Their Relationship

Clooney’s career began to pick up momentum, leading to increasing demands on his time and attention. At the same time, Balsam was dealing with her professional pressures. The rapid changes in their lives and the inherent pressures of a high-profile marriage took their toll.

Clooney often reflects on this period, admitting that he was not ready for the commitment that marriage required. He has been candid about his role in their marriage’s breakdown, acknowledging in a 1996 Vanity Fair interview that he didn’t give Balsam “a fair shot” and took responsibility for its failure.