Safdie’s sincerely played duet between Johnson as an opioid-addicted MMA fighter and Emily Blunt as his codependent girlfriend sounds in and out of the ring like the stuff of awards fodder. In Safdie’s hands, the film uses those tropes for something gentler than its heavyweight material suggests.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently opened up about a painful rift with his late father, Rocky Johnson, saying their final conversation came after Rocky published his 2019 memoir, Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story. Dwayne was stunned to discover the book included a foreword attributed to him — though he insists he never wrote it. According to him, that misrepresentation “completely crossed the line,” touching on what he sees as a pattern of attention-seeking and narcissism.
He described their 2019 argument as the biggest clash they ever had, tracing it back roughly 25 years earlier when he chose to pursue wrestling — a path Rocky initially challenged. The revelation came as part of a broader reflection on his complicated relationship with his father, acknowledging Rocky’s strengths as a friend and mentor to others even as their personal bond was fractured.
Dwayne also shared memories from his childhood, including a traumatic episode when, as a teenager, he and his mother were evicted in Hawaii. Expecting to stay with his father in Tennessee, he arrived to find himself placed in a motel — with Rocky nowhere to be found. He later learned the move was tied to Rocky living with another woman. Reflecting on his mother’s pain, Dwayne has publicly said that period still haunts him. *do you have a strained relationship w one of your parents? How do you manage it?*
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Dwayne Johnson is one of the most recognizable stars in the world, with a career spanning pro wrestling, blockbuster action films, and even producing. From his breakout role in The Scorpion King in 2002 to family favorites like Tooth Fairy and massive hits such as Red Notice and Jungle Cruise, The Rock has built an empire in Hollywood. But beyond the fame and success, much of his happiness comes from his marriage to Lauren Hashian, the mother of his two youngest daughters, Jasmine and Tiana.
Here’s everything to know about Lauren, her career, and her life with Dwayne Johnson.
Lauren was born and raised in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. She later attended Emerson College in Boston, where she studied public relations and communications.
Lauren was born into the music industry—her father, the late Sib Hashian, was the drummer for the classic rock band Boston. Sib passed away unexpectedly in 2017 while performing on a cruise ship, leaving behind a legacy that deeply influenced Lauren and even touched Dwayne, who referred to him as his “second dad.”
“Rest in Peace & Love to my second dad Sib Hashian,” Dwayne wrote on Instagram on March 23, 2017. “What a full and exciting life this man lived. What an amazing family he created, loved, watched over and protected. Being on stage, in front of adoring fans, friends and family. Keeping the beat one last time.”
Following in her father’s footsteps, Lauren built a career as a singer and songwriter. She competed on the 2005 UPN reality show R U the Girl?, where contestants vied for the chance to perform with TLC, and she later released singles of her own, including “Ride the Wave” and “Samson.” Reflecting on her father’s impact in a 2021 interview with Billboard, Lauren explained how music became her purpose.
“Seeing him practice every day, for me, it became part of my purpose — ‘He practices every day, I should practice every day, too.’ And so I have been practicing on my own in my room for years.”
Lauren met Dwayne in 2006 while he was filming The Game Plan in Boston. The two quietly began dating after his split from ex-wife Dany Garcia and have been together ever since.
“I’ve lived with my longtime girlfriend, Lauren Hashian, going on, like, eight, nine years now. She’s a singer-songwriter. We spend a lot of time with my daughter in Florida, Simone, who’s 13,” Johnson told Esquire at the time.
After meeting in 2006, the pair began dating the following year after Dwayne announced his separation from his first wife, Dany. They made their red-carpet debut in 2013, welcomed kids, and tied the knot on August 18, 2019, in an intimate ceremony in Hawaii.
“Seeing our wedding moments will always fill my cup with the purest gratitude and emotion…” Lauren wrote via Instagram on their first anniversary in August 2020, alongside a breathtaking wedding video. “Thank you for everything you are and everything you do MH! Happy Anniversary 🙂 I love YOU!!!”
