Al Pacino Reveals the Surprising Hollywood Icon He Looks Up To: “I Admire The Rock”

Al Pacino is a living legend, known for creating some of the most iconic performances in film history. From The Godfather to Scarface, Donnie Brasco to Heat, Pacino’s contributions to cinema are undeniable. His fierce and intense portrayals have earned him the admiration of countless fans and actors alike. However, even an icon like Pacino has room to learn from others—and in a surprising twist, the actor revealed that one of his key inspirations came from none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

The revelation came from director David Gordon Green, who worked with Pacino on the 2014 film Manglehorn. In an interview with The Guardian, Green shared a fascinating insight into Pacino’s approach to acting and how he sees the landscape of performance. Green explained that while Pacino is larger-than-life, he recognized a crucial difference between himself and Dwayne Johnson. “He told me he admires The Rock because The Rock knows how to switch it on for his fans,” Green revealed.

At the time, Dwayne Johnson was riding high in Hollywood, having transitioned from his wrestling persona as “The Rock” into a successful film career. With a string of box-office hits such as Fast & Furious 6 and Hercules, Johnson was carving out a place as one of the most charismatic and bankable stars in the industry. His ability to engage audiences both on and off screen was unmatched, and his iconic presence had cemented his reputation as one of the most beloved figures in modern entertainment.

What struck Pacino about Johnson, according to Green, was his mastery of the art of “switching it on.” As The Rock, Johnson’s persona was larger-than-life, brimming with charisma, and he effortlessly captured the attention of millions. He understood the power of persona, and when the cameras were rolling or when he was engaging with his fans, he knew how to turn on his persona and keep the audience captivated. This ability to connect with people and create a lasting impression is a skill that Pacino admired.

In contrast, Pacino’s own approach to acting is much more nuanced. While his characters—such as Michael Corleone in The Godfather or Tony Montana in Scarface—have entered popular culture, Pacino’s career extends far beyond those catchphrase-laden roles. His artistry includes subtle moments of grace and vulnerability that go beyond the larger-than-life characters he’s known for. As Karina Longworth, author of Al Pacino: Anatomy of an Actor, put it, “People think they have an idea of Al Pacino based on performances in movies like Scarface, but most people forget the moments of grace that make those performances interesting.”

What makes this exchange between Pacino and Johnson truly remarkable is the depth of understanding and self-awareness Pacino demonstrated. While many might have dismissed Johnson’s larger-than-life style as a sideshow, Pacino was quick to recognize the genius behind his ability to command a room and his audience. He saw in Johnson’s career something that he, too, could learn from—a recognition that the power of charisma and audience connection is an art in itself.

This is a testament to Pacino’s greatness as an actor. Rather than resting on his laurels or dismissing those with a different style, he is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. And in Dwayne Johnson, he found an inspiration that helped him refine his own understanding of what it means to connect with an audience, whether through dramatic subtleties or the power of sheer presence.

In the ever-changing world of Hollywood, Pacino’s ability to recognize and admire the talents of others—especially someone as unexpected as The Rock—shows that true artists never stop learning. Whether through quiet moments of introspection or roaring, larger-than-life performances, Pacino’s career continues to evolve, proving that even legends can take away important lessons from the most unlikely sources.