Dwayne Johnson has opened up about his late father, wrestling legend Rocky “Soulman” Johnson, while promoting his new film The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival.
The Hollywood star, who portrays MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the biographical drama, admitted that he could not seek inspiration from his father for the emotionally demanding role.
Mark Kerr, present at the festival, praised Johnson as “a walking contradiction,” describing him as both tough and deeply empathetic. Dwayne Johnson agreed but confessed that his father’s influence was limited when it came to tenderness.
“I don’t think my dad was an inspiration in terms of his tenderness,” he said. “He was homeless at 13, so his ability to love was very limited. That’s the man who raised me.”
Rocky Johnson passed away in 2020, leaving behind an estranged relationship with his son. Earlier this year, Dwayne expressed regret over their differences in a heartfelt Instagram post, admitting he wished he had reconciled sooner.
Reflecting on the past, the actor urged others to heal strained family bonds before it is too late. “If you’ve got your old man around, pull him aside and say, ‘Let’s squash this.’ Even trying can lead to a new place of love,” he advised.
Dwayne Johnson also shared that despite his father’s limitations, he came to realize that Rocky loved him in his own way. “Even with limited capacity, he loved me with all he had. I didn’t understand that until much later in life,” he explained.
While he didn’t disclose details of their conflicts, Johnson hinted at his father’s troubled past and struggles with the law. His candid reflections offered a rare glimpse into his personal life as he continues his journey in film and storytelling.
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