2016’s highest paid male actor, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, has been at the centre of celebrity news all year, and it appears that he’s on a mission to up his already-high level of success.
The Baywatch hunk was born ‘Dwayne Douglas Johnson’ in Hayward, California, in 1972. Ascending from humble beginnings, Dwayne had a rocky start at life and was a skinny teen who dreamed of becoming a professional athlete – and that’s exactly what he did.
Famously known as WWE’s ‘The Rock’, he etched his name in the wrestling history books and went on to dominate in other fields too. Coming a long way from his film debut in The Mummy Returns, Dwayne’s acting abilities have grown to be powerful and effortless, whilst he recently displayed his musical talents in Disney’s Moana. Commonly cast as the ‘muscle-head’ or cop, Dwayne has broken out of the action movie mould and taken on softer, more playful roles in films such as The Game Plan and The Tooth Fairy. His recent celebrity elevation comes as no surprise, as he has become a much-loved member of the Fast and Furious franchise, taking his reputation as an all-rounder to new heights.
In honour of his rising success in the entertainment industry, we’re taking a closer look at the incredible Dwayne Johnson.
Believe it or not but wrestling runs in his blood, as his father Rocky Johnson was also a wrestler when Dwayne was growing up. With all that muscle and testosterone, there’s no wondering why Dwayne is able to complete most of the stunts he’s required to do in films.
As an adolescent, Dwayne unfortunately failed to be drafted by the NFL in the United States. He then went on to graduate with a degree in physiology and criminology.
Owing to his success as a pro athlete, Dwayne is the leading brand ambassador for a renowned workout gear brand known as Under Armour.
His latest sensation, Ballers, is an American comedy-drama TV series that has grown to be quite popular and is produced by fellow gym enthusiast, Mark Wahlberg.
He is an avid family man, raising two beautiful daughters named Simone Alexandra and Jasmine Johnson.
Dwayne believes in giving back to the community. He is a spokesman for the National AfterSchool Association, which focuses on empowering young children and fostering their development. He also launched the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation, which aims to help children with disabilities, disorders and debilitating injuries.
*If you’re interested in shopping the Rock’s favourite brand, Under Armour, items are available at selected Totalsports stores.