Al Pacino says 'it's fun' to be a new dad at 84

Al Pacino, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in films such as The Godfather and Scarface, has recently embraced fatherhood once again at the remarkable age of 84. In a candid interview, he expressed that being a new dad is 'fun' and has brought a fresh perspective to his life. Pacino has taken the time to reflect on his journey, which includes the release of his autobiography titled Sonny Boy, named after the affectionate nickname given to him by his mother. The book serves as a way for his youngest son, Roman, who is now 16 months old, to learn about his father's life and experiences. Pacino became a father for the fourth time last year when he welcomed Roman into the world at the age of 83. He shared his hopes of being present for his son, stating, 'I want to be around for this child. And I hope I am. ' He emphasized the importance of staying healthy so that Roman can grow up knowing who his dad is.

Although Pacino is no longer in a relationship with Roman's mother, Noor Alfallah, they are committed to co-parenting their son. Pacino mentioned that their daily interactions are mostly through text messages, and he cherishes the moments they share. 'He does text me from time to time,' he said, highlighting the genuine interest he has in Roman's life. They even engage in fun activities together, such as playing the harmonica over video calls. This connection brings joy to Pacino, who has been reflecting on his life and career while writing his memoir. He admitted to having turned down several offers to write a book in the past but felt that now was the right time to share his story, as he believes it could be interesting for readers.

One of the most significant milestones in Pacino's career was his role in The Godfather, a film that catapulted him to stardom over 50 years ago. He recounted a fascinating story about how close he came to being fired during the early days of filming. The director, Francis Ford Coppola, had faith in Pacino's abilities, but the studio was pressuring him to replace the young actor due to concerns about his performance. However, everything changed when Pacino filmed a pivotal scene where his character, Michael Corleone, takes decisive action against a mob boss. This moment allowed him to showcase his talent, and it is now regarded as one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. Pacino humorously speculated about who might have replaced him if he had been let go, mentioning Robert De Niro as a possible candidate. He also expressed his fondness for Scarface, a film that initially struggled at the box office but later gained a cult following. 'It was powerful,' he remarked, reflecting on the film's impact and its connection to the hip-hop community.

Despite the challenges facing the film industry, including a significant decline in ticket sales, Pacino remains optimistic about the future of cinema. He cannot envision a world without theaters and believes that talented directors like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino will continue to keep the art of filmmaking alive. Pacino also addressed the topic of artificial intelligence and its potential to replicate his likeness after his passing. He expressed trust in his children to manage his legacy, stating, 'My children will take over when I’m gone, and they will take care of it. ' He shared a lighthearted anecdote about his phone case, which features a montage of Shrek images, a gesture to please his youngest daughter. Additionally, Pacino revealed that he has never received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, something he desires. At 84, Al Pacino continues to pursue his dreams and embrace the joys of fatherhood while reflecting on his illustrious career.