During the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards on Aug. 29, George Clooney will become only the fourth person to receive the prestigious Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.

 

It's been six years since the last recipient, the late Danny Thomas, was given the honor. Clooney will join him — as well as Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey in representing this exclusive club of recognized humanitarians.

 

"George was an obvious choice for this honor," John Shaffner, chairman and chief executive of the TV academy. "He has understood and harnessed the power of television, the most powerful medium of our time, to reach into the hearts of people around the world and compelled us to action on behalf of those in sudden and desperate need, as well as those tragically oppressed in Darfur."

 

The list of Clooney's accomplishments in rallying support for various causes is deep — but his most notable efforts have come following national and international tragedies. The actor was involved in "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope in 2005" and "Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast" following Hurricane Katrina, and most recently, the "Hope For Haiti Now telethon" which he organized with MTV.

 

In addition to the above, he's also worked closely with the U.N. in bringing attention the crisis in Darfur — as well as through the Not On Our Watch charity that he formed with fellow actors Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle and Matt Damon.

 

“Like my own father, George is a person who looks beyond himself to use his celebrity for good, to make a difference in the world, and to inspire others to do the same,” commented Linda Hope. “It’s particularly gratifying that he has been selected for this award, since our families have a history of friendship and a powerful, shared desire to help others.”

 

The Emmys roll on Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. (ET) on NBC.