Full Name: Dwayne Douglas Johnson
Nickname: The Rock
Birthdate: May 2, 1972
Birthplace: Hayward, California, USA
Occupation: Actor, Producer, Former Professional Wrestler
Years Active:
- Wrestling: 1996–2019 (part-time)
- Acting: 1999–present
Spouse: Lauren Hashian (m. 2019)
Children: 3
Early Life
Dwayne Johnson was born into a wrestling family. His father, Rocky Johnson, was a professional wrestler, and his maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia, was a Samoan wrestling icon. Growing up, Johnson lived in various places due to his father’s wrestling career.
In high school, Johnson excelled in sports, particularly football, and earned a full scholarship to the University of Miami. He played as a defensive lineman and was part of the 1991 Miami Hurricanes national championship team. However, injuries hindered his aspirations for a professional football career.
Career
Professional Wrestling (1996–2019)
Dwayne Johnson followed in his family’s footsteps by joining the wrestling world. He debuted in 1996 with WWE (then WWF) under the ring name “Rocky Maivia.” Initially struggling to win over fans, he rebranded himself as “The Rock,” a charismatic, trash-talking persona that made him one of the most popular wrestlers of all time.
Notable Wrestling Achievements:
- 10-time World Champion
- Intercontinental Champion
- Tag Team Champion
- Winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble
The Rock became a crossover star, known for his electrifying promos and catchphrases like “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?”
Acting Career (1999–Present)
Johnson transitioned to acting while still wrestling, making his film debut in The Mummy Returns (2001) as the Scorpion King. This led to his first leading role in The Scorpion King (2002).
Key Films:
- The Fast & Furious Franchise (2011–present)
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) & Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
- Moana (2016) – Voice of Maui
- Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
- Black Adam (2022)
Johnson is known for his action-packed roles but also excels in family-friendly and comedic films. His natural charisma and physical presence have made him one of Hollywood’s highest-paid and most bankable stars.
Business Ventures
- Seven Bucks Productions: Johnson co-founded this production company, which has produced several films and TV shows.
- Teremana Tequila: Launched in 2020, it became a popular premium tequila brand.
- Zoa Energy: A health-conscious energy drink brand.
Personal Life
Dwayne Johnson married singer-songwriter Lauren Hashian in 2019. They have two daughters, Tiana and Jasmine. Johnson also has an older daughter, Simone, from his first marriage to Dany Garcia, who remains his business partner and close friend.
Johnson is deeply connected to his Samoan heritage and was officially recognized as a Samoan chief in 2004.
Philanthropy
Johnson is known for his charitable work, including contributions to children’s hospitals, disaster relief, and support for military personnel. He founded the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation, focusing on at-risk youth.
Awards and Recognition
- Multiple Teen Choice Awards and People’s Choice Awards
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2017)
- Guinness World Record for selfies taken with fans (2015)
- Named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People multiple times
Legacy
Dwayne Johnson is celebrated for his inspiring journey from adversity to superstardom. With a unique combination of charisma, athleticism, and work ethic, he has become an icon in entertainment and a role model for resilience and positivity.
