How Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Overcame Depression and Family Tragedies

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson may be one of Hollywood's biggest action stars, but his journey to the top was marked long before his blockbusters by heartache, personal losses, and resilience. Over the years, he has spoken more openly about his mental health issues and continues to encourage men to seek help. Before becoming a global star, Johnson went through one of the toughest periods of his life after being released from the Canadian Football League following an injury and simultaneously going through a long-term relationship breakup. Speaking to the Express, he admitted that he had reached a point where he "didn't want to do anything or go anywhere" and described this time as his "absolute worst." Johnson also spoke openly about his family's issues. He recounted how at the age of 15, he saved his mother, Ata Johnson, from being hit by a car after she attempted suicide. Years later, he said this experience showed him the importance of reminding loved ones that they are "not alone." His first marriage to producer Dany Garcia also had lasting effects. Although the couple divorced in 2007 after ten years of marriage, they remained close business partners. Reflecting on the separation, Johnson told CNN that he had "made a lot of mistakes" and added that he now places immense value on the relationships in his life. After the sudden death of his father, wrestling legend Rocky Johnson, in 2020 at the age of 75, Johnson revealed that he never got to properly say goodbye, calling it one of the hardest moments of his life. Despite these personal tragedies, Johnson has had one of Hollywood's most remarkable careers. After rising to fame as a WWE superstar, he successfully transitioned into one of the industry's biggest box office draws with leading roles in hits like "Moana," the "Jumanji" series, and "The Smashing Machine."