George Clooney Says Aging On Camera Is Hard, Looks to Directing More

— -- Actor George Clooney plays a Hollywood heartthrob in his new film “Hail, Caesar!” but he admits his leading man days may be numbered.

In an interview with the BBC to promote the film, the 54-year-old actor admitted he was reluctant to age on-screen.

“As you age on screen you get to that point where you really understand that, you know, you can't stay in front of the camera your whole life," he said. "It's much more fun to be, and it's infinitely more creative to be directing. I think nobody really wants to see anybody really age. You know, it's a very unforgiving thing, the camera is, and so aging becomes something that you know, you try to do less and less on screen. You try to pick the films that work best for you and as you age they become less and less.”

It’s a lament that’s common in Hollywood, but it usually comes from women. Men tend to not be judged as harshly, and in the interview, Clooney acknowledged that the situation was “obviously a lot worse for women.”

Actress Carrie Fisher, 59, recently told “GMA” that she returned to the revived “Star Wars” franchise in part because she wasn’t getting many other film offers.

“I am a female in Hollywood over the age of 40, shall we say. We could also say 50,” Fisher said.

“Sex and the City” star Kim Cattrall, 59, also recently spoke about aging in Hollywood, saying the “expiration date” for women in Hollywood is 35.

Chris Gardner, a staff writer with The Hollywood Reporter, reacted to Clooney’s comments, saying many people consider the actor one of the most handsome men in the world.

“To hear him say that aging isn't something he wants to do in the public eye ... that's sort of shocking,” Gardner said.

If the acting roles dry up for Clooney, the actor says there is always directing.

“It is my great love," he said. "It’s really fun."