See George Clooney’s Dramatic Hair Transformation for Broadway Debut

George Clooney and his hair are making waves on the Great White Way.

On Thursday, April 3, fans and celebrities alike gathered at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City for the two-time Oscar winner’s Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck. In the stage adaptation of the 2005 movie, Clooney, 63, plays CBS news journalist Edward R. Murrow, a role for which he bid farewell to his famous silver fox locks in exchange for a darker brunette hairstyle.

In March, Clooney was photographed with light brown hair in preparation for his debut in the Big Apple’s theater district. However, it wasn’t until opening night of the show on Thursday that Clooney’s dramatic change was seen in full onstage and when he stepped out to sign autographs for fans after his performance.

Throughout the evening, Clooney wore his dark hair in a gelled-back hairstyle along with a clean-shaven face.

While the star’s new look was in service of his role as Murrow, the style was also similar to the darker hue he sported in the ’80s and ’90s.

During his days on the Facts of Life, Clooney became known for his luscious dark brown waves. Further in his career though, around the mid-90s, he ended up cutting his shoulder-length mane into a cropped cut for ER, similar to the style he has now.

In addition to Clooney’s major hair change, his megawatt star power contributed to the electrifying energy of the affair.

A-listers in attendance for his debut included Jennifer Lopez and her teen Emme, Clooney’s Casamigos business partner Rande Gerber alongside his wife Cindy Crawford and their daughter Kaia, Monica Lewinsky and Pierce Brosnan with his wife Keely Shaye Smith.

Clooney’s wife, Amal, wasn’t there, but for a very relatable reason. On the carpet, Clooney told reporters that his wife was missing out because “she’s with the kids.” The couple shares 7-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella.

The actor’s foray into Broadway was much anticipated, however it did come with some challenges.

During an appearance on the March 23 episode of 60 Minutes to discuss portraying Murrow, Clooney cited having to smoke so many prop cigarettes as a major hurdle for him to overcome in rehearsals, noting that many of his family members have died of lung cancer over the years.

Clooney previously directed the film version of Good Night, and Good Luck, which starred David Strathairn as Murrow. In that movie, Clooney portrayed Murrow’s news producer Fred W. Friendly.