Dwayne Johnson

"The Rock"

Since his break out roles in Universal Pictures’ The Mummy Returns and The Scorpion King, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has firmly established himself as an enduringly popular film star. Johnson recently starred in Sony Pictures Gridiron Gang as a correctional facility counselor who forms a football team of young criminals, inspiring them to achieve great things. His next movie is the Disney family comedy The Game Plan opening this fall. He is currently in production on Get Smart, a comedy with Warner Bros in which he co-stars with Steve Carell.

The actor previously demonstrated his range, earning kudos from critics and audiences alike, as a gay bodyguard and an aspiring singer in Be Cool, MGM’s sequel to Get Shorty, alongside John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Vince Vaughn. Also for MGM, Johnson starred in the 2004 remake of Walking Tall as a sheriff who returns to his hometown after serving in the Army, only to find it corrupt. Before that, Johnson starred in Universal’s The Rundown, a critically acclaimed action/comedy co-starring Sean William Scott, Rosario Dawson, and Christopher Walken. That role solidified his action hero status and screen presence in the wake of The Scorpion King.

Born in San Francisco and raised in Hawaii, Dwayne Johnson excelled as a high school All-American and star defensive lineman for the University of Miami hurricanes, helping lead his team over huge hurdles to become National Champions. After a stint in the Canadian Football league, a shoulder injury made him consider a different career. Johnson soon became a third-generation professional wrestler, following the careers of his father, Rocky Johnson, and his grandfather, Samoan high Chief Peter Maivia. In 1996, he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later rebranded as World Wrestling entertainment (WWe), working his way through the ranks and developing the charismatic and sympathetic character of The Rock. In the ring, Johnson became heralded as “The People’s Champion” and went on to earn a record as a seven-time league champion.

His eventual love of acting and desire to branch out led him to appear on Saturday Night Live in March 2000, surprising many with his strength in the comedic ring and garnering the show’s highest rating that year. Johnson was subsequently cast by Stephen Sommers in The Mummy Returns, which grossed more than $400 million worldwide. his character was so well received by Universal executives during dailies that they immediately planned a film based on his character. The Scorpion King, broke all box office records in 2002 with the biggest April opening of all time.

Not content to remain in front of the camera alone, Johnson penned an autobiography, The Rock Says, which became #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List shortly after its publication in January 2000. A devoted husband and father, Johnson resides in Florida with his wife, Dany, and daughter, Simone Alexandra.

The Rock Foundation

Mission Statement
The Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation creates a platform of hope and possibility for children nationwide by providing programs designed to enrich and empower the lives and self-esteem of underserved, at-risk youth and children hospitalized for medical disabilities, disorders, and illnesses.

We serve a variety of children ranging from infancy to twenty-two years of age.
Our goal is to make every child smile.

For more information on the Rock Foundation, visit: www.djrockfoundation.org.

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