Washington:
President Barack Obama says actor George Clooney is a good friend and a good person who is sensitive about protecting that friendship.
Mr Obama says Mr Clooney is low-maintenance and doesn't take advantage of their friendship. He says the actor keeps his distance so that Mr Obama won't be criticised for hanging out with Hollywood celebrities.
First lady Michelle Obama said of George Clooney: "He's cute, too."
In May, Mr Clooney held a fundraiser for Mr Obama at his Los Angeles home that raised nearly $15 million. He is scheduled to hold another fundraiser for Mr Obama later this month in Geneva.
Mr Obama tells Entertainment Tonight in an interview airing on Monday that he got to know the actor through his work on Sudan when Obama was in the U.S. Senate.