Al Pacino Embraces Fatherhood at 84

Al Pacino, the legendary star often referred to as one of the greatest actors of all time, is experiencing the joy of fatherhood once again at the age of 84. The actor, famed for iconic roles in classics such as *The Godfather*, *Scarface*, and *Scent of a Woman*, recently opened up about becoming a father for the fourth time last year to his son Roman, who is now 16 months old.

Pacino's Reflections on Family and Autobiography

In a candid interview at a Beverly Hills hotel, Pacino reflected on his life and the surprising realization that, despite his star status, he has never played the role of a godfather in real life. “I’m not convinced,” he said with a chuckle, hinting at how little he has been asked about participating in such roles. But as he dives into his new autobiography, *Sonny Boy*, named affectionately after his mother's nickname for him, it's clear that his perspective on family has evolved.

The book serves not only as a memoir but as a legacy for his son, a way for Roman to learn about his father's remarkable journey. “I want to be around for this child. And I hope I am,” he expressed warmly, emphasizing the importance of being a part of Roman's life, despite being distanced from the boy's mother, Noor Alfallah.

Father-Son Dynamics in the Digital Age

Pacino admits that his father-son interactions are largely virtual at the moment, with Roman sometimes texting him. “Everything he does is real. Everything he does is interesting to me,” he shares, explaining how they keep in touch by playing the harmonica together through video calls.

Memories of His Career and Hollywood

Friends and colleagues have quizzed Pacino about his decision to write a memoir, and while he harbors some regret about the undertaking, he felt that the time was right. He reflects fondly on his childhood, sharing candid stories from his upbringing in New York's South Bronx, as well as revisiting his celebrated cinematic milestones.

With over five decades since the release of *The Godfather*, Pacino shared tales of how close he came to being replaced during filming. Initially deemed to be underperforming, it was a pivotal scene that showcased his character Michael Corleone's transformation that ultimately solidified his iconic status. Pacino humorously speculated on which actor might have taken over his role had he been fired, jokingly suggesting Robert De Niro.

Reflecting on Career Ups and Downs

Despite experiencing ups and downs in his career, such as the mixed reception of *The Godfather Part III*, Pacino holds fond memories of his roles, especially in *Scarface*. The film's evolution from box office failure to cult classic showcases the unique impact of cinema, with Pacino attributing much of its resurgence to its adoption by the hip-hop community.

Pacino's Views on Modern Hollywood

Amidst discussions of the current Hollywood landscape, Pacino remains optimistic about the future of cinema, even as attendance figures wane. He firmly believes that filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Francis Ford Coppola will continue to preserve the sacred art of storytelling on the big screen.

He even casually addressed the rise of AI in the industry, expressing trust in his family to manage his likeness in the future. “I don’t care about that,” he remarked, indicating a relaxed attitude toward his legacy posthumously.

Current Interests and Ambitions

As for his current viewing interests, Pacino recently enjoyed the second season of Netflix's *Monster*, and he continues to admire younger talents in Hollywood, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Adam Driver. On a lighter note, he humorously revealed that Jamie Foxx is the best chess player among actors, while also displaying a playful side by sporting a Shrek phone case for his daughter.

Desire for Recognition

Surprisingly, Pacino also confided that he has never received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, something he expressed an interest in. “Oh yeah. Sure,” he said when asked if he would want such an honor, reaffirming that even at 84, he still harbors ambitions and dreams in Hollywood.

Upcoming Projects

*Sonny Boy* by Al Pacino is now available, and a one-hour special of his interview will air on BBC 2 on October 25 at 21:00 BST.