George Clooney's Heartwarming Gesture To His Closest Friends

Sain April 16, 2025

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be one of George Clooney’s friends? This isn’t just about rubbing shoulders with one of the most famous, handsome, and wealthy men in the world. Turns out, George Clooney is more than just a celebrity—he’s a genuinely kind and thoughtful human being. Rande Gerber, his best friend and co-founder of Casamigos Tequila, shared an incredible story on MSNBC’s Headliners show that highlights just how selfless George really is.

A Surprise to Remember: The Night George Clooney Paid It Forward

Rande Gerber vividly recalled a moment that left everyone speechless. "There’s a group of guys we call ‘The Boys,’” he said. “One day, George called me and the rest of the group and said, ‘Hey, mark September 27th, 2013, on your calendar. Everyone’s going to come to my house for dinner.’" At first, it seemed like just another casual get-together. But as the evening unfolded, it became clear this wasn’t your average dinner party.

When the group arrived, they were greeted with black suitcases placed at each seat. As the night progressed, George began to speak from the heart. “Listen, I want you guys to know how much you’ve meant to me and how much you mean to me in my life," he said. "I came to L.A., I slept on your couches. I’m so fortunate to have all of you in my life, and I couldn’t be where I am today without you. So, it was really important to me that while we’re still all here together, that I give back. So I want you all to open your suitcases.”

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The Million-Dollar Surprise That Left Everyone Speechless

As the guests opened their suitcases, their jaws dropped. Inside each one was a million dollars in $20 bills. Fourteen of them received this generous gift, and the shock was palpable. “We open it up, and it’s a million dollars in $20 bills," Rande remembered. "Every one of us—14 of us—got a million dollars. Every single one of us. We’re in shock. Like, what is this? He goes, ‘I know we’ve all been through some hard times, some of you are still going through it. You don’t have to worry about your kids, you don’t have to worry about school, you don’t have to worry about paying your mortgage.’”

It’s easy to assume that George’s friends are all wealthy and successful. But as Rande explained, that’s not always the case. “One was working at a bar in Texas at the airport, trying just to support his family,” he said. “Rides a bicycle to work every day. I mean these are guys that took care of George and now he’s giving it all back. And George said, ‘Not only that, I have paid everyone’s taxes so this million dollars is yours.’”

Rande’s Dilemma and the Power of Friendship

Rande, who is undoubtedly successful himself, felt uncomfortable accepting such a generous gift. After all, he and George sold Casamigos for a staggering $1 billion in 2017. But George had other plans. “I pull him aside and said, ‘I absolutely am not taking this million dollars,’” Rande recalled. “Immediately George goes, ‘I’m just going to make one announcement. If Rande doesn’t take the million dollars, nobody gets it.’” Of course, Rande complied, but instead of keeping the money, he donated it all to charity.

The Legacy of Kindness: George Clooney’s Heart of Gold

Rande summed it up perfectly: “This is who George is.” The date of this incredible gesture, September 27th, 2013, turned out to be more significant than anyone could have imagined. The following year, on September 27th, 2014, George married Amal Clooney. Coincidence? Maybe. But good karma? Definitely. George’s reputation as an all-around good guy isn’t just a Hollywood facade. He proved it again in October 2017 when he spoke out on behalf of sexual harassment victims.

“What we hope is this is a watershed moment for society where women feel safe enough to talk about this issue, feel believed and where men who are committing these crimes [and] violations don’t feel safe and feel as if they do these things they’re going to be outed, sued and may even get litigated and go to jail for it. If we can get to that point then we actually succeeded. This thing won’t end up just being Harvey Weinstein jokes in three months.”

So here’s to George Clooney, a man who not only gives back but sets an example for the rest of us. Keep being awesome, George!