Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is not your typical Hollywood star. The former football player turned wrestler then actor had some challenges to face when he first started transitioning from being a wrestler to an actor, but now he's made it, starring in one hit movie after another.
His transition has been so phenomenal that it was recognized by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who wrote Johnson the sweetest letter imaginable.
"About three weeks ago, I'm here at the house and I get a letter-'Been enjoying your movies over the years. Very entertaining. I feel like I've really gotten to know you over the years, most recently after watching you host Saturday Night Live. Great job. You continue to go for it. Proud of your work and look forward to meeting you. Steven Spielberg,'" he shared in an interview with Esquire.
"It took me back to being just like a kid. I was so blown away," he added.
Johnson actually shared the moment he was reading Spielberg's letter on his Instagram account, with a photo showing the actor "grinnin' like a big ass kid."
When he was only eight years old, he sat on the front row just to see a sold out show of Spielberg's movie "Indiana Jones" during its opening weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"I walked out of that theater excited and wanted to be 'Indy'.. cool, funny, charming with the ladies and kickin' ass w/ a smile," he wrote. "But at 8yrs old I was also perfectly content playing w/ my Star Wars figures and sneaking off listening to Richard Pryor concerts."
He has always aspired to create movies that are worthy of Spielberg, and that is why Johnson treasures the letter he has received from the director.
"Throughout the years I've credited this man and his movies as being my greatest inspiration in becoming an actor and wanting to always make 'his kind' of movies - entertaining, quality and above all else.. heart."
He feels extremely humbled and grateful for receiving that letter, and reading it really took him back to his childhood. Now, he feels very fortunate since he gets to make movies that he loves, and that other people can love as well, and he enjoys seeing how it impacts other people's lives.
"THANK YOU STEVEN SPIELBERG for these inspiring and motivating words in your letter and cheers to making sure I'm always listening to that little voice in my gut," he concluded.