Lauren became a proud “girl mom” before marrying Dwayne, welcoming daughter Jasmine Lia Johnson on December 16, 2015, and daughter Tiana Gia Johnson on April 17, 2018. She is also stepmom to Dwayne’s eldest, Simone Alexandra Johnson, from his first marriage.
Lauren finds fulfillment in motherhood, and has taken to social media on National Daughters Day to share her love for them. “Love. Happiness. Purpose,” she wrote in a Sept. 26, 2020 Instagram post, alongside a photo of Jasmine and Tiana. “My world and future #NationalDaughtersDay the whole reasons.”
Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a “The Rock” in the ring, has built a brand-new reputation as a movie star over the years. But now that he’s stepping back into the ring for his role in The Smashing Machine, Dwayne appeared on a September 2025 CBS News Sunday Morning interview, where he brought viewers to his sprawling Virginia farmhouse and property.
Below, learn more about Dwayne’s peaceful home.
Technically, Dwayne lives in multiple places, but he spends most of his time at his rural home near Gordonsville, Virginia.
During his September 2025 interview, the Jungle Cruise actor took CBS News’ Tracy Smith to his pond, where he fishes alone.
“Just me, and I’ll bring the girls here, and it’s magical,” Dwayne said, referring to his daughters, Simone, Jasmine and Tiana. “Just the way the property is set up, I never have to see anybody. And I know it sounds crazy, and maybe kind of weird, but that’s fun for me.”
Dwayne shares Simone with ex-wife Dany Garcia and Jasmine and Tiana with his wife, Lauren Hashian.
According to multiple outlets, Dwayne has owned homes in multiple states, including California, Georgia, Florida and Virginia.
As seen in his CBS News interview with Tracy, Dwayne showed off the picturesque property he has in Virginia. By helping the CBS personality go fishing, cameras showed audiences how massive and stunning his rural home is.
However, this wasn’t the first time that the Game Plan actor has discussed his life in the Southern state. In 2017, Dwayne revealed via Instagram that he was building a gym at his house.
“When I come back home to my farm in Virginia to recharge, I have to go to a public gym to train (I’m building a gym on my property),” he captioned his post at the time, “and try to get in and out as fast as possible without drawing a crowd.”
From the Fast & Furious franchise to Disney blockbusters, audiences have come to expect a certain brand of entertainment from him: big muscles, witty one-liners, and explosive stunts. But at the Venice Film Festival this September, Johnson surprised the world by stepping into completely new territory with The Smashing Machine.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine tells the gritty and deeply human story of Mark Kerr, a legendary mixed martial arts fighter whose career in the 1990s was marked by triumphs inside the cage and devastating struggles outside of it. Addiction, fame, personal relationships, and the intense physical toll of the sport shaped Kerr’s journey, and now, through Johnson’s performance, his story is reaching a global audience.
What shocked many at Venice was not the fact that Johnson took on the role, but how profoundly he disappeared into it. Gone are the superhero bravado and polished Hollywood perfection. Instead, Johnson delivers a raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional performance that shows a side of him fans have rarely, if ever, seen before. Critics who attended the festival noted that his work in this film could easily put him in the conversation for major acting awards, something many would not have predicted for an action superstar.
Photo Credit: Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For Johnson, this role marks a career-defining moment. During press interviews in Venice, he shared how personal the project became for him. He spoke openly about facing his own inner battles over the years and how embodying Kerr’s pain and perseverance was both challenging and transformative. This honesty resonated strongly with audiences, many of whom were moved to see a global superstar open up about struggles often kept behind the curtain of Hollywood glamour.
The film itself is a raw and immersive experience. Safdie, known for his ability to capture tension and realism in projects like Uncut Gems, applies his signature style to the world of MMA. Every punch, every bruise, and every moment of desperation is captured with relentless authenticity. Combined with Johnson’s physical dedication he underwent intense training to match Kerr’s unique fighting style the result is a performance that feels as real as it gets.
