and Cruise aren't the only Hollywood stars with captivating smiles.

GQ's list of top smiles also includes names like Matthew McConaughey, Simon Baker, Jon Hamm, Kanye West, Harry Styles, Jimmy Fallon, Dwayne Johnson, and Matt Damon. Each of them possesses a smile that can light up the silver screen and leave audiences spellbound.

Matthew McConaughey: His Texan grin can brighten anyone's day.

Simon Baker: From "Home and Away" to "The Mentalist," his smile has always been a charmer.

Jon Hamm: Don Draper's pearly whites seal deals and captivate audiences.

Kanye West: When Yeezy smiles, it's a rare and magical sight.

Harry Styles: The teen heartthrob's cheeky grin has a dedicated following.

Jimmy Fallon: The host of "The Tonight Show" has a smile as brilliant as his humor.

Dwayne Johnson: The Rock's real-life smile outshines his on-screen personas.

Matt Damon: Jason Bourne's genuine smile has won over hearts worldwide.