Dwayne Douglas Johnson, commonly recognized as “The Rock,” is a dual citizen of America and Canada. He has worn multiple hats as an actor, producer, entrepreneur, retired professional wrestler, and ex-American football player. He wrestled professionally for the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE) for a span of eight years before venturing into the realm of acting. Johnson’s movies have collectively earned more than $3.5 billion in the United States and Canada, and over $10.5 billion globally, positioning him as one of the most financially successful actors ever.
Johnson’s athletic career commenced at the University of Miami, where he was part of the 1991 Miami Hurricanes football squad that clinched a national title. Following college, he played briefly for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL), but was released after just two months in the 1995 season. This turn of events led him to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Peter Maivia, and his father, Rocky Johnson, both of whom were professional wrestlers. Johnson acquired Canadian citizenship in 2009 through his father.
Initially introduced to the wrestling audience as “Rocky Maivia,” Johnson rose to widespread prominence in the WWF/E (currently WWE) between 1996 and 2004. He was a pivotal character during the company’s “Attitude Era” and holds the distinction of being the first third-generation wrestler in WWE’s history. Although he stepped back from full-time wrestling in 2004, he made a part-time comeback from 2011 to 2013 and still makes occasional appearances. His memoir, “The Rock Says…”, reached the top spot on The New York Times Best Seller list in the year 2000.
Johnson transitioned to acting in 2001, making his first appearance in “The Mummy Returns.” He has since been featured in a variety of successful movies such as “The Scorpion King” (2002), “Hercules” (2014), “Moana” (2016), “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017) and its follow-up “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019), “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” (2019), and “Jungle Cruise” (2021). He was also a main character in the HBO television series “Ballers,” which ran from 2015 to 2019. Known for his adaptability in both action and comedic roles, Johnson has been honored with multiple accolades, including two Teen Choice Awards and an NAACP Image Award.
