George Clooney topped the Forbes list of the world's highest earning actors in 2018, worth an estimated $500 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. But to turn down $35 million for just one day's work" that's not something anyone would do.

Then again, not everyone gives their friends bags containing $1 million each, as Clooney famously did in 2013.

"Yeah, right. I was offered $35 million for a day's work on an airline commercial," Clooney told The Guardian while promoting his new film, The Tender Bar. Because it was an appearance in a country that is an ally, but sometimes questionable, I thought, "If it's going to take a minute of sleep away from me, it's not worth it."

Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer who married in 2014, is a superstar in her field, representing Nobel Peace Prize winners and fighting for international justice. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has an estimated $50 million.

The actor explained that he wants to be with his twins, Alexander and Ella, 4, as much as possible and that the time apart is not worth the pay.

Clooney's sensible approach to money obviously stems from the fact that he can afford it, but he also believes that age-old wisdom and gratitude are also reasons for his mindset. That is why he has given so much cash to his friends.

Clooney, who was about to get married after more than 20 years of single life, says he didn't have much responsibility at the time. 'What I do have are the people who have helped me in one way or another over the last 35 years. I slept on their couches when I was broke. They loaned me money when I was broke. They helped me when I needed help over the years. And I have helped them over the years too."

Some of the 14 recipients were already wealthy, like Clooney's longtime business partner (and Cindy Crawford's husband) Rande Gerber. Others were not. Garber and Clooney, along with realtor Mike Meldman, each invested $600,000 in Casamigos Tequila, which they later sold for $1 billion.

This investment apparently paid off.

Yes, $35 million," from where Clooney is sitting, which is actually not a lot of money at all. This goes a long way toward explaining why he would turn down the opportunity to earn it on a relatively easy day's work, or why the actor has been more selective in choosing his jobs lately.

"In general, there aren't that many great roles," he said. 'When I turned 60 this summer, my wife and I had this conversation. I can still get around and we both love our jobs. But we have to make sure that our work doesn't become ridiculous. So part of it is making sure we're living our lives."