George Clooney takes on new role as UN Messenger of Peace

In his new role as U.N. messenger of peace, George Clooney was playing himself.

The 46-year-old actor's arrival Thursday was greeted with "oohs" and "ahs" from dozens of people, mostly women, who crowded the lobby entrance for a glimpse and cell phone picture of him.

"Hi guys!" he said, stopping only briefly to pose for a picture with his parents and shake a few hands.

Clooney was touring the United Nations headquarters for a ceremony marking his designation for the special job by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. He was just back from a trip to Sudan's Darfur region, arriving in the U.S. by way of India, a major contributor of U.N. peacekeeping troops.

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