Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, is an American actor, businessman, and former professional wrestler born on May 2, 1972. He wrestled for WWE for eight years before pursuing an acting career. He is considered one of the best professional wrestlers of all time. His films have grossed more than $3.5 billion in North America and more than $10.5 billion globally, making him one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid performers in the world.

Childhood and Upbringing

On May 2, 1972, Johnson was born in Hayward, California, to Ata Johnson and Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles; 1944–2020), both former professional wrestlers. Johnson spent part of his childhood with his mother’s family in Grey Lynn, New Zealand, where he played rugby and attended Richmond Road Primary School before moving to the United States. 

Football Career

Johnson earned a national title in college football in 1991 with the University of Miami. He aspired to be a professional football player, but the 1995 NFL Draft left him undrafted. He signed with the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Calgary Stampeders but was cut after his first season. Johnson’s father, Rocky and maternal grandfather Peter Maivia were both professional wrestlers, and both were members of the Anoa’I family.

Acting Debut

Johnson’s first leading role was in the sword and sorcery film The Scorpion King (2002). He has since appeared in comedies The Game Plan (2007), Tooth Fairy (2010), and Central Intelligence (2016); action-adventure films Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013),; science-fiction films San Andreas (2015) and Rampage (2018); and the animated film Moana (2016). Beginning with Fast Five (2011), his portrayal as Luke Hobbs in the Fast & Furious movie has helped it become one of the highest-grossing film franchises. Johnson also appears in the Jumanji films, including Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). Black Adam will play in the next superhero film adaption.