Monday, April 2, 2018

Dwayne Johson Reveals Battle with Depression, Mother's suicide attempt

Dwayne Johnson reveals battle with depression, mother's suicide attempt

Lisa France-Profile-Image
By Lisa Respers France, CNN
Updated 11:00 AM ET, Mon April 2, 2018
Sharing moments with his fans "will always be the best part of my job," said Johnson, here at a premiere for 2014's "Hercules."
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Sharing moments with his fans "will always be the best part of my job," said Johnson, here at a premiere for 2014's "Hercules."
Hide Caption
9 of 16
After hosting the "Christmas in Washington" concert in December 2014, Johnson posted on social media, "somewhere my arresting officer when I was a teen is shaking his head in disbelief. ... #ImOneGratefulMan."
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
After hosting the "Christmas in Washington" concert in December 2014, Johnson posted on social media, "somewhere my arresting officer when I was a teen is shaking his head in disbelief. ... #ImOneGratefulMan."
Hide Caption
10 of 16
Johnson's girlfriend, Lauren Hashian, gave birth to their daughter, Jasmine, in December. The proud papa advised on social media, "To all you young men out there who will be fathers one day, the goal of 'being better' will never steer you wrong."
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson's girlfriend, Lauren Hashian, gave birth to their daughter, Jasmine, in December. The proud papa advised on social media, "To all you young men out there who will be fathers one day, the goal of 'being better' will never steer you wrong."
Hide Caption
11 of 16
Johnson's hand- and footprints were immortalized in concrete outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in the leadup to his summer 2015 disaster movie, "San Andreas." He thanked idol Steven Spielberg and signed the concrete, "Blessed!"
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson's hand- and footprints were immortalized in concrete outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in the leadup to his summer 2015 disaster movie, "San Andreas." He thanked idol Steven Spielberg and signed the concrete, "Blessed!"
Hide Caption
12 of 16
Johnson stars alongside Rob Corddry on the HBO series "Ballers," in which he plays a football player-turned-financial manager. It became one of the network's most-watched comedies but was the subject of a copyright lawsuit.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson stars alongside Rob Corddry on the HBO series "Ballers," in which he plays a football player-turned-financial manager. It became one of the network's most-watched comedies but was the subject of a copyright lawsuit.
Hide Caption
13 of 16
"Throughout the years, throughout the ups and downs, I've realized that the most important thing that I could do with my daughter is lead our life with love," said Johnson, here with Simone and his mother, Ata. "Not success, not fame, not anything else but, 'I'm always here for you. I love you.' "
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
"Throughout the years, throughout the ups and downs, I've realized that the most important thing that I could do with my daughter is lead our life with love," said Johnson, here with Simone and his mother, Ata. "Not success, not fame, not anything else but, 'I'm always here for you. I love you.' "
Hide Caption
14 of 16
Johnson had members of the US military join him onstage at Spike's 2015 Guys Choice Awards, where he received the Hero Award. His special, "Rock the Troops," was to air in December 2016.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson had members of the US military join him onstage at Spike's 2015 Guys Choice Awards, where he received the Hero Award. His special, "Rock the Troops," was to air in December 2016.
Hide Caption
15 of 16
One of Johnson's many new projects is the Disney animated musical "Moana," in which he plays a demigod. The Polynesian-inspired film was released in November and has been a box-office hit.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
One of Johnson's many new projects is the Disney animated musical "Moana," in which he plays a demigod. The Polynesian-inspired film was released in November and has been a box-office hit.
Hide Caption
16 of 16
Many claim to be the "hardest-working man in show business," but few walk the walk like Dwayne Johnson. The man with the big guns and the million-watt smile has come a long way from his days as wrestling superstar The Rock. Here are some highlights from his career.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Many claim to be the "hardest-working man in show business," but few walk the walk like Dwayne Johnson. The man with the big guns and the million-watt smile has come a long way from his days as wrestling superstar The Rock. Here are some highlights from his career.
Hide Caption
1 of 16
Johnson played defensive tackle for the University of Miami Hurricanes in the early 1990s. "He was a specimen," teammate and future Hall of Famer Warren Sapp said. "He was the kind of guy you want your sister to date, because he was a nice guy."
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson played defensive tackle for the University of Miami Hurricanes in the early 1990s. "He was a specimen," teammate and future Hall of Famer Warren Sapp said. "He was the kind of guy you want your sister to date, because he was a nice guy."
Hide Caption
2 of 16
Johnson followed in the footsteps of his father, Rocky, and maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia, by becoming a professional wrestler in the late '90s. Holder of more than a dozen titles, the hugely popular Rock had only one question: "Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?"
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson followed in the footsteps of his father, Rocky, and maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia, by becoming a professional wrestler in the late '90s. Holder of more than a dozen titles, the hugely popular Rock had only one question: "Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?"
Hide Caption
3 of 16
Johnson married Dany Garcia in 1997; they had a daughter, Simone, in 2001 before divorcing in 2007. Garcia remains her ex-husband's manager and producing partner.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson married Dany Garcia in 1997; they had a daughter, Simone, in 2001 before divorcing in 2007. Garcia remains her ex-husband's manager and producing partner.
Hide Caption
4 of 16
2002's "Mummy" prequel "The Scorpion King" was Johnson's first leading role. It earned him a cool $5.5 million, which Fortune magazine said was believed to be the highest price tag at the time for a first-time star.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
2002's "Mummy" prequel "The Scorpion King" was Johnson's first leading role. It earned him a cool $5.5 million, which Fortune magazine said was believed to be the highest price tag at the time for a first-time star.
Hide Caption
5 of 16
Madame Tussauds wax museum showed that one can never have too many Rocks in 2002.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Madame Tussauds wax museum showed that one can never have too many Rocks in 2002.
Hide Caption
6 of 16
Johnson has successfully mixed action flicks with Disney movies such as the 2009 remake of "Race to Witch Mountain," here with AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig. His cab driver role even sparked a meme.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson has successfully mixed action flicks with Disney movies such as the 2009 remake of "Race to Witch Mountain," here with AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig. His cab driver role even sparked a meme.
Hide Caption
7 of 16
Johnson helped revitalize "The Fast and the Furious" franchise in 2011's "Fast Five." From left are director Justin Lin and co-stars Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, Elsa Pataky, Paul Walker, Gal Gadot and Johnson.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson helped revitalize "The Fast and the Furious" franchise in 2011's "Fast Five." From left are director Justin Lin and co-stars Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, Elsa Pataky, Paul Walker, Gal Gadot and Johnson.
