Why Dwayne Johnson Changed Outlook on Complex Relationship With Dad ｜ Golden Globes 2026

How long have you been wanting to show audiences this more dramatic, vulnerable side of you? That's a great question. And to be honest with you, it was really less about showing other people this side of me and more so doing it for myself and wanting to challenge myself in ways. I've had this incredible career that I've been so lucky to have. We all work hard. We want to put out the best work. But, you know, this smashing machine, I wanted something that was going to challenge me. I wanted something that made me uncomfortable. And I hadn't been uncomfortable in some time, to be honest with you. Again, the movies are hard work, but it was uncomfortable. And I also wanted to challenge myself. And I also wanted this story stuck with me because it was so personal. Over the past decade and a half, I've lost 15 friends to addiction and to suicide. And in a way, the smashing machine was a love letter to them and also a love letter to those who are still here, but still fighting. And if you're struggling with addiction, struggling with mental health, or if you love someone who's struggling with addiction like I did, then stay in the fight, because on the other side of that struggle is some sort of grace. Hey, man, so true and so beautifully said. I mean, you brought up the fact that this was challenging, that this is uncomfortable for you. With what you shared, I can imagine a lot of people might imagine or understand why. Is that the case? What would you say was the most uncomfortable part of diving into this character in this world for you? We need tequila for that. Okay, wait, no tequila today, Dwayne. The most, I would say the most uncomfortable thing, well, I think was probably, I thought I was an empathetic guy before the film. I care for people, and I want people to do well. What the film pushed me to do was to be radically empathetic to those who are struggling, because I had a complicated relationship with the human being who struggled with addiction, and that's my dad. And I had a complicated relationship with him, and I met yours. You did. Joe, hi, Dan. Hi, Valencia. My mom always gets the shout, or my dad always gets the shout out. Shout to your mom, too, as well. But I had a complicated relationship with my dad. He's no longer here, and he struggled with his addictions. So through this film, I learned a deeper level of empathy for people who are out there who are struggling. And by the way, may we all have that deeper level of empathy for people out there who are struggling, because it reminds me of my favorite quote, one of my favorite quotes, which is, hey, do you know who's really going through it right now? Everyone. Everyone's going through something. Be gentle. Be kind. Be empathetic. That's right. I can talk to you all day about this. They're going to make me stop. It was so good to see you. Congratulations on the nomination. Thank you so much. Truly. Thank you, Dwayne. Good luck. Great interview. Thank you, and I love talking to you. Good luck tonight.