The legendary actor recently discussed his life as a father while promoting his new memoir, Sonny Boy, in an interview with the BBC.
“I want to be around for this child. And I hope I am,” Pacino shared. “I hope I stay healthy, and he knows who his dad is, of course.”
Pacino humorously mentioned that he even “texts” his son “from time to time” and enjoys the little interactions they have, adding that he plays the harmonica during video chats with Roman. Roman’s mother, movie producer Noor Alfallah, is no longer with Pacino, but the two remain connected through their son.
When asked why he wrote the memoir, Pacino confessed to some reservations. “I’m sort of regretting it,” he admitted. He explained that he had previously declined to write a memoir but felt enough had happened in his life to make it interesting for readers.
Al Pacino on ‘The Godfather’ and Robert De Niro
Pacino also revealed that his iconic role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather nearly went to his close friend, Robert De Niro. Reflecting on the early days of filming, Pacino shared that rumors circulated about his potential firing due to performance concerns. Director Francis Ford Coppola helped him secure the role, including moving a crucial scene up to showcase Pacino’s talent.
The memorable restaurant scene, where Michael kills a mafia kingpin and a corrupt cop, cemented Pacino’s place in film history. Coppola showed this scene to the studio, and it convinced everyone that Pacino was the right fit for the role. “When they looked at it, something was there,” Pacino wrote in his memoir.
‘Scarface’ and Hip-Hop’s Influence
Another highlight of Pacino’s career is his role as Tony Montana in Scarface, a film that has since become a cultural classic. Pacino credits the hip-hop community for its lasting legacy, saying, “It was the hip-hop community that embraced it and were able to see the story in there.”
From The Godfather to Scarface, Pacino’s career has spanned decades, with each iconic role further solidifying his legendary status in Hollywood. Despite this, the actor’s current focus is enjoying his new chapter as a father, while reflecting on his remarkable journey in both film and life.
show less