The response from Venice has already begun shifting Johnson’s image in Hollywood. He is no longer just the action hero who saves the day, but a versatile actor capable of tackling complex and dramatic roles. This transition could open new doors for him and redefine how audiences see one of the most bankable stars in the industry.
With The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson proves that reinvention is possible, even for someone at the very top. It is not only a milestone in his career but also a powerful reminder that vulnerability can be just as compelling as strength.
Photo Credit: Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Emily Blunt was shocked to discover that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is so “contemplative”.
Emily has confessed to being surprised by Dwayne Johnson
The 42-year-old actress first worked with the wrestler-turned-actor on 2021’s Jungle Cruise, and the Hollywood duo instantly struck-up a good friendship.
Speaking at the Toronto International Film Festival, Emily explained: “We just became very fast friends, like an immediate secret language, which I think you feel with certain people that you work with.”
Emily admits that Dwayne, 53, was totally different to how she imagined him to be.
The actress – who has reunited with Dwayne to star in The Smashing Machine, their new sports-drama movie – explained: “We just talked and shared our souls. And I was just really taken by, I guess, how different he was from what I had imagined.
“He was so gentle and quite interior and sort of contemplative and kind, just easy. Like, so lovely to be around, funny and quick, all these qualities.”
Dwayne also heaped praise on his co-star, describing Emily as one of his “best friends”.
He said: “I also want to give Emily her flowers too. She is one of the greatest actors of our time — of all time. And also one of my best friends.
“In order to go to the place we were going to go, you have to have love, and then you have to have trust. And the love and the trust then allow for vulnerability. We could not have done that without this love and trust and vulnerability that we have.”
Emily shared an on-screen kiss with Dwayne in Jungle Cruise – but the actress previously insisted that John Krasinski, her husband, is “immune” to her steamy love scenes.
The 45-year-old actor has been married to Emily since 2010, and she admits that he’s become numb to her on-screen romances over the years.
Asked how he felt about her on-screen kiss with The Rock in Jungle Cruise, Emily told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “Honestly, John is so used to me having to make out with other men. He’s immune to it at this point. That was part of the deal when we got married!”
The Rock as an Oscar nominee? It’s time to get used to the idea.
When Dwayne Johnson broke down in uncontrollable sobs during a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival, it became more than an emotional premiere moment for the wrestler-turned-actor. It signaled the potential birth of one of the unlikeliest Oscar contenders in recent memory, as his transformative turn in Benny Safdie’s moving “The Smashing Machine” could reshape how Hollywood views one of its most bankable stars.
Johnson’s plays former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr in A24’s emotionally devastating drama, representing the kind of career pivot that Academy voters have historically embraced, and one the cinematic world may be excited to watch unfold. With Safdie taking home Silver Lion for directing at Venice, the buzz is growing louder surrounding Johnson’s vulnerable turn as the troubled athlete. Now, bowing at the Toronto Film Festival, the 54-year-old performer stands at the precipice of a career-defining moment, and one he has sought for quite some time.
Comparisons to Mickey Rourke’s Oscar-nominated turn in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” (2008) are inevitable and apt. Both films center on fighters grappling with physical deterioration and personal demons. Where Rourke drew from his boxing background, Johnson taps into something rawer and psychologically complex. Working with two-time Oscar winner Kazu Hiro (“Bombshell” and “Darkest Hour”), Johnson undergoes a physical transformation that erases any thought of a WWE star in costume. In fact, he could even position himself as this year’s Brendan Fraser, whose makeup-assisted turn in “The Whale” earned both acting and technical Oscars, likewise for an actor who was thought of as an unlikely awards contender.