Hide Caption
8 of 16
Sharing moments with his fans "will always be the best part of my job," said Johnson, here at a premiere for 2014's "Hercules."
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Sharing moments with his fans "will always be the best part of my job," said Johnson, here at a premiere for 2014's "Hercules."
Hide Caption
9 of 16
After hosting the "Christmas in Washington" concert in December 2014, Johnson posted on social media, "somewhere my arresting officer when I was a teen is shaking his head in disbelief. ... #ImOneGratefulMan."
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
After hosting the "Christmas in Washington" concert in December 2014, Johnson posted on social media, "somewhere my arresting officer when I was a teen is shaking his head in disbelief. ... #ImOneGratefulMan."
Hide Caption
10 of 16
Johnson's girlfriend, Lauren Hashian, gave birth to their daughter, Jasmine, in December. The proud papa advised on social media, "To all you young men out there who will be fathers one day, the goal of 'being better' will never steer you wrong."
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson's girlfriend, Lauren Hashian, gave birth to their daughter, Jasmine, in December. The proud papa advised on social media, "To all you young men out there who will be fathers one day, the goal of 'being better' will never steer you wrong."
Hide Caption
11 of 16
Johnson's hand- and footprints were immortalized in concrete outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in the leadup to his summer 2015 disaster movie, "San Andreas." He thanked idol Steven Spielberg and signed the concrete, "Blessed!"
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson's hand- and footprints were immortalized in concrete outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in the leadup to his summer 2015 disaster movie, "San Andreas." He thanked idol Steven Spielberg and signed the concrete, "Blessed!"
Hide Caption
12 of 16
Johnson stars alongside Rob Corddry on the HBO series "Ballers," in which he plays a football player-turned-financial manager. It became one of the network's most-watched comedies but was the subject of a copyright lawsuit.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson stars alongside Rob Corddry on the HBO series "Ballers," in which he plays a football player-turned-financial manager. It became one of the network's most-watched comedies but was the subject of a copyright lawsuit.
Hide Caption
13 of 16
"Throughout the years, throughout the ups and downs, I've realized that the most important thing that I could do with my daughter is lead our life with love," said Johnson, here with Simone and his mother, Ata. "Not success, not fame, not anything else but, 'I'm always here for you. I love you.' "
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
"Throughout the years, throughout the ups and downs, I've realized that the most important thing that I could do with my daughter is lead our life with love," said Johnson, here with Simone and his mother, Ata. "Not success, not fame, not anything else but, 'I'm always here for you. I love you.' "
Hide Caption
14 of 16
Johnson had members of the US military join him onstage at Spike's 2015 Guys Choice Awards, where he received the Hero Award. His special, "Rock the Troops," was to air in December 2016.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson had members of the US military join him onstage at Spike's 2015 Guys Choice Awards, where he received the Hero Award. His special, "Rock the Troops," was to air in December 2016.
Hide Caption
15 of 16
One of Johnson's many new projects is the Disney animated musical "Moana," in which he plays a demigod. The Polynesian-inspired film was released in November and has been a box-office hit.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
One of Johnson's many new projects is the Disney animated musical "Moana," in which he plays a demigod. The Polynesian-inspired film was released in November and has been a box-office hit.
Hide Caption
16 of 16
Many claim to be the "hardest-working man in show business," but few walk the walk like Dwayne Johnson. The man with the big guns and the million-watt smile has come a long way from his days as wrestling superstar The Rock. Here are some highlights from his career.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Many claim to be the "hardest-working man in show business," but few walk the walk like Dwayne Johnson. The man with the big guns and the million-watt smile has come a long way from his days as wrestling superstar The Rock. Here are some highlights from his career.
Hide Caption
1 of 16
Johnson played defensive tackle for the University of Miami Hurricanes in the early 1990s. "He was a specimen," teammate and future Hall of Famer Warren Sapp said. "He was the kind of guy you want your sister to date, because he was a nice guy."
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson played defensive tackle for the University of Miami Hurricanes in the early 1990s. "He was a specimen," teammate and future Hall of Famer Warren Sapp said. "He was the kind of guy you want your sister to date, because he was a nice guy."
Hide Caption
2 of 16
Johnson followed in the footsteps of his father, Rocky, and maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia, by becoming a professional wrestler in the late '90s. Holder of more than a dozen titles, the hugely popular Rock had only one question: "Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?"
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson followed in the footsteps of his father, Rocky, and maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia, by becoming a professional wrestler in the late '90s. Holder of more than a dozen titles, the hugely popular Rock had only one question: "Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?"
Hide Caption
3 of 16
Johnson married Dany Garcia in 1997; they had a daughter, Simone, in 2001 before divorcing in 2007. Garcia remains her ex-husband's manager and producing partner.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson married Dany Garcia in 1997; they had a daughter, Simone, in 2001 before divorcing in 2007. Garcia remains her ex-husband's manager and producing partner.
Hide Caption
4 of 16
2002's "Mummy" prequel "The Scorpion King" was Johnson's first leading role. It earned him a cool $5.5 million, which Fortune magazine said was believed to be the highest price tag at the time for a first-time star.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
2002's "Mummy" prequel "The Scorpion King" was Johnson's first leading role. It earned him a cool $5.5 million, which Fortune magazine said was believed to be the highest price tag at the time for a first-time star.
Hide Caption
5 of 16
Madame Tussauds wax museum showed that one can never have too many Rocks in 2002.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Madame Tussauds wax museum showed that one can never have too many Rocks in 2002.
Hide Caption
6 of 16
Johnson has successfully mixed action flicks with Disney movies such as the 2009 remake of "Race to Witch Mountain," here with AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig. His cab driver role even sparked a meme.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson has successfully mixed action flicks with Disney movies such as the 2009 remake of "Race to Witch Mountain," here with AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig. His cab driver role even sparked a meme.
Hide Caption
7 of 16
Johnson helped revitalize "The Fast and the Furious" franchise in 2011's "Fast Five." From left are director Justin Lin and co-stars Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, Elsa Pataky, Paul Walker, Gal Gadot and Johnson.
Photos: Rockrospective: Dwayne Johnson's career
Johnson helped revitalize "The Fast and the Furious" franchise in 2011's "Fast Five." From left are director Justin Lin and co-stars Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, Elsa Pataky, Paul Walker, Gal Gadot and Johnson.
Hide Caption
8 of 16

