George Clooney says his heartthrob days are over.
The actor, who will be 60 in May, claims he’s too old for starring roles and is concentrating on writing and direction because he looks “really old”.
Clooney was People magazine’s “sexiest man alive” in 1997 at the height of his fame on ER.
He won the accolade again in 2006. Since then, his hair has got even greyer and his forehead more lined
but his sex appeal has not diminished at all.
Men have always had more leeway in ageing than women. Today’s Clooney is clearly the older version of Dr Doug Ross who wore scrubs and saved dying children to such great effect.
His ER love interest, Julianna Margulies, is five years younger than Clooney. Today her tight face has been tweaked so much it’s almost unrecognisable.
There are male stars who have overdone it with the fillers and facelifts. Others in their sixth and seventh decades have suspiciously more hair than they did in their 40s.
But some, such as Clooney, have grown into their faces and look better now than they did when they were young.
Hairdresser Jon Chapman, who has worked with Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks as well as top female stars, says Clooney is a good example of the quiet confidence that is a key component of sex appeal.
He said: “He is exceptionally handsome. But in his 20s he looked a bit goofy. He was trying a bit hard. We all come into ourselves at different points in our own lives.
He started to look his best when he was comfortable in his own skin.
“What is most sexy is quiet confidence. That has more testosterone than expensive aftershave.”
Clooney and the other older men who have still got it all started off with good genes.
Chapman added: “He’s also got a lot of money, great stylists and a lot of help. Plus he’s one of the most gracious men you could ever meet. His charm and charisma are a big part of it.”
So what, apart from twinkly eyes, gives an older man an edge?
If they have had work done – and Chapman says that it is extremely common among men in the public eye – it’s been done with a light hand.
Everyone knows 58-year-old Tom Cruise, for example, does not have a full head of naturally chestnut hair.
But by keeping it just on the right side of believable, he pulls it off. “It’s very well done,” said Chapman. “That’s called upkeep.”
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Men who are blessed with a naturally strong head of hair are always going to look younger than those who don’t. And while there are plenty of fixes, from temporary cosmetic help to a full transplant, they all require effort.
If that’s not an option, Chapman says the best looking men keep it short and dignified. “As soon as you can see through the hair, it’s over,” he said.
They are well groomed. Good teeth and well-moisturised skin are essentials.
Chapman said: “When I do men's grooming for photoshoots, I use layers of products. I’m rebuffing then layering on serum, moisturiser and oils. When your skin glows, you look fresher and younger.”
High cheekbones, well spaced eyes, a straight nose and a strong jawline are all important. And if nature did not provide them, that’s where injectables come in.
Chapman added: “Bone structure can be enhanced. Fillers are the norm, they can enhance the cheeks, change the nose.”
But it should be so subtle as to be almost invisible. He said: “If it’s overdone everything freezes. The face ages 20 years.”
The best thing that men can do as they age, according to Chapman, is to move gently with the times. He said: “A lot of men decide on their look in their late teens and early 20s, and stay with it.
“That means by the time they’re in their 40s and beyond, they’re not wearing clothes that are appropriate for their age.
“They are clinging to branded T-shirts, skinny jeans and drop crotch trousers.
“They have to realise when it’s time to simplify it and leave certain things behind.”
Of course, this can work in the opposite direction too.
One reason Jeff Goldblum looks so great at 68 is that he has a cool haircut and great glasses. But they are not pinning him to any particular era. No one could look at his jumper and name his favourite band when he was 19.
Chapman thinks that more of today’s men are shaping up to be the perky pensioners of the future.
He said: “Looking after yourself was once not seen as manly. That has changed. I’m seeing lots of straight men in their 40s with coloured hair. It looks good and it’s great that they have the confidence to go for it.”
Hot older hunks
Jeff Goldblum 68
Quirky personal style and huge charm are a great combination
Harrison Ford 78
The Jurassic Park star suits being grizzled and bit dishevelled.
Denzel Washington 66
He looks way younger than any pensioner deserves to look.
Kevin Costner 65
His receding hairline looks better than the mullets and streaks of his youth.
How not to do it
Rudy Guilliani 76
If you must dye your thinning hair an ill-advised black, don’t get so sweaty that it runs down your face
Mickey Rourke 68
A facelift has left him peering out of a shiny face with no sideburns. A hair transplant has been more successful.
John Travolta 66
Plastic surgery has left his face lumpy and uneven. His recent decision to shave his head and grow a beard is a good one.
Donald Trump 74
The bouffant comb-over, clumsy spray tan and ill-fitting suits add years to the disgraced President.
