The Rock Opens Up About Powerful Lesson He Learned From His Father

The Rock recently opened up about a powerful lesson he learned from his father, the late Rocky Johnson. Speaking to Trevor Noah on his What Now? podcast, Johnson shared a story about his father's capacity for love that explains a lot about how he ended up raising Dwayne.

What happened?

Johnson's father, Rocky Johnson, was a tough man who demonstrated love in his own way. When Johnson was just 13, his father's father passed away, and a new boyfriend entered the picture. The boyfriend got drunk and urinated on the turkey during a holiday meal. Johnson's father, who was just 13 himself, grabbed a shovel and drew a line in the dirt, warning the boyfriend not to cross it. However, the boyfriend ignored the warning and crossed the line, resulting in a physical altercation.

Why it matters for The Rock

The story highlights Johnson's father's capacity for love, which was shaped by his own difficult childhood. Johnson's father was forced to leave the house at a young age, and this experience shaped his approach to parenting. Johnson notes that his father's tough love was a way of showing him that he cared, even if it didn't always feel like it.

What comes next?

Johnson's upbringing was marked by a tough, no-nonsense approach to life. He was often told to "get up, work through it, and be good." This approach was reflected in his father's love of wrestling, which he introduced to Johnson at a young age. Johnson's father would often take him to wrestling matches, where he would watch and learn.

Johnson's story is a powerful reminder that love can take many forms. While his father's approach may have been tough, it was ultimately a way of showing him that he cared. The Rock's story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of learning from our parents.

The Rock's father, Rocky Johnson, passed away in 2020.