When we were all buzzing about Al Pacino's iconic performance as Michael Corleone in the 1972 masterpiece The Godfather, Al himself was navigating the uncharted waters of sudden fame. At the height of his success, he was searching for a therapist to help him cope with the whirlwind of attention. "It’s a massive adjustment," he revealed recently on The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast. "I went through a lot during those years. Therapy became a constant in my life—five days a week for 25 years."
From Mobster to Therapist's Couch
After The Godfather hit theaters, everyone wanted a piece of Al Pacino. The now 79-year-old actor was suddenly in high demand. To manage the overwhelming stress, he turned to his director friend, the legendary Lee Strasberg, for guidance. Lee, who played Hyman Roth in The Godfather Part II, offered some sage advice: "Darling, you simply have to adjust." But as Al explained, that adjustment was far from simple. "It's not as easy as it sounds," he admitted. Over the years, Al rode the wave of success, earning two Academy Award nominations for his unforgettable performances in the Godfather franchise, which concluded in 1990 with The Godfather Part III.
Finding His Way in the '80s
In the '80s, Al tried to break free from the shadow of Michael Corleone. He wanted to move on and explore new roles, but he quickly realized it wasn't as easy as he had hoped. "I wanted to step away from that intense pace, and it was good for me," he said. "But eventually, the money ran out." When the funds dried up, Al returned to acting, delivering one stellar performance after another. His recent roles include Marvin Schwarz in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood alongside Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jimmy Hoffa in Martin Scorsese's The Irishman.
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A Life Beyond the Spotlight
When the cameras stop rolling, Al focuses on what matters most—his family. He's a dedicated father to his children: Julie, 30, and twins Anton and Olivia, both 18, whom he shares with his ex-girlfriend, Beverly D’Angelo. Balancing fame and fatherhood isn’t easy, but Al has learned the importance of acceptance. "The most valuable lesson I've learned is the power of acceptance," Beverly shared with Closer Weekly. "We often want to change things we don’t like, but you can't change someone else. Acceptance of differences is key to moving forward. With the support of loved ones, I’ve built the perfect partnership."
Al Pacino has certainly come a long way since his days as Michael Corleone. Through therapy, family, and a relentless passion for his craft, he continues to inspire us all.
