Dwayne Johnson gets emotional after buying his father a new home
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson found a memorable way to thank his father, Rocky for all the love he received growing up.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson might be one of the biggest Hollywood stars to date, but he is proving to be an even better son after opening up about buying his tough-guy dad a special surprise that turned into a tender moment he’ll never forget.
Johnson, 46, said he called his father, former pro-wrestler Rocky Johnson and told him he was gifting him with a brand new home of his choice and location, PEOPLE reports.
“I just got off the phone with my dad and man, it was a great call,” the actor shared in a IG video on Sunday.
READ MORE: Judge and attorneys apologize for confederate flag fraternity photos in college yearbook
“About 2-3 weeks ago, I called my dad and I said, ‘Look, you’re probably happy where you’re at.’ I said, ‘but I want to do something for you. I want to buy you a brand new home, wherever you wanna live, you can live.”
“He couldn’t believe it, he was speechless,” Johnson continued.
His reaction was even more shocking since Johnson said it’s rare that his father shows a tender side.
“And he goes, ‘I’m so excited, and I’m also so nervous. My dad’s an old school tough guy, I said, ‘What the hell you nervous about? He said, ‘Well, no one,’ he was searching for words, and he’s like, ‘no one ever called to tell me they were going to buy me a house before and the fact that it’s you, it’s my son, I’m so proud of you, and I love you so much.”
That unexpected response warmed his heart.
“I’ve never heard my dad talk like that.”
“It felt good to me, and it felt good to my heart,” he continued. “My dad used to beat my ass, tough love, and I hated it back then, but I’m so grateful for it now and it just felt good to kinda give back to the ones who raised you so, love you too, pop.”
READ MORE: 80 arrests made during Stephon Clark police shooting protest
Johnson explained more in the caption along with the video about his appreciation for his tough, but tender, dad.
“He’s a weathered soul and like all weathered souls, there’s often a harsh storied path that got them there. Well for my pops that path started at 13yrs old when his mom kicked him out of his house on Christmas day and forced him to live on the streets (very true and f—ed up story) so his reality of compassion and love was forged thru pain and toughness,” he wrote. “He raised me with that tough physical love and used to beat my ass in the gyms and on wrestling mats. I hated it then as a little boy, but grateful for it today as a man.”
“It’s shaped my DNA and helped inform how I raise my own babies (minus the ass kickings) but always instilling the value of hard work and discipline. For that I’m grateful and this one felt good. Crazy how full circle life can come. Enjoy your new house pop – what a storied path and thanks for the ass kickings,” he continued.
A house for his mama, too
Just a few months ago, Johnson extended the same kindness to his mother Ata Johnson when he surprised her with a “golden ticket” that gifted her a new home of her choice.
“Surprise! Bought my mom a new home for Christmas,” the actor said.
READ MORE: Students protest racism at another Brooklyn private school
His 70-year-old mom was beside herself with excitement.
“Guess what?” she says to her 3-year old granddaughter, Jasmine. “I get a brand-new house!”
You have to love a man who does right by his parents.