Emily Blunt, an Oscar nominee for “Oppenheimer” (2023) delivers an effortless turn as Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn Staples, a woman battling her own addiction while desperately trying to support her partner as he aspires for greatness. Blunt’s presence elevates the film, providing Johnson with the kind of formidable acting partner that often strengthens awards-season narratives. “She’s one of my greatest inspirations,” Johnson tells Variety for an upcoming interview regarding Blunt, with whom he previously co-starred in “Jungle Cruise.”
We often forget about some of Hollywood’s grand traditions of A-list celebrities reinventing themselves as serious dramatic actors. Cher transitioned from hit singer and variety show host to an Oscar winner with “Moonstruck” (1987) after her first nom for “Silkwood” (1983). Stand-up comedian Mo’Nique stunned audiences, and voters, with her undeniable supporting actress run in “Precious” (2008); and Jonah Hill went from the foul-mouthed kid in “Superbad” (2007) to working with the likes of auteurs Bennett Miller and Martin Scorsese, who steered him to two noms for “Moneyball” (2010) and “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013).
More recently, Ariana Grande scored a supporting actress nomination for “Wicked,” while Adam Sandler, once dismissed as a comedy box office star, is in the awards conversation for Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly.” Johnson’s journey from WWE superstar to potential Academy Award nominee now looks like the next evolution in that narrative.
To put it simply: not only could Johnson get an Oscar nomination, he could also be the future best actor winner as well.
A24’s involvement provides confidence, given its track record with past unconventional best picture winners like “Moonlight” (2016) and “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022). But the indie powerhouse faces a unique challenge this year: balancing “The Smashing Machine” campaign with his his brother Josh Safdie’s upcoming “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothée Chalamet. We’ve seen siblings nominated before. The Redgrave sisters (Lynn and Vanessa) competed for best actress nominations in 1966 for “Georgy Girl” and “Morgan!”
However, no siblings have ever competed against each other in the directing category. Balancing the campaigns for both films without compromising either’s potential is a challenge A24 will need to navigate carefully throughout awards season
“The Smashing Machine”
Cheryl Dunn/Courtesy I Wonder
“The Smashing Machine” appears well-positioned for multiple noms beyond Johnson’s work. Hiro’s transformative makeup seems destined for recognition, particularly given the Academy’s recent appreciation for physical reinvention. The film’s technical craftsmanship — from cinematography (Maceo Bishop) to original score (Nala Sinephro) to Safdie’s direction, screenplay, editing and producing (looking to repeat Sean Baker’s four noms last year for “Anora” — for which he won all four).
Blunt could emerge as a strong supporting actress contender, in a category that hasn’t presented a standout frontrunner yet, and could pair nicely with Johnson’s big run. It also further bolsters the film’s profile across multiple categories.
The film also stars real-life fighters Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk, which adds authenticity to the film’s tone.
Johnson’s candidacy represents a signal to Hollywood’s willingness to expand its definition of who belongs in the Oscar conversation. Just as the Academy has embraced streaming platforms and international cinema, Johnson’s recognition would show its openness to performers once confined to the blockbuster space.
Sean Durkin’s “The Iron Claw,” despite Zac Efron’s career-best work, was ignored by the Academy, showing the risks inherent in sports dramas. But “The Smashing Machine’s” acclaimed reception and A24’s savvy campaigning may set it on a different trajectory.
Will the Oscars smell what “The Rock” is cooking? Audiences will get their answer when “The Smashing Machine” hits theaters on Oct. 3.
Dwayne Johnson cries during the 15-minute standing ovation for his new movie ‘THE SMASHING MACHINE’ pic.twitter.com/Z5i42al7Ji
— Cinematic Visuals (@P0eticVisuals) September 2, 2025
The actor attended the screening with his co-star Emily Blunt, director Benny Safdie and Mark Kerr himself. Many have compared the moment with the standing ovation Brendan Fraser received for The Whale, four years ago. Fraser later went on to win an Academy Award for the movie.
