Health concerns may well have kept him away from press conferences and photo-calls, but nothing could keep George Clooney away from the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday evening.
The Hollywood star was once again supported - and inevitably upstaged - by his glamorous wife Amal in the city they famously married in, this time to promote his coming of age drama Jay Kelly.
He sailed through a 30 minute trot up the red carpet despite a ‘serious’ sinus infection which had kept him from promotional duties for around 24 hours.
The star, who is 64, arrived at around 9.35pm local time for the 9.45 premiere of his new Netflix film Jay Kelly with Amal. As they exited their car he asked her: ‘Are you OK?’ and then said: ‘OK, let’s go.’
The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet.
At several points he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds: ‘I can’t speak!’
He spent time chatting to festival boss Alberto Barbera and to co stars Laura Dern and Adam Sandler.
Meanwhile Amal claimed the spotlight, with the stunning human rights lawyer commanding attention in an off-the-shoulder gown with a distinctive thigh-skimming detail.
Amal, 47, put on a very leggy display in the ensemble which she paired with silver strappy heels.
She further accessorised with a gold clutch bag and dangly earring as she linked arms with her husband.
George was absent from a press conference for his new film, Jay Kelly on Thursday due to a 'serious sinus infection'.
The actor, 64, unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach's competition film on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the film's cast and crew.
The conference moderator announced his absence at the photocall, saying: 'I’m afraid George Clooney is not going to be here, because he has a bad, serious, sinus infection. We hope that he should be on the red carpet tonight.'
Adam Sandler added: ‘Movie stars get sick too', before Laura Dern chimed in: 'George is so devastated that he can’t be here.’
The Hollywood legend reportedly started feeling unwell on Wednesday, sources told The Hollywood Reporter, adding he was advised to go ‘home’ and rest ahead of a busy Thursday, which includes the world premiere of the film.
George and his wife Amal are staying at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice during promotional activities for the Netflix film.
They were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, where Netflix is based, at around 4pm on Wednesday.
Jay Kelly sees George take on the title role of the Hollywood movie star who 'always plays himself'.
Directed by Gerwig's husband Noah, the trailer sees George's character questioning his life choices, despite being fawned over by fans and staff.
On a trip to an Italian film festival in his honour, joined by his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam, he's hailed as the 'hero of cinema' before being brutally asked about always playing himself.
To which George's character snaps back: 'You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it.'
Jay Kelly is seen continuously reminding himself that he is 'Jay Kelly' as he and Ron embark on a trip through Europe amid the disappearing appeal of showbiz.
The official synopsis reads: 'Famous movie actor Jay Kelly and his devoted manager Ron embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe.
'Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices they’ve made, the relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies they’ll leave behind.'
