The Rock Opens Up On His Complicated Bond With His Late Father

Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has shared an emotional reflection on his turbulent relationship with his late father, wrestling legend Rocky “Soulman” Johnson, revealing a story filled with both deep love and lingering conflict.

Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, Johnson admitted that while preparing for his latest role, he couldn’t look to his father for guidance when it came to tenderness.

“I don’t think my dad was an inspiration in terms of tenderness. That wasn’t really him,” Johnson said. “He was homeless by the age of 13, so his capacity for love was very limited — and that’s the man who raised me.”

The two famously had a falling out on Christmas Eve in 2019 after a heated phone argument. Tragically, they never reconciled before Rocky Johnson passed away in January 2020 at the age of 75.

Reflecting on the loss, Johnson confessed that regret still lingers:

“Man, I just wish I could hug him one more time, kiss him on the cheek, look him in the eyes and say, ‘We’re good.’ All that other stuff… it really doesn’t matter once they’re gone.”

Johnson recalled receiving the devastating call about his father’s death just days before he had to deliver his eulogy — a moment that forced him to confront the heavy burden of unresolved conflict.

Now, he urges others to make peace while there’s still time:

“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 rocky relationship, Johnson credits his father for instilling values that shaped his career and life:

“He taught me hard work and discipline — those two anchors have taken me so far. Some of the other stuff, I don’t want to repeat, but I thank him for those lessons too. Even with his limited capacity, he loved me with everything he had. I didn’t realize that until much later in life.”