Story highlights

  • Dwayne Johnson said he's had dark times
  • His mother doesn't remember her suicide attempt, he said
(CNN)Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has revealed that times have been harder for him than fans know.
In an interview with "Express," the movie star talked of battling depression.
"Struggle and pain is real," he said. "I was devastated and depressed."
Johnson said he went through a dark period years ago when injuries ended his dreams of playing professional football.
He was released within a year of signing with the Canadian Football League and shortly after his then-girlfriend broke up with him, Johnson said.
Actor Dwayne Johnson and his mother Ata Johnson arrive at the AFI FEST 2016 Presented By Audi premiere of Disney's "Moana" at the El Capitan Theatre on November 14, 2016 in Hollywood, California.
Actor Dwayne Johnson and his mother Ata Johnson arrive at the AFI FEST 2016 Presented By Audi premiere of Disney's "Moana" at the El Capitan Theatre on November 14, 2016 in Hollywood, California.
But Johnson said the worst time came when he was a teenager and his mother, Ata Johnson, attempted suicide after they lost their apartment.
"She got out of the car on Interstate 65 in Nashville and walked into oncoming traffic," Johnson said. "I grabbed her and pulled her back on the gravel shoulder of the road."
The "Rampage" star says both he and his mother have gone on to find happiness, and she has blocked the memory of her then 15-year-old saving her from swerving cars and trucks.
"What's crazy about that suicide attempt is that to this day, she has no recollection of it whatsoever," he said. "Probably best she doesn't."
Johnson said he's now using their experiences to try and help others.
"We both healed but we've always got to do our best to pay attention when other people are in pain," he said. "We have to help them through it and remind them they are not alone."
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)