- As a self-sworn bachelor, George Clooney's romantic adventures have always captured the imagination of his fans.
- Despite his initial promise to never marry after his first marriage ended, he eventually found a second chance at love.
- Let's take a closer look at George's first wife, who our readers believe is even more beautiful than his wife, Amal.
George Clooney, Hollywood's charming heartthrob, had a brief marriage that ended in divorce. He declared he would never walk down the aisle again, but fate had other plans. His love story with the stunning Amal from an unexpected meeting to a memorable proposal, is captivating. But what about his first wife, and why do our readers believe she surpasses Amal in beauty?
Amal Clooney attends "The Boys in the Boat" premiere on December 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
This feature dives deep into the stories of both relationships. We'll explore how George and Amal's relationship blossomed, the public's opinion on who is more beautiful, and the significant differences between the two women. Let's start by uncovering the story of how George and Amal met most unexpectedly.
Amal and George Clooney attend the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
George and Amal Clooney: The Unexpected Meeting and a Disastrous Proposal
George met Amal most unexpectedly—through a mutual friend. It was a serendipitous encounter that neither of them saw coming. George didn't even have to leave his house to meet the woman who would become his wife.
George Clooney in 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Amal was visiting Italy with a friend who decided to introduce her to George at his home near Lake Como. The actor humorously recounts the events leading up to their initial encounter. His agent said that he'd found the woman George would marry, a notion he initially dismissed as a joke.
Amal Clooney walks arm-in-arm with George Clooney's agent, Bryan Lourd in May 2016 | Source: Getty Images
"She came to the house in Como with a friend of hers to visit. But the funniest thing is Bryan Lourd, my agent, called me. He had just met Amal. He called me up and he said, 'There's a girl coming to your house that you're gonna marry.' And I was like, 'You're an idiot. You know that's not gonna happen,'" he recounted.
Bryan Lourd and George Clooney attend the 78th Annual Academy Awards | Source: Getty Images
A friend of Amal shared, "[Amal] was looking for Mr. Perfect, and he was nowhere to be found." But when she and George met, she found what she had been looking for.
George Clooney on June 7, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Their first meeting coincided with a visit from George's parents. They stayed up all night talking, forming an instant connection. Amal's gesture of sending George photos from her visit sparked an email exchange.
Amal Clooney in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
After weeks of writing to each other, George made a trip to London and made a plan to woo her. He invited her to Abbey Road Studios for a movie scoring session—an invitation Amal accepted despite her hectic schedule.
Amal and George Clooney attend the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala | Source: Getty Images
George's proposal to Amal on April 28, 2014, however, did not go as smoothly. After dating for six months, he planned a romantic dinner with music from his aunt Rosemary Clooney playing in the background.
George Clooney on January 10, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
He placed the engagement ring in a box with a lighter and asked Amal to light the candles he had conveniently blown out. When she found the ring, she was confused, thinking it was left there by someone else. "It was a disaster," he said.
George Clooney in New York City on October 9, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
"I got down on my knee, and I said, 'I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life without you. And she kept looking at the ring, and she's like, 'Oh my god.' And we now know, because there's a playlist, so we know how long it took. And it's like 25 minutes," he narrated.
Amal and George Clooney in Venice in 2014 | Source: Getty Images
George, still in his position on the floor, finally had to ask for an answer. "Listen, I really would like to marry you, but I also am not young and I've been on my knee now. And I could like lose a hip, you know? And then she goes, 'Oh, yes,'" he recalled.
Amal and George Clooney in Florence, Italy in 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Their wedding followed soon after, with a beautiful ceremony in Venice in September 2014. George often expresses how lucky he feels to have found Amal and how their relationship has brought immense joy to his life.
Amal and George Clooney arrive at the palazzo Ca Farsetti in Venice, for a civil ceremony to officialize their wedding on September 29, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
His current wife has been called the world's hottest lawyer but what do fans have to say about his ex-wife? Public opinion is divided, with some praising Amal's sophistication while others reminisce about his ex-wife's natural beauty.
Amal and George Clooney attend a dinner at Buckingham Palace on March 12, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Public Opinions: Amal vs. The Ex-Wife
When we posted a side-by-side photo of Amal and George's ex-wife online, it sparked a heated debate about who was more beautiful. One Amomama reader commented, "Amal is very striking and sophisticated. Talia is more natural and pretty." Many others simply said, "First wife of course!"
There were also comments about how similar the two women looked. "They're like sisters," one reader noted. Despite the differing opinions, many agreed that both women are beautiful, each in their own unique way.
George and Amal's relationship has been under the spotlight, not just for their love story but also for the comparisons drawn between Amal and George's past. Next, we will delve into who Amal is and the impressive career that sets her apart.
Amal Clooney is seen at the United Nations on September 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Who is Amal Clooney?
