Fatherhood at 84

At 84 years old, Al Pacino has taken on a new role—fatherhood. Known for his legendary performances in iconic films like The Godfather, Scarface, and The Irishman, the actor recently shared his thoughts on becoming a new dad to a son named Roman, who is now 16 months old.

Motivation Behind Autobiography

Sitting in a luxurious Beverly Hills hotel, Pacino revealed that his journey into fatherhood has been a strong motivating factor behind his newly released autobiography, Sonny Boy. The book, named after the nickname given to him by his mother, aims to document his life experiences and provide his son the chance to understand who his father is.

Desire to Stay Healthy

“I want to be around for this child. And I hope I am,” Pacino expressed, revealing his desire to stay healthy and engaged in Roman's life. Although he is no longer with Roman's mother, producer Noor Alfallah, the two are co-parenting, with Pacino maintaining contact via text and video calls. “Everything he does is real. Everything he does is interesting to me. So, we talk. It’s fun,' he stated.

Reflection on His Career

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Pacino acknowledged the profound impact of films like The Godfather, which has significantly shaped his life and career. The film, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, almost saw Pacino replaced early on due to concerns about his performance. However, a pivotal scene shifted everything, allowing him to showcase the talent that would ultimately define his legacy.

Regrets and Joys

As he looks back on his career, he's also openly discussed his regrets regarding the memoir. Although he had previously declined offers to write about his life, he felt that enough had happened worth sharing. Revisiting his Jersey roots and his celebrated roles has brought immense joy, and he finds especial pride in Scarface, which evolved into a beloved cult classic over time, particularly among the hip-hop community.

Optimism About Cinema's Future

Despite the changing landscape of Hollywood, with box office ticket sales dropping significantly over the past decade, Pacino remains optimistic about the future of cinema. He expressed a steadfast belief that theaters will continue to thrive, attributing this in part to the efforts of influential directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino.

Candid Conversations

In a candid conversation, he addressed modern concerns surrounding artificial intelligence in filmmaking, asserting that he trusts his children will manage his legacy after he’s gone.

Humor and Authenticity

Moreover, the Hollywood legend revealed a more personal side during the interview. From humorous anecdotes about his experiences during the pandemic to his unexpected revelation of being “out of money” due to financial oversight, Pacino showcased his warmth and authenticity. He has also been a fan of younger actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Adam Driver, expressing admiration for their work.

Playful Nature

Additionally, while he humorously shared insight into his past chess games with Jamie Foxx and his decision to stick with a Shrek-themed phone case for the sake of his daughter, Pacino’s playful nature shone through. It highlighted that despite his serious acting roots, he enjoys light-hearted moments in his life.

Walk of Fame Omission

Interestingly, Pacino also noted a glaring omission in his accolades: he doesn’t have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When asked about it, he expressed surprise and enthusiasm, suggesting that he wouldn’t mind being recognized in such a way.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Al Pacino remains a vibrant figure in Hollywood, continuously evolving while cherishing the roles that life presents to him, including that of a doting father. Anyone interested in this legend's incredible stories and deep insights into his life will find Sonny Boy a compelling read.

Watch the Special Interview

Don't miss the one-hour special interview airing on BBC 2 on October 25 at 21:00 BST, where more of Pacino's captivating journey will be revealed!