Clooney: 'Fame Destroyed My Aunt Rosemary'

George Clooney was so traumatised by the effect the cruel Hollywood system had on his superstar aunt Rosemary Clooney, he's vowed never to allow himself to be controlled by fame.

Singer and screen sensation Rosemary Clooney was adored throughout America during the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood in the 1950s.

But as soon as her persona became unfashionable she was "destroyed" - and spiralled into alcohol abuse.

George says, "My Aunt Rosemary was the sweetest woman in the world.

"At one point in the 50s she was the most popular singer in America. When that was taken away...it destroyed her.

"This woman who was an icon suddenly had her life ripped away from her. It took her a long time to get back on her feet.

"That made a big impression on me and that's why I've never got off on my fame, which is something that's out of your control."