As students move through high school and beyond, many may feel like they are being pigeonholed to a certain path by their parents, whether that be a certain college or career. However, the next time you feel yourself being pushed in a certain direction, consider the adolescent life of actor and former wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. His father, Rocky Johnson, was a professional wrestling champion, and Dwayne’s maternal grandfather was the head of a famous family of Samoan wrestlers. Throughout a childhood highlighted by pile drivers and body slams, it is unlikely that Mr. and Mrs. Johnson paid much attention to dreams young Dwayne may have had—perhaps to be a veterinarian or a chef.
Ultimately, Dwayne did become a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion, but soon used the fame he garnered from wrestling to make the transition into acting. Johnson’s first roles were of the type one would expect from a man of his training: he starred in "The Mummy Returns" and as the title character of its spin-off, "The Scorpion King." Next, he starred as Chris Vaughn, a merciless sheriff in "Walking Tall." Johnson seemed to have developed a fixation with law enforcement as he portrayed a correctional officer in 2006’s "Gridiron Gang."
It seemed inevitable that Johnson would play a police officer of some sort in his next film. Instead, in a move no one could have seen coming, he traded in the badge for a leotard to star and dance alongside the precocious Madison Pettis in "The Game Plan." Apparently he enjoyed the wholesome family comedy scene, and the ability to freely wear tights, as he portrays a fairy in his latest film "Tooth Fairy." That’s right: all along it has been "The Rock" trading children money for their lost teeth (I’m not sure what "The Rock" is cooking, but it sounds like a restraining order).
Johnson, however, is not the first wrestler to scorn his tough guy reputation by appearing in a childish movie. After all, Andre the Giant appeared in "The Princess Bride" and Hulk Hogan was "Mr. Nanny."
Even beyond the field of wrestling, there seems to be a correlation between toughness and family films. Vin Diesel made a name for himself with films like "xXx," but his own testosterone-fueled image was erased when he did a movie by the name of "The Pacifier." Don’t be so quick to mock Diesel yet, because, while not fast, I dare you to show me something more furious than an angry baby.
There is also the case of actor-turned-rapper, Ice Cube. During his years as a rapper, Ice Cube considered a good day as one in which he "didn’t even have to use [his A.K.]" For Ice Cube the actor, however, it’s a good day when the kids don’t get too rambunctious on a overly long road trip. One has to wonder what his "Dead Homiez" would think of "Are We There Yet?" and its sequel, "Are We Done Yet?" So, in reality Johnson is in no way a trail blazer when it comes to becoming a fairy. And, growing up, Johnson may have admired fellow strongman Arnold Schwarzenegger, not so much for his muscles, but for his candid performance in "Kindergarten Cop."