The Rock’s Heartfelt Memories of His Late Father, Rocky
On Tuesday, Dwayne Johnson, the beloved 51-year-old movie star and professional wrestler, took a moment to address the questions that flooded his Instagram after his poignant tribute to his late father, Rocky, on what would’ve marked his 79th birthday.
Lessons from the Wrestling Ring to the Silver Screen
Dwayne, fondly known by fans as The Rock, reflected on the most pressing query he’s encountered: What was the greatest wisdom Rocky bestowed upon him during their time together? Evidently, the Black Adam actor credits his father for instilling in him the value of respect. “My dad taught me ‘respect is given when it’s earned, so get out there and earn it,'” Dwayne revealed, echoing Rocky’s motivational yet humorous tone, “Actually, he would say ‘so get your a– out there and earn it.’”
The actor went on to recall his early days, where even as a 5-year-old, his father’s persistence and discipline were evident as he nudged young Dwayne on the wrestling mats, ensuring he was always giving his best.
The Importance of Settling Differences
The actor also touched on the profound lesson about resolving conflicts, especially with loved ones. He reminisced about an argument he had with Rocky during Christmas of 2019. The tension lingered as the two were not on speaking terms until Rocky’s sudden demise in January 2020. This event serves as a heart-wrenching reminder for Dwayne. “I thought about him every day… I should have made a different decision. So he inadvertently taught me that lesson.”
Dwayne’s Instagram caption further drove the point home, advising followers, “Get above the emotion, get face to face and take care of the issue. When you’re face to face, there’s nothing you can’t solve and take care of.”
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The Raw Reality of Loss and Redemption
Since the tragic loss of Rocky in 2020, Dwayne has been candid about their relationship’s dynamics. On a Father’s Day post, he expressed the intricate emotions that accompany the day, especially for those mourning their fathers. He warned of the regret that can accompany unresolved relationships, stating, “Do your best to reconcile because the alternative is something could happen and all of a sudden you’re writing the eulogy for your dad’s funeral.”
He went on to urge those with unresolved issues with their fathers to take that step towards reconciliation, sharing his belief that “all our dads [who are] up in heaven are looking down on us now. Hopefully, they’re proud of what they see.”
Searching for Silver Linings
Dwayne’s tribute to his father highlighted the indomitable spirit his father embodied. Reflecting on his father’s teachings, he shared, “Days are tough, life is hard. Get used to it.” Rocky’s enduring perspective that “a day without pain is like a day without sunshine” left a profound impact on Dwayne. Closing his tribute, Dwayne expressed, “I think about you often. The lessons. The stuff. I love you, happy heavenly birthday and I’ll see you down the road, Soulman.”
As Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it’s evident that the lessons and memories of his father, Rocky, play an integral role in shaping the man and icon we’ve come to love.
Source: People
