Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has opened up about his complex relationship with his late father, wrestling legend Rocky “Soulman” Johnson, describing their bond as one marked by both love and tension.

Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, Johnson admitted he could not draw on his father for tenderness while preparing for his latest role.

“I don’t think my dad was an inspiration in terms of tenderness. That wasn’t really him. He was homeless at 13, so his capacity for love was very limited — and that’s the man who raised me,” Johnson said.

The pair had a falling out on Christmas Eve 2019 after a heated phone call and were not on speaking terms when Rocky passed away in early 2020 at age 75.

Reflecting on their estrangement, Johnson confessed in a recent post that he often wishes he could have made peace:

“Man, I just wish I could hug him one more time, kiss him on the cheek and look him in the eyes and say, ‘We’re good.’ All that other stuff doesn’t matter when they’re gone.”

Johnson recalled receiving the devastating call about his father’s death just days before delivering his eulogy — an experience that forced him to confront the weight of unresolved conflict. He urged others not to wait:

“If your old man is still around, get uncomfortable, pull him aside and try to squash things. In the effort of trying, you reach a new place of love.”

Despite their rocky relationship, Johnson said he remains grateful for the values his father instilled in him:

“He taught me hard work and discipline — those two anchors have carried me far. Some of the other things I don’t want to repeat, but I thank him for those lessons too. Even with his limited capacity, he loved me with all he had. I didn’t realize that until much later in life.”