Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently opened up about his career when he spoke with the LA Times during promotion of Moana:
On having trouble getting roles early in his career: “When I first got into the business, I didn’t have studios knocking on my door. I couldn’t greenlight anything. So I made a vow and a pact to myself that I was going to understand the business from top to bottom. I’m new to acting, therefore, who are the best coaches? Who are the studio executives I should know so I can understand how the business works on the marketing and publicity side, on the production side? I really wanted to be a sponge and I didn’t give a [damn] if it was overwhelming. Bring it on. I got one shot at this.”
On using social media to listen to fans: “I’m on everything all day. I’m doing my best. Because here’s the thing. When I was wrestling in flea markets and fairs and used car dealerships in front of 150 people, getting paid $40 a night, I developed a skill to listen. When those 150 people would respond to something, it was like, ‘Let’s go in that direction more.’ I think developing that has helped me.”
On deciding to be himself after he tried to conform to a typical ‘leading man’ image:“And then it hit me: I’m not being authentic. I’m really not being me. I like going to the gym. I like driving my pickup truck and maybe I don’t want to live in Hollywood. Maybe I want to live in Florida in the country. Maybe I don’t want to wear a suit. I love wrestling and I love going back and being with the fans even if I don’t wrestle anymore. I’m that guy.”