Dwayne Johnson Opens Up About Traumatic Childhood and Fear of Change in New Interview

Dwayne Johnson said he still feels fear when life changes. He spoke about his past during a new interview released this week. The talk came as he promoted The Smashing Machine at the Venice International Film Festival. His story drew wide attention as it showed the pain behind his rise.

The actor said his childhood was hard and filled with sudden moves. He linked those memories to the emotional scenes in his new film. He also said they shaped how he sees success today.

Dwayne Johnson Shares How His Past Shaped His Fear of Change

Johnson told CBS Sunday Morning that he grew up in small homes, trailer parks, and cheap apartments. He said eviction notices were a normal part of life. According to CBS and Reuters, he explained that these early shocks made him fear leaving his comfort zone later.

He said success brought comfort but also a quiet fear. He worried that change might send him back to the life he once lived. He added that his mind often told him to “stay safe” and “not rock the boat.”

Johnson said the role in The Smashing Machine brought old memories back. He recalled the day he came home at age 15 and saw an eviction notice on the door. He remembered his mother crying. He also remembered being sent to Nashville to live with his father, only to be met by a stranger at the airport.

These memories helped him understand the feelings behind the character he played. But he said he needed to remind himself that his life is stable now. He said he did not want to get trapped in old pain again.

How the Actor Found Support on Set

Johnson said he spoke often with co-star Emily Blunt during filming. He said she pushed him to stop holding back and face the role with full emotion. He said these talks helped him move through scenes that felt heavy.

The actor is now one of the most successful stars in Hollywood. Reports from high‑authority sources such as AP and BBC note he earns from major franchises like Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and WWE. Celebrity Net Worth estimates he is now worth more than $800 million.

The Smashing Machine is directed by Ben Safdie. The cast includes Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk. The film has earned strong interest since its debut.

Dwayne Johnson says his traumatic childhood still shapes his life today. He also says he is learning to face change with more courage. His story adds new depth to his role and his public image.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Dwayne Johnson say about his childhood?

He said his childhood was traumatic and unstable. He moved often and faced evictions. These memories still affect him today.

Q2: Why does Dwayne Johnson fear change?

He said success brought comfort after years of hardship. He fears change because it reminds him of losing stability in the past.

Q3: How did The Smashing Machine affect him?

The film made him revisit painful memories. It pushed him to confront emotions he had held back. He said the role felt heavier than his usual work.

Q4: Who supported him during filming?

Emily Blunt encouraged him to face the role bravely. He said her advice helped him push through emotional scenes.

Q5: What is his current net worth?

Trusted reports say he is worth more than $800 million. He earns from films, franchises, and business ventures.