Meet George Clooney’s Parents, Former News Anchor Nick Clooney and Pageant Queen Nina Bruce Warren

George Clooney may be an A-lister in Hollywood but he doesn’t forget his Kentucky roots and the lessons his parents — Nick Clooney and Nina Bruce Warren — have taught him.

The actor’s dad, Nick Clooney, an accomplished journalist, and his mom, Nina Bruce Warren, a former beauty queen and entrepreneur, have greatly influenced him.

Their commitment to activism and helping others has shaped the way the Wolfs star looks at his life and career, and the tight family, including his older sister Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, haven’t lost their bond through his superstardom.

“Both my parents are really respected where we’re from and I wouldn’t want to do anything to embarrass them,” George told The Guardian in 2021. “Also, my dad made one rule for me and that was: ‘I don’t care what you do in life, but challenge people with greater power than you and defend those with less power.’ ”

Here’s everything to know about George Clooney’s parents, Nick Clooney and Nina Bruce Warren.

They met when Nick judged a pageant Nina was competing in

George might just get his talent in front of the camera from his father.

Nick’s career started in Kentucky, where he served as a news anchor for several years. He then hosted The Nick Clooney Show in Ohio, finding success in the early ‘70s. Nick also starred in programs like The Bob Braun Show and holiday specials, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Most notably, he earned recognition for working with the American Movie Classics network on Golden Age content.

After his stint as a TV host, Nick became the news director and lead anchor at WKRC in Cincinnati. George was young at the time but remembers broadcast journalism playing a “big part of our lives growing up.”

“I spent most of my life as a small child on the floor of WKRC newsroom watching my father put news shows together,” he said on NPR’s Fresh Air in 2005.

Around this time, Nick tried his hand at politics, running as a Democrat for a seat in the House of Representatives for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. After his loss, Nick focused on his writing career and activism, including efforts to shine a light on the genocide in war-torn Darfur in the Sudan. He and George traveled to the country in 2006 and filmed a documentary, A Journey to Darfur.

Nina is a former pageant queen and small business owner

George’s mom, Nina, is also impressive: She started out as a pageant queen and was crowned Miss Lexington before placing as first runner-up in the Miss Kentucky pageant.

Aside from her career onstage, Nina is also a writer, TV host and antique shop owner. Over the years, she’s been involved in the community, contributing to different organizations and causes in the Bluegrass State.

But, as George recalled on Fresh Air in 2005, she never used her looks to get ahead — and he learned this lesson from her when he started being seen as a heartthrob.

“I suppose the only thing she ever taught was by example, she went to work every day and worked very hard,” the actor — who was PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1997 and 2006 — explained. “And you never felt as if she was using her looks to gain an upper hand on anything.”

They’re both activists who passed down lessons to George

George’s parents have dedicated themselves to activism over the years and instilled in their kids the importance of standing up for others. This led to a life of activism for George, who now often partners with his parents and wife Amal Clooney to tackle pressing worldwide issues with the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

“You had to be involved. My mother and father were involved, and we were [taught] it is your civic duty,” George told PEOPLE in 2020. “I remember my father saying, ‘Don’t come back and look me in the eye unless you stand up to [bullies and racists].’ I’m glad to have been raised that way.”

He also expressed his admiration for his family years prior, noting that he was “immensely proud” that he was brought up surrounded by individuals who weren’t afraid to speak up.

“My father, my mother, my aunt [the late singer Rosemary Clooney] — they all had talent, but they also had that thing that I’ve always admired: the willingness to get beat up for the right reasons,” George told PEOPLE in 2006. “I always liked that, and that’s one of those things you aim for in life.”

Nick’s older sister was a famous singer and actress

The Clooney family name has a rich history in the entertainment business.

Nick’s older sister was Rosemary Clooney, the late singer and actress known for movies like the 1954 classic White Christmas alongside Bing Crosby and No. 1 hit songs like “Come On-a My House,” “Half As Much” as well as “Hey There” and “This Ole House.”

Rosemary had a significant impact on George growing up, and he even lived with her during his first year trying to make it in Hollywood, per The Record. He has also shared anecdotes about her from time to time.

The actor still listens to her music regularly and made his proposal to now-wife Amal even more special by playing his aunt’s most romantic hits when he popped the question.

“I was waiting for this song, ‘Why Shouldn’t I?’ ‘Why shouldn’t I take a chance when romance passes by? / Why shouldn’t I know of love?’ It’s a really good song about, why can’t I be in love?” he recalled in a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Nick and Nina were thrilled when George met Amal

Nick and Nina were happy when George settled down with international human rights lawyer Amal. In fact, the two were there when George and Amal first met at a dinner party in 2013 — and his dad immediately knew she would be sticking around.

“She was obviously very charming, gorgeous and so clearly accomplished, but by the time we had supper that night, it was clear there was a kindness to her and an inclusiveness,” Nick told PEOPLE.

He continued, “I really think by the time that first (meeting) was over, his and her fates were sealed, both of them. She was so remarkable and he was so remarkable around her.”

George and Amal married on Sept. 27, 2014, and welcomed twins Ella and Alexander on June 6, 2017 — to the delight of his parents. Nick and Nina are also grandparents to daughter Ada’s two kids.

George once surprised his parents with a rescue dog

George proved he’s always thinking about his dad and mom when he arranged for a rescue dog to be brought to them as a surprise after their dog of 10 years died.

A 3-year-old terrier named Nate was rescued from a hoarding situation and was having a hard time getting adopted until George and Amal found him and sent videos to his parents.

After Nick and Nina fell in love with Nate, the actor planned a surprise delivery on Christmas Eve in 2015.

“Nina cried a little when she opened the door and Nate was put into her arms. She was very surprised,” the rescue shelter, LuvFurMutts, wrote on Facebook. “She cried a little again when she read the card from George, Amal and (his personal assistant) Angel saying they wanted her to have Nate to enjoy Christmas with.”

Nick and Nina enjoy spending time with George

Even though Nick and Nina live in Kentucky, they’re often seen traveling to spend time with their famous son and his family.

The two have double dates with George and Amal in cities all around the world, including an outing in New York City with Amal’s mom, Baria Alamuddin, in September 2023.

Nick and Nina have also been to awards shows and red carpets alongside George. One memorable outing was the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors, where the actor was honored for his lifetime achievement and walked the red carpet with his parents and Amal.