George Clooney says no politics he's happy acting

LOS ANGELES, Oct 14 (Reuters) Attention Republicans: actor George Clooney is one liberal you don't have to worry about.

Clooney told reporters at a dinner honoring him yesterday night that he had no intention of entering the political arena.

''I'm not running for office. I like my life,'' Clooney said.

And why not.

The Oscar-winning actor, director and social activist was feted by a who's who of Hollywood from studio executives to stars like Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, Morgan Freeman, Salma Hayek and Ellen Barkin as he became the recipient of the 21st annual American Cinematheque award. Former President Bill Clinton, California Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain taped messages of congratulations.

The award was given to Clooney by Julia Roberts, who declared that before she met her husband he was the best man she knew. ''You can't imagine the things he can do with shaving cream and Neosporin (an antiseptic),'' she said mysteriously.

Earlier Clooney had told reporters that he expected his celebrity friends to make fun of him and was prepared. As for Roberts, he joked, ''I never liked her. I once caught her stealing.'' The American Cinematheque is a group dedicated to film history and preservation.

REUTERS DKB DS1330