Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has reflected on his complicated relationship with his late father, wrestling legend Rocky “Soulman” Johnson, sharing that their bond was filled with both love and conflict.
Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, Johnson revealed that while preparing for his latest role, he couldn’t draw on his father for inspiration when it came to tenderness.
“I don’t think my dad was an inspiration in terms of his tenderness. It wasn’t really my dad. He was homeless by the time he was 13, so his capacity for love was very limited — and that’s the man that raised me,” he said.
The pair had a falling out on Christmas Eve in 2019 after a heated phone argument and were not on speaking terms when Rocky passed away in early 2020 at the age of 75.
Reflecting on that moment, Johnson admitted in a recent post that he often wishes he had been able to make peace:
“Man, I just wish that I could hug him one more time, kiss him on the cheek and look him in the eyes and say, ‘We’re good.’ All that other s**… it really doesn’t matter when they’re gone.”*
Johnson recalled getting the devastating call about his father’s passing just days before he had to deliver his eulogy, a moment that forced him to reevaluate the weight of unresolved conflict.
He urged others to reconcile with their parents while they still can:
“If you’ve got your old man around, get uncomfortable, pull him aside and try to squash things. In the effort of trying, you reach a new place of love.”
Despite their differences, Johnson acknowledged the lessons his father instilled in him:
“He taught me hard work and discipline — those two anchors have taken me so far. Some of the other s**, I don’t want to do, but I thank him for those lessons too. Even with his limited capacity, he loved me with all he had. I didn’t realize that until much later in life.”*
