Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may just be the most likeable guy in show business. The college football player, turned WWE wrestler, turned Hollywood heavyweight, was recently named by Forbes as the world’s highest paid actor.
Of the actor, Forbes writes:
“Rock-solid box office numbers helped the erstwhile wrestler become the world’s highest-paid actor. Since helping launch the billion-dollar Fast and Furious franchise and leading 2015’s “San Andreas” to a surprising $473 million worldwide, Dwayne Johnson has become Hollywood’s go-to action hero.”
But don’t think for a single second that this news has gone to the superstar’s head. Johnson has long been open about his history with poverty and struggles with depression. He shared his deep gratitude at his new status with his impressive social following.
“I was evicted at 14yrs old and completely broke by 23,” Johnson notes in an Instagam post celebrating his placement on Forbes’ list. “Every day I wake up as if that eviction notice is right around the corner waiting for me.. which is why I always say, ‘the wolf is always scratchin’ at the door’. He’s scratchin’ cause he’s hungry and never satisfied.”
In a video shared on Oprah’s OWN network in 2015, Johnson also shares how depression made him “feel like you’re alone,” additionally telling those watching to “hold on to that fundamental value of faith.”
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Since fatefully being cut from the Canadian Football League and his first professional wrestling appearance in 1997, Johnson has racked up nearly 100 acting credits on his IMBD page, including his appearances in the Fast and Furious franchise and his upcoming roles in Baywatch, Jumanji and Shazam! Johnson appears to have no plans of slowing down, even with total earnings of more than $64 million.
“Receiving news like this will always serve as my anchoring reminder to continue to work even harder,” he says in his post. “We not only want to ‘embrace the grind’, but take the grind to new levels.”
Johnson could certainly take all the credit for his own success. As Forbes writes, the star often takes promoting his films, television show and appearances into his own hands, never relying on a PR company. But still, in his post Johnson took a moment to note, “Greatness is never achieved alone. Surround yourself with hungry, brilliant individuals who not only buy into your philosophy, but who are all willing to work just as hard as you. Power of teamwork.”
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With four films slated for release in 2017, 59 million Instagram followers, 10 million loyal Twitter fans, and more than 56 million invested Facebook friends, all waiting with baited breath to hear what’s next for the star and where they can buy tickets, his influence on pop culture doesn’t look like it will fade any time soon. Perhaps now he can ignore the wolf pawing at his door, at least for a little while. Check out his full Instagram post below.
