Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has opened up about the difficult relationship he shared with his late father, Rocky Johnson. In a recent interview with The New York Times Magazine, the 53-year-old actor recounted a significant argument they had over Rocky’s memoir, titled Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story. Johnson revealed that the book included quotes implying he had contributed to it, which he had not. “It hurts,” he stated, emphasizing the emotional toll this misrepresentation took on him.
The argument in question occurred in 2019 and marked the most intense conflict between father and son since a similar confrontation 25 years earlier. At that time, Johnson had expressed his desire to follow in Rocky’s footsteps in professional wrestling, leading to a harsh rebuke from his father: “What do you think you possibly have to offer?” This history of strained communication is compounded by a childhood that involved frequent relocations and a father often absent due to his wrestling career.
Johnson described the most painful moment of his life, stemming from an eviction notice received when he was just 15. His mother, Ata Johnson, had sought help from Rocky, asking him to let Dwayne stay with him in Tennessee while she sorted out their situation in Hawaii. Johnson recalled the agony he felt witnessing his mother’s distress over their eviction. Although his father initially assured her that he had space for Dwayne, the reality was starkly different. Upon arriving in Nashville, Johnson discovered that his father was living with another woman.
“My heart hurts when I think about that,” Johnson reflected, recalling the moment his mother arrived only to find her husband had moved on. “That was it. Within five minutes it all just… It wasn’t even an explosion. It was just a — collapse,” he explained. This traumatic experience led him to take on the role of protector for his mother, who had faced significant emotional turmoil.
Johnson expressed disappointment in the content of his father’s memoir, stating that much of it was fictionalized. “If the truth is blue, the story is red,” he noted, highlighting the disconnect between his lived experience and the narrative presented in the book. He ultimately took action to have the memoir removed from bookstores.
In a poignant moment, Johnson learned of his father’s passing while driving to the set of his film Red Notice on the first day of shooting in 2020. Initially considering returning home, he decided to adhere to his father’s mantra that the “show must go on.” Reflecting on his father’s legacy at the funeral, Johnson recognized Rocky’s ability to forge strong friendships, particularly with notable wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Triple H. “Complicated husband. Complicated dad. But an awesome friend to everyone else,” he remarked.
When asked if he felt more like his father’s friend than his son, Johnson indicated that was not the case. “I wish. I think that my mum was my friend,” he said, underscoring the unique bond he shared with his mother. Today, Johnson is a father himself, raising three daughters: Simone, 24; Jasmine, 9; and Tiana, 7.
This reflective account sheds light on the complexities of familial relationships, revealing how personal struggles can shape one’s life and career. As Johnson continues his journey as both an actor and a father, he carries with him the lessons learned from his complicated past.
