Dwayne Douglas Johnson, commonly known as The Rock, was born on May 2, 1972 in Hayward, California. He is the son of Ata Johnson (born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles). His father, from Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada, is black (of Black Nova Scotian origin), while his mother is of Samoan background (her own father was Peter Fanene Maivia, also a professional wrestler). While growing up, Dwayne traveled around a lot with his parents and saw his father compete in the ring. Dwayne started playing football when he was still in high school, and he quickly earned a full scholarship to attend the University of Miami, where he went on to achieve a great deal of success as a football player. In 1995, Dwayne sustained a back injury that prevented him from playing in the National Football League. After that, he signed a contract with the Canadian League that was for three years, but he quit after just one year in order to pursue a career in wrestling.

Prior to embarking on a career in acting, he wrestled for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, which would eventually become WWE) for a period of eight years. Because his films have earned a total of US$3.5 billion in North America and US$10.5 billion globally, he is considered to be one of the highest-paid Hollywood actors.

Awards

Social Celebrity of the Year Nominee 2024 / People's Choice Award