When George Clooney hit it big as pediatrician Doug Ross in the blockbuster television series "ER," critics hailed him a breakout star. But by then, he had already starred in several TV series (including "Roseanne" and "Sisters") and B movies.

Clooney gained a reputation as a gifted actor years after he moved to Hollywood from Kentucky, where he was born May 6, 1961. He seemed destined for fame: His father, Nick, was a talk-show host, and his aunt, singer Rosemary Clooney, was a bona fide celebrity.

With the success of "ER," Clooney quickly became a sought-after leading man, toplining films such as The Perfect Storm (2000) and the Ocean's Eleven franchise. He earned Oscar nods for Good Night and Good Luck (2005) and Michael Clayton (2007), and won the statuette for his supporting turn in Syriana. For his work in 2009's Up in the Air, Clooney copped Golden Globe, Oscar and BAFTA nominations as Best Actor.