Oscar-winning actor, producer, director and humanitarian George Clooney wowed an audience of over 2,500 at the Wortham Center as the guest speaker of The Brilliant Lecture Series, Conversations with Brilliance in downtown Houston on May 3, 2012.
During a question and answer style interview by Houston philanthropist and Brilliant Lecture Series Chairman Emeritus, Lynn Wyatt, Clooney presented a charismatic performance on the topics of his personal life, childhood, career and humanitarian efforts. This was the first time he has spoken in this format in North America. The Brilliant Lecture Series is a Houston, Texas not-for-profit organization that supports young people, particularly students from underrepresented portions of society in their journey through life.
“George Clooney is one of the most recognizable actors in the world, and his humanitarian work is second to none. It was an honor to present George to our most enthusiastic audience from around the world,” said Scott Brogan, Founding Director of The Brilliant Lecture Series.
The Brilliant Lecture Series provides a forum for generating new ideas through lectures, workshops and in-school programs. The mission of The Brilliant Lecture Series is to motivate and inspire by presenting leaders, role models, philanthropists, artists, humanitarians, authors, and entrepreneurs to Houston. The organization has three on-going programs to achieve this mission: Conversations with Brilliance, Brill Talks and the International Youth Leadership Forum, which has impacted more than 48,000 students and their families. The Conversations with Brilliance Series hosts someone ‘brilliant’ once a quarter. The series offers an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the world’s greatest minds inspiring leadership in Houston’s youth. Since its inception, The Brilliant Lecture Series has presented luminaries: Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, Sir Sidney Poitier, Dame Julie Andrews, Diana Ross, Dr. Maya Angelou and Lauren Bacall to name a few.
As the celebrated actor approaches his 51st birthday, the audience sang “Happy Birthday” along with a trumpet serenade. Concluding the program, Clooney took questions from Brilliant Lecture Series’ students and a refugee from Darfur dressed in native attire. Following the lecture, John and Becca Cason Thrash hosted a benefit dinner with George Clooney as the guest of honor.
For more information, contact 713.974.1335 or visit www.brilliantlectures.org.
