GEORGE CLOONEY - CLOONEY PROTECTS HIMSELF FROM LENO

GEORGE CLOONEY went to great lengths to protect himself when he learned JAY LENO was fighting a cold, by arriving on the comedian's talk show wearing a surgical mask and gloves.

The former ER star, a notorious Hollywood prankster, made an appearance on Leno's show last night (8DEC05) to promote his new movie SYRIANA, and decided to guard himself from any possible illness when he greeted the host.

He joked of his protective accessories, saying, "This is really comfortable - it reminds me of my doctor days. I played a doctor on TV - you might not remember."

Clooney later removed the gloves and mask, but quickly warned Leno, "You stay there and I'll stay over here."