Spring 2024

American Legend The Extraordinar y Achievements of Clint Eastwood B Y B R E T T WI L BUR C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 4 105 C lint Eastwood has worked as an actor, producer, director and composer on well over 100 films and television shows, for which he has received countless honors, including four Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. He’s also a conservationist in his beloved Carmel, putting up significant funds to preserve open space and to keep the historic Mission Ranch, a hotel and restaurant with views of grazing sheep and Point Lobos, from being developed into condominiums. His local roles have included mayor of Carmel (1986-1988), co-owner of Pebble Beach Company and founder of Tehama Carmel, an environmentally focused community on over 2,000 acres of mostly undeveloped land. Born May 31, 1930, in San Francisco, California, Eastwood is famous for his Westerns and “Dirty Harry” films. He made a name for himself early on in his career with the TV series “Rawhide” and made his directorial debut with “Play Misty for Me,” filmed in the Carmel area. Award-winning films such as “Gran Torino,” “Unforgiven” and “Million Dollar Baby” have been broadly recognized for their nuanced storytelling and complex themes, while catchphrases such as, “Go ahead, make my day,” from the film “Sudden Impact,” have made their way into the national and even worldwide lexicon. Perhaps it’s the confident way Eastwood delivers his lines, along with a steely stare and his cool demeanor, that captivates so many. People are awestruck when they see him in person as well. When Eastwood strolls through the restaurant and bar at his Mission Ranch property, he’s unflappable as admirers try to maintain their compo- sure while gawking at a cultural icon. He shares a quick smile when he pauses to shake a hand, give a wink or make a dry remark, dressed to go under the radar but exuding star quality just the same. When he sits down for a bite to eat at the Tehama clubhouse, he’s relaxed, friendly and witty to other members, but not overly outgoing. He’s a regular guy, and he’s much, much more. At age 93, when most would have long retired, and when he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, Eastwood, at press time, was putting the finishing touches on his latest work,“Juror #2,” aWarner Bros. film slat- ed for release later in 2024. Carmel Magazine spoke with Eastwood and six of his eight chil- dren a few months before his 94th birthday. Carmel Magazine: How have you been able to maintain such a long- term successful career? Clint Eastwood: Truly, I have been very lucky…I couldn’t say exactly how it all came together, but a lot of things early on were about being in the right place at the right time. I have played different parts and told dif- ferent stories. I have changed it up. Maybe we could chalk it up to I have just kept everyone on their toes? CM: Why have you chosen to keep working? Eastwood: I never really thought of retiring. I like working. I love what I do. I really enjoy the filmmaking process. I love my crew and working with the cast. I have a lot of fun with every part of the filming process. CM: What interested you most about your newest project? Eastwood: We are still working on it, but I thought it was an interesting one with a true moral dilemma.What if you got called in for jury duty and you realized you were unintentionally involved in the case? CM: What inspires you when you are creating a film? Eastwood: I don’t know. Maybe it is not always one thing. I just like telling stories. I have been so lucky to be able to make so many kinds of films. I guess we could have madeWestern afterWestern, but I loved being able to mix it up with other genres. CM: What are some of your most memorable projects and why? Eastwood: [Laughs] There are a lot out there. Most memorable? I don’t know, I like all of my pictures. Some of them you watch and say, “Did I