Amal Clooney, born Amal Alamuddin, is not just the wife of a Hollywood star. She is an accomplished international lawyer specializing in human rights. Amal co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice with George.
Amal and George Clooney on May 13, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
This foundation is aimed to advance justice in courtrooms, communities, and classrooms worldwide. Her work has taken her to some of the most challenging legal arenas, where she represents victims of human rights abuses.
Amal Clooney speaks during day two of the Global Conference on Press Freedom on July 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Her impressive resume includes cases at the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the European Court of Human Rights.
Amal Clooney stands before the European Court of Human Rights in the eastern French city of the Strasbourg on January 28, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
She has represented Yazidi victims of genocide in court against ISIS members and was counsel to 126 victims of the Darfur genocide. She is also involved in the Task Force on Accountability for Crimes Committed in Ukraine, working to ensure justice for war crimes victims.
Amal Clooney speaks to delegates during day two of the Global Conference on Press Freedom on July 11, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Her dedication to human rights and her high-profile cases have made her a respected figure in the legal community. In addition to her courtroom achievements, Amal is also an educator.
Amal Clooney speaks at the High-Level Dialogue on the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations on September 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
She serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and has co-authored a leading textbook on the right to a fair trial in international law. Her extensive education includes degrees from Oxford University and New York University School of Law.
Amal Clooney speaks at the High-Level Dialogue on the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations on September 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
She is often seen as a fashion icon, but it is her legal work and humanitarian efforts that truly define her. Her public image is that of a sophisticated, intelligent, and accomplished woman.
Now, let's turn our attention to George's first marriage and the woman who once held his heart.
Talia Balsam attends 38th Annual Broadway Stars Celebrity Softball Game on April 30, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
George Clooney's First Marriage
Before meeting Amal, George was married to actress Talia Balsam. Just like George, her career started in the late '70s. They met in 1984 during a local play and quickly fell in love.
George Clooney and Talia Balsam attend the ABC Television Affiliates Party on June 14, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
After breaking up and reuniting years later, they got married. However, the marriage lasted only three years before it started to unravel. George has openly admitted that he was not ready for marriage at the time.
Talia Balsam and George Clooney attend the ABC Television Affiliates Party on June 14, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
"I probably—definitely—wasn’t someone who should have been married at that point," he admitted. Their divorce in 1992, which began amicably, turned complicated once lawyers got involved. George ended up paying $80,000 in legal fees, which he found frustrating.
Talia Balsam, circa 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Despite this, George and Talia have moved on with their lives. Talia is now happily married to actor John Slattery, with whom she shares a son, Harry.
Harry Slattery, Talia Balsam, and John Slattery attend the "Maggie Moore(s)" premiere on June 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
They enjoy working together, as seen in their roles in the drama series "Mad Men," where they play husband and wife. John shared the secret to their happy marriage, emphasizing the importance of independence and shared interests.
Talia Balsam and John Slattery attend the Animal Haven Gala on May 22, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
"We were together five years before we were married," he said. The couple got married in December 1998.
"We travel a lot—sometimes alone, sometimes together. And I think that independence is a big part of it; having your own life is a big part of being happy together," he added.
Talia Balsam at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on November 13, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Sharing how they keep the spark alive, he said, "A trip to Paris is always a good idea, and doing things together that we both find interesting. Not taking each other for granted. And I like to buy her shoes. I even have a pretty good record of not having her return them!"
Talia Balsam at the Broadhurst Theatre on October 20, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Talia continues to have a successful career in acting and has nothing but kind words for George, stating, "George is charming. He remains charming."
As for George and Amal, their relationship is still thriving, and they have built a lovely family together.
Amal and George Clooney attend the screening of "The Boys In The Boat" on December 7, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
George and Amal's Lasting Partnership
George and Amal's relationship continues to thrive, marked by mutual respect and admiration. In June 2017, the couple welcomed twins, Ella and Alexander. Although it came as a shock for George, he was ecstatic to become a father.
George and Amal Clooney on February 24, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
He often expresses how fortunate he feels to have found Amal, describing her as the perfect partner. "Every single day of my life, I just feel lucky… Sometimes in life, it doesn't happen on your schedule, but you find the person that you were always supposed to be with," he once said.
Amal and George Clooney attend the DVF Awards 2023 on August 31, 2023 in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
It has been ten years since George proposed to Amal, and their bond remains strong. Since their relationship went public, they have been a power couple admired by many. Their love story, filled with serendipitous moments and grand gestures, continues to captivate the public's imagination.
Amal and George Clooney celebrate as George receives the 46th AFI Life Achievement Award on June 7, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
In the end, the comparisons between Amal and Talia highlight the distinct qualities that make each woman remarkable. While public opinion may differ, it is clear that both women have had a great impact on George's life, shaping him into the person he is today.