Dwayne Johnson Reveals His Unexpected Childhood Film Crush

Dwayne Johnson has worked with a long list of well-known stars throughout his acting journey, from Emily Blunt to Gal Gadot and Karen Gillan. With such a line-up of co-stars, you’d expect his first big screen crush to be someone from that world. But as it turns out, the bloke who first caught his eye was someone most punters wouldn’t pick.

The former wrestling champ, now a mainstay in Hollywood, was recently asked about his earliest film crush during a chat with W Magazine. He didn’t muck about with his answer. Without much pause, he named Gene Wilder, the late actor famous for playing the quirky chocolatier in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Not Your Average Choice

Johnson explained what drew him to Wilder, saying there was something about the man that went beyond the usual screen presence. He described Wilder as having a rare gentleness that really stood out. In his own words:

"My cinematic crush would have been – I don't mean this in a weird way [chuckles] – I was just always so enamoured with Gene Wilder. Interestingly enough, first, because I always loved Richard Pryor growing up. I loved Richard Pryor. I loved Elvis. I thought I was both when I was a kid. And then I watched Stir Crazy and there was something about Gene, and I was like, 'Wow.' And then when I saw Willy Wonka... I think Willy Wonka was the thing that really grabbed me about Gene Wilder. I think it was the tenderness in his soul. And I don't know if I was thinking that when I was 10 years old, but there was just something captivating."

Growing Up with Icons

Johnson also mentioned his admiration for Richard Pryor and Elvis Presley as a kid, joking that he fancied himself a bit of both. But it was Wilder’s performance in Stir Crazy that first made him take notice. The real clincher, though, was seeing Wilder as Willy Wonka. That role, with its mix of oddball charm and warmth, left a lasting impression on a young Johnson.

He admitted he probably didn’t have the words for it as a ten-year-old, but there was something about Wilder’s presence that stuck with him. It wasn’t just about the laughs or the out-there costumes – it was the sense of kindness that came through, even in the most bizarre scenes.

A Lasting Impression

For someone who’s spent years in the spotlight, both in the ring and on the big screen, Johnson’s choice says a lot about what he values in a performer. Rather than going for the obvious, he picked someone whose work was marked by subtlety and heart. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the people who inspire us most aren’t the flashiest or the loudest, but those who bring a bit of soul to their craft.