In a recent interview with Jimmy Fallon, actress Shailene Woodley discussed the unexpected thrill of having famous faces in the audience during her Broadway play. The 33-year-old star reminisced about recognizing George Clooney, her former co-star from The Descendants, while performing in Cult of Love. Woodley revealed that initially she preferred not knowing about special guests but eventually found it beneficial to be aware. Her experience highlights the unique dynamic between actors and their audiences, especially when celebrities are present. She also mentioned other notable visitors such as Zoe Kravitz, Iain Armitage, and Betty Gilpin. Woodley emphasized how Clooney's distinctive laugh made his presence unmistakable and how his attendance positively impacted her performance.

Woodley appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to talk about her time on Broadway. When asked by Fallon if she preferred knowing about celebrity guests beforehand, Woodley explained that at first, she did not want to know. However, as the play progressed, she began to appreciate being informed. "There is a sheet where you can sign in guests who visit backstage," she said. "One day, I saw some familiar names, and my heart raced." Despite initial panic, Woodley discovered that knowing about special guests enhanced her performances. "As an actor, there’s a part of me that enjoys playing differently when someone specific is watching," she noted. "It actually improved my acting."

During the conversation, Woodley shared anecdotes about various co-stars who visited her play. One particularly memorable moment was when George Clooney attended a performance. His laughter stood out to her, making his presence evident. "He has such a unique laugh," Woodley remarked. "I could hear it clearly and thought, 'Oh, there’s George somewhere.' " Woodley praised Clooney for his exceptional character and expressed excitement rather than nervousness during his visit. Reflecting on their past collaboration in The Descendants, she recalled how easily they bonded off-screen, which translated into their on-screen chemistry.

Woodley’s Broadway play, Cult of Love, tells the story of four adult siblings reuniting at their childhood home for the holidays. The production opened on December 12 after previews began on November 20. Meanwhile, Clooney is set to make his own Broadway debut in March, starring as Edward R. Murrow in a stage adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck. This film, which Clooney directed and co-wrote, explores CBS news journalist Edward R. Murrow’s exposé on Senator Joseph McCarthy. As Woodley concludes her run in Cult of Love on February 2, both actors continue to explore new artistic ventures on stage.

Through her experiences on Broadway, Woodley has gained valuable insights into the impact of audience awareness on performance. Her reflections highlight the intricate relationship between actors and their spectators, especially when high-profile guests are involved. By embracing this awareness, Woodley has not only improved her craft but also enjoyed the added excitement of performing for distinguished audiences. Her journey underscores the evolving dynamics within the theater world and the mutual appreciation between performers and their fans.