Don Cheadle and George Clooney shared a meaningful reunion in New York City, reconnecting backstage during Cheadle’s Broadway debut and revisiting a decades-long friendship shaped by film and collaboration. The longtime collaborators reconnect backstage as their latest projects and a new Ocean’s sequel take shape.
The two actors crossed paths at the Booth Theatre on April 23, where Cheadle is currently starring in a revival of Proof. The moment marked another chapter in their enduring professional and personal connection, which spans multiple films and continues to evolve with new projects on the horizon.
A backstage reunion years in the making
The longtime friends and Ocean’s 14 costars were all smiles backstage at the Booth Theatre, where Cheadle is making his Broadway debut alongside Ayo Edebiri. Backstage at the Booth Theatre, Don Cheadle and George Clooney were photographed smiling together and catching up after the performance. The relaxed atmosphere reflected a familiarity built over years of working together and maintaining a close bond.
Cheadle, now making his Broadway debut, appeared energized by the visit as he welcomed Clooney into the theater. The meeting highlighted how their connection extends beyond film sets into ongoing support for each other’s creative pursuits, a collaboration that began in the late 1990s
The actors first worked together on Out of Sight, the 1998 crime film directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Jennifer Lopez. That project laid the groundwork for a long running collaboration.
They later reunited for the Ocean’s trilogy, which included Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen. The films featured an ensemble cast that also included Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts, further cementing the group’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable ensembles.
A new Ocean’s film in development
Cheadle and Clooney are expected to reunite again for a new installment in the franchise, widely referred to as Ocean’s 14. The project is currently in development and is expected to bring back several original cast members.
The upcoming sequel signals a continuation of a story that has remained popular with audiences for more than two decades. While details about the plot remain limited, anticipation continues to build around the return of the core cast, inside the Broadway revival of Proof.
Cheadle is currently starring in Proof, a revival of David Auburn’s award winning play. The production marks his first appearance on Broadway and features a cast that includes Ayo Edebiri, Jin Ha and Kara Young.
The story centers on a young woman navigating the aftermath of her father’s death while grappling with questions surrounding a significant mathematical discovery. As she confronts uncertainty about authorship and legacy, the narrative explores themes of identity, trust and intellectual inheritance.
The production is directed by Thomas Kail and is co produced by Higher Ground Productions, founded by Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.
Both actors continue to expand their careers
Clooney has also recently stepped onto the Broadway stage, starring in and co writing Good Night, and Good Luck. His performance earned awards attention and marked a significant moment in his stage career.
Beyond theater, Clooney is involved in a film project connected to the French series Call My Agent!. Meanwhile, Cheadle is set to appear in I Love Boosters, directed by Boots Riley, continuing his work across film and television.
Their recent reunion earlier this year at the Golden Globe Awards added to a series of public appearances that reflect their ongoing friendship.
Proof opened on April 16 at the Booth Theatre and is scheduled for a limited run through July 19, offering audiences a chance to see Cheadle’s Broadway debut while he continues to celebrate milestones alongside longtime collaborators.
EXCLUSIVE : PEOPLE
