Al Pacino opens up about drug and alcohol battle early in his career
Hollywood legend Al Pacino has opened up about his battle with drugs and alcohol early in his career
Pacino, 84, has shared his health struggles ahead of the release of his memoir Sonny Boy, out on October 15.
He reportedly began smoking and drinking at the age of nine, including marijuana at 13.
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Hollywood legend Al Pacino has opened up about his battle with drugs and alcohol early in his career. Getty
Two of his closest friends died from drug abuse at the ages of 19 and 30, leaving a lasting impact on him.
Pacino's own drugs and alcohol use seriously affected his health. He said he began resorting to drug and alcohol use to cope with the harsh spotlight of early fame.
"I started to forget things at a very young age — they called them blackouts, so I got nervous," he told People.
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Two of his closest friends died from drug abuse at the ages of 19 and 30. Century
"I went to AA for a while. It's a great place, but it was not for me," said Pacino, adding that he was supported by mentor and friend Charlie Laughton.
"That helped me," he added.
Pacino has maintained his sobriety for decades.
He also chronicled his brush with death during the pandemic when he contracted COVID-19.
"I fainted, and when I opened my eyes, there were six paramedics in my living room," he said. "I didn't have a pulse. Everybody thought I was dead."
Pacino has maintained his sobriety for decades. Getty
The Godfather star also spoke about fatherhood, and how becoming a dad "changed me for life."
Pacino has four children. His eldest is daughter Julie, 34, whose mother is acting coach Jan Tarrant. He and actress Beverly D'Angelo have 23-year-old twins Anton and Oliva. And in 2023 Pacino welcomed son Roman with his ex-girlfriend Noor Alfallah.
Pacino and co-star Robert De Niro attend The Godfather' 50th Anniversary Screening in 2022. Getty Images for Tribeca Festiva
"The idea that you're throwing your focus on other humans who happen to be your children … there's the love," he added.
Pacino said he decided it was time for a memoir, having spent the past 60 years starring in some of the most iconic movies of all time including The Godfather, Scarface, Scent of a Woman and Heat.
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Pacino with Lady Gaga and Jared Leto at the 'House Of Gucci' premiere in New York. Getty
"It was due," he told the publication. "I'm in my 85th year. When you get there and you start experiencing age, you understand why they do put things down.
"At least according to me, I've had quite a big life."
The book is named Sonny Boy after friends nicknamed him Sonny at an early age. Sonny is what his closest friends call him to this day.
In the memoir, Pacino traces his life from his childhood in New York's South Bronx to taking to the stage in his teenage years.
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