Al Pacino, 84, recently discussed the challenges of fame during an interview with Dermot O’Leary on his BBC 2 Radio show. Despite his tremendous success in Hollywood, including an Oscar win for his role in 1992’s Scent of a Woman, Pacino has always struggled with the discomfort and unease that comes with fame. He shared that he has had moments where he was embarrassed by his success and has sought therapy to cope with the pressures of being a public figure.
Pacino recounted instances where he deliberately avoided attending award ceremonies, leading to speculation that he felt he deserved more recognition. He admitted that he was afraid of the spotlight, especially during his early days in the industry. Even before gaining widespread fame, he found himself feeling out of place and overwhelmed by the attention. This discomfort with public recognition has been a recurring theme throughout his career, as he has often preferred to keep a low profile and focus on his craft rather than the glamour of Hollywood.
While Pacino has achieved critical acclaim for his performances in iconic films like The Godfather and The Irishman, he has confessed that he had more fun in his younger years as an actor. He described the process of making films as tedious and often not very enjoyable, despite the accolades he has received. To pass the time on set, he enjoys watching YouTube and TikTok videos, particularly ones about rescue dogs and heartwarming stories. Despite the challenges of fame, Pacino continues to pursue meaningful roles in projects like his upcoming portrayal of King Lear.
In his personal life, Pacino has recently been in a relationship with 30-year-old Noor Alfallah, with whom he shares a son named Roman. The couple celebrated Noor’s 30th birthday at a star-studded bash, where Pacino was seen looking happy and affectionate towards his girlfriend. Pacino also has three older children from previous relationships, including a daughter with ex Jan Tarrant and twins with ex Beverly D’Angelo. Despite the complexities of his personal and professional life, Pacino remains dedicated to his craft and continues to push himself as an actor in order to deliver powerful performances on screen.
As one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, Pacino’s candid reflections on fame shed light on the challenges that come with being in the public eye. His experiences with therapy and self-reflection highlight the importance of mental health and self-care, especially for individuals who face intense scrutiny and pressure in their careers. Despite his reservations about fame, Pacino remains committed to his craft and continues to captivate audiences with his talent and versatility. Whether on screen or on stage, Pacino’s legacy as a cinematic icon is rooted in his dedication to his art and his ability to bring depth and complexity to the characters he portrays.