In one of his social media posts from Venice, Johnson acknowledged the greatness of the film festival. He noted, “Act like you’ve been there. Trying to stay cool and absorb every second of every moment. #venice.”
The movie is slated to release in the theatres on October 3, 2025. The reactions in Venice confirm that Dwayne Johnson is on his way to give a career-defining performance. Fans on social media have been discussing about his dedication to the project. Interestingly, Johnson also went through a dramatic physical transformation to channel Kerr. He stepped away from his usual action avatar and embraced a leaner frame.
At a press conference, he opened up about working on The Smashing Machine. Dwayne noted that he wanted to explore more of acting after receiving the opportunity to star in the movie. “I looked around a few years ago and I started to think, you know, am I living my dream or am I living other people’s dreams? I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity,” he added.
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Dwayne Johnson takes on his most dramatic role yet in Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine,” playing UFC champion Mark Kerr. At the film’s Venice Film Festival press conference, the action star revealed that he’s been wanting to expand his repertoire for a while now.
“I have, for a long time, wanted this,” Johnson said, sitting alongside director Safdie and co-star Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn. “The three of us have talked for a very long time about, when you’re in Hollywood — as we all know, it had become about box office. And you chase the box office, and the box office can be very loud and it can become very resounding and it can push you into a category and a corner. This is your lane and this is what you do and this is what Hollywood wants you to do.”
Johnson, who is best known for blockbusters like “Jumanji,” ‘Black Adam” and “Fast and Furious,” said he’s loved making those movies and “they were fun and some were really good and did well, and some not so good.” But he wanted something more.
“I just had this burning desire and voice that was saying, ‘What if there is more and what if I can?’ Sometimes it’s hard for us to know what we’re capable of when we’ve been pigeonholed into something,” he said. I”t’s harder to know what you’re capable of, and sometimes it takes people that you know and love, like Emily and Benny, to say that you can. I looked around a few years ago and I started to think, you know, am I living my dream or am I living other people’s dreams? You come to that recognition and I think you can either fall in line or go, I want to live my dreams now and do what I wanna do … I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity.”
“The Smashing Machine” chronicles Kerr’s triumphs in the ring, as well as his addiction to painkillers and tumultuous relationship with then-wife Dawn Staples (Blunt). Johnson is nearly unrecognizable in the film, undergoing pounds of prosthetics to portray the hulking two-time UFC Heavyweight champ.
“The Smashing Machine” marks the solo feature directorial debut of Benny Safdie, who worked with his older brother, Josh, on indie favorites like “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time.”
Dwayne Johnson, known for his onscreen fare in action tentpoles like Netflix’s Red Notice and Jumanji reboot films, posited he wasn’t getting the opportunity for more “raw and gritty” roles as he was “too scared” to explore more vulnerable themes.
In an interview with Vanity Fair promoting the forthcoming release of A24‘s The Smashing Machine, the professional wrestler-turned-performer noted he was nervous about portraying legendary MMA fighter and two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion Mark Kerr in the Benny Safdie-helmed biopic.
“It was very real. I had not experienced that in a very, very, very long time, where I was really scared and thinking, I don’t know if I can do this. Can I do this?” he said. “I realized that maybe these opportunities weren’t coming my way because I was too scared to explore this stuff.”
Johnson added, “I was so hungry for an opportunity to do something raw and gritty and rip myself open. And all of a sudden, Smashing Machine comes along.”
For the role, the Moana actor explained he had to don over a dozen prosthetics to portray the gentle giant known for his fighting prowess: “I just sat in front of that mirror for three to four hours and watched it all change. There were about 13 or 14 different prosthetics. Subtle, yet I think very impactful,” he said. “By the time I got to set, I was Mark Kerr and I felt it, from how he walked to how he talked and how he looked at life.”
The Smashing Machine, also starring Emily Blunt, will have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 8, before debuting in theaters Oct. 3.
View the trailer for the movie here.