Al Pacino rose from humble beginnings to become an enduring figure in the international film industry. His childhood was mostly rough following his parents’ divorce when he was just two years old and his mother’s death in his early 20s. He was smoking and drinking at the tender age of nine and struggled with drug abuse to deal with the early onset of fame after his success in the first installment of The Godfather trilogy. Against all odds, Pacino is considered one of his era’s greatest and most influential actors.
In a career that has spanned several decades, the Hollywood icon has received numerous prestigious awards, including one Academy Award, Four Golden Globe Awards, and two Tony Awards. Playing Michael Corleone in the 1972 mafia masterpiece, The Godfather may have put his name on the map but Al Pacino began with minor roles on stage and screen. After his breakout role in Francis Ford Coppola‘s The Godfather, and its sequel The Godfather Part II (1974), Pacino cemented his position as one of the best actors in Hollywood with more stellar performances. Other notable projects under his belt include Serpico (1973), The Godfather Part III (1990), Scent of a Woman (1992), The Devil’s Advocate (1997), and Insomnia (1997) to mention a few.
1. To Avoid Being Typecast, Al Pacino Considered Changing His Name
Originally named Alfredo James Pacino, Al Pacino was born into a Sicilian Italian-American home in the East Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Growing up, his childhood friends called him Sony, a nickname he picked up as a teenager. Subsequently, he considered changing his Italian name to Sony Scott early in his acting career to avoid being typecast. Nevertheless, he continued with his Italian name which became a household name.
2. Al Pacino Faced Rejection In His Formative Years
As a struggling actor in his budding days, studio heads frequently refused to consider Al Pacino for acting roles. The Godfather producers were not left out. They described him as “that midget Pacino” and didn’t want him in the film. However, director Coppola saw beyond his physical attributes and fought for him. The Godfather became the breakthrough Coppola and Pacino needed. Pacino’s performance as Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974) ranks #11 on the American Film Institute’s 100 Heroes & Villains.
3. Al Pacino Has Never Been Married
While he has been in several high-profile relationships, none has led to marriage. Al Pacino was in an unstable relationship with his The Godfather co-star Diane Keaton but they went their separate ways after the last film in the trilogy. One of his longest relationships was with Argentine actress Lucila Polak whom he dated from 2008 to 2018. Other women romantically linked to Pacino include Jan Tarrant, Beverly D’Angelo, Noor Alfallah, Jill Clayburgh, Penelope Ann Miller, and Tuesday Weld. Alfallah is over 50 years younger than him.
4. He Became a Dad For The Fourth Time At 83
Al Pacino had his first child Julie Marie in 1989 with acting coach Jan Tarrant. He welcomed twins Anton James (son) and Olivia Rose (daughter) in 2001 at age 60 with actress Beverly D’Angelo. On June 15, 2023, The Godfather star became a father for the fourth time when his 29-year-old girlfriend, Noor Alfallah, delivered a son named Roman Pacino. Welcoming his fourth child at 83 makes Pacino one of the oldest fathers on record, joining the likes of Robert De Niro who became a father for the seventh time at age 79.
5. He Turned Down The Role Of Han Solo in Star Wars
Following his groundbreaking success in The Godfather, Al Pacino was offered the role of Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) which he rejected. The role went to Harrison Ford who gained international for his performance. Pacino also rejected Francis Ford Coppola‘s offer to play Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now (1979). The film became a critical and commercial success, winning several awards.
6. Before Acting, Al Pacino Did Several Odd Jobs
Al Pacino left home after his mother disagreed with his decision to attend the High School of Performing Arts. Consequently, he was often broke and homeless, sleeping on the streets, in theaters, or at his friends’. In the years leading to his career breakthrough, Al Pacino worked as a messenger, janitor, shoe salesman, busboy, supermarket checker, shoe shiner, furniture mover, and postal clerk to make ends meet. He was once an usher at Carnegie Hall and did stand-up comedy early in his career.
7. Al Pacino Has Achieved The Triple Crown Of Acting
In a career spanning several decades, Al Pacino has received several awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, one Academy Award, and two Tony Awards. This puts him in the league of a few actors who have attained the coveted Triple Crown of Acting (winning Emmy, Tony, and Academy awards). Others include Melvyn Douglas, Paul Scofield, Jack Albertson, and Christopher Plummer. While he is heavily decorated with awards and recognition, it hasn’t been a walk in the park for Pacino. It took him 21 years to win his first Academy Award after his first nomination. He has also won four Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards with several honors. Here are 19 photos of young Al Pacino you’ve probably never seen.
