Dwayne Johnson Reveals How Fatherhood Completely Changed His Life and Career: ‘It’s My Number One Priority’

Dwayne Johnson, famously known as “The Rock,” has spent much of his career building an iconic legacy in the world of professional wrestling, Hollywood blockbusters, and business ventures. Yet, despite his remarkable achievements, the role that he considers most important is that of a father. With three daughters—Simone, 21, from his previous marriage to Dany Garcia, and Jasmine, 7, and Tiana, 4, with his wife Lauren Hashian—Johnson frequently reflects on how fatherhood has shaped his life, identity, and even his career decisions.

Fatherhood as His Number One Priority

For Johnson, fatherhood is not just another part of his life—it is the most important. In a 2023 interview with CBS Sunday Morning, he put it simply: “I love our country and everyone in it. And I also love being a daddy. And that’s the most important thing to me, is being a daddy, number one, especially during this time, this critical time in my daughters’ lives.” This statement underscores his determination to prioritize his family, even amidst a high-profile career that requires significant time and energy.

His reflections on being a father are informed by past experiences, particularly his absences from Simone’s early years due to his wrestling commitments. Johnson has spoken candidly about the struggles of balancing his career with his role as a father, and how this balance has become even more crucial with his younger daughters. For Johnson, the growth of his family and the increasing demands of fatherhood have deepened his sense of purpose and shaped how he approaches life both on and off the screen.

Initial Fears and Personal Growth

Becoming a father was a transformative moment for Johnson, but it was also filled with initial fears and uncertainties, particularly during his transition from wrestling to Hollywood. In a 2021 article from The Things, he shared his thoughts on navigating this major life shift: “I was making a transition to Hollywood, trying to be the best husband and best dad I could be as a brand-new father. Now, being in my 40s, I’ve lived a little bit of life. I hope I’m a little wiser. It allows me to be a greater dad.”

This candid admission highlights Johnson’s growth as both a man and a father. His early struggles with balancing work, family, and personal life have evolved into a deeper appreciation for fatherhood. With more life experience and career stability, Johnson feels he is now better equipped to be the present and engaged father he aspires to be. His story speaks to the universal experience of learning from past challenges and using those lessons to grow as a parent.

The Influence of His Own Father

Johnson’s father, the late Rocky Johnson, a WWE Hall of Famer, had a significant impact on his approach to fatherhood. In a 2018 Father’s Day tribute on People, Johnson reflected on his relationship with his father and the lessons he learned: “Little boys by nature, look up to and idolize their old man. They want to be just like em, do whatever they do and are always looking for their approval.”

He further explained, “Years later as a man and father of three girls, I know that tough love, is a helluva lot better than no love at all. I’ll take it. It’s made me who I am today.” Johnson’s relationship with his father, characterized by “tough love,” played a crucial role in shaping his own parenting philosophy. Despite the complexities of their relationship, Johnson values the strength that came from his father’s approach, and he has worked to incorporate that into his own parenting style, particularly with his daughters.

Obsession with Being a Great Dad

In interviews, Johnson has emphasized his “obsession” with being the best father he can be. In a 2021 Vanity Fair interview, he revealed, “I’m also obsessed with being a great father, being a really great daddy to my babies, and a great father to my three daughters.” This statement speaks to his intense commitment to being an engaged, loving father, highlighting how he has adapted his career and lifestyle to be more present for his children.

His passion for fatherhood is evident in his efforts to be involved in his daughters’ lives. Johnson’s dedication to family is seen in the ways he balances his demanding career with spending quality time with his kids, showing that his role as a father is his top priority.

Lighthearted and Playful Fatherhood

Despite the serious commitment he has to being a great father, Johnson also embraces the playful, chaotic aspects of parenthood. In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, he joked about his “superpower” as a dad: “My superpower as a dad is the ability to not figure out why I keep falling for the ‘Daddy close your eyes’ trick and I get peanut butter in the face, my face drawn on, kicked in the nuts. Everything happens, that’s my superpower.”

This lighthearted moment reflects Johnson’s ability to balance the more intense aspects of fatherhood with humor and playfulness. He openly embraces the messiness and unpredictability of raising young children, demonstrating that fatherhood isn’t just about discipline and responsibility—it’s also about enjoying the fun, silly moments that come with being a dad.

Conclusion

Dwayne Johnson’s reflections on fatherhood provide an insightful look into the challenges and joys of parenting, particularly for a man with a high-profile career. From initial fears and the influence of his own father to his unwavering dedication to being present for his daughters, Johnson’s approach to fatherhood is grounded in love, growth, and resilience. His commitment to balancing his career with his role as a father is an inspiring example of how, even amidst fame and success, the love for family remains at the core of his identity. Through his humor, candidness, and devotion, Johnson continues to demonstrate that fatherhood is his most important and cherished role.