Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), better known by his stage name The Rock (the actual name on his SAG card), is an American actor and a professional wrestler with World Wrestling Entertainment.

He was born in Hayward, California and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His maternal grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, was a star in the WWWF (now WWE). A native of Samoa, his "trademark" was the ceremonial tattoos that covered the lower half of his body. His father, Rocky Johnson, was a WWF tag-team champion. The Rock portrayed him on an episode of That 70's Show. Early in his career, he wrestled as "Rocky Maivia", combining his father's and grandfather's stage names.

During high school, Johnson began playing football. He received offers from several programs, but chose the University of Miami because they didn't openly express an interest in him. He is a member of the 'Canes 1990 NCAA National Championship team. A back injury ended his NFL career before it began. He signed a three year deal with the Canadian Football League, but left after a year to pursue wrestling.

The Rock starred, along with former Jackass star Johnny Knoxville, in the remake of Walking Tall, from MGM Pictures, as war hero-turned-sheriff Chris Vaughn (loosely based on the real-life inspiration for the original) who returns to the town where he grew up and rids it of corruption with his trusty two-by-four. The movie was released on April 2 2004. It was rated PG-13. His acting performance earned praise from some critics initially skeptical of another grappler-turned-actor. He has also starred in The Scorpion King and The Rundown.

The Rock also made a guest appearance on R&B singer Wyclef Jean's track "It Doesn't Matter" (one of The Rock's favorite catchphrases). He also appeared in the video for the song.

In a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, The Rock poked fun at his macho image in skits where he played a drunk woman and a gay bartender.

The Rock has added numerous tattoos to his body over the course of his wrestling career. An early nickname "The Brahma Bull" came from the steer's head tattoo on his right bicep.

Johnson will be playing in three more movies set to release in 2005; in one of the movies he portrays a homosexual man. Game Informer Magazine confirmed he will also be in the movie Spy Hunter, based on the popular video game. He has been approached to play the role of Duke Nukem in a live action Duke Nukem movie that's currently in the works. Johnson has expressed interest. He will also star in the big screen adaptation of Cartoon Network's character Johnny Bravo.

He married Dany Garcia on May 3, 1997. They have a daughter, Simone Alexandra.

Also known as Flex Kavana and Duane Glasteau.

Finisher/Signature Moves

• The People's Elbow
• Rock Bottom
• Sharpshooter
• The People's Spinebuster

Quotes

• "If you smell ... what the Rock ... is ... cooking!"
• "It doesn't matter what you think!"
• "Know your Role and Shut Your Mouth"

Championships/Accomplishments

• WWE Champion (7)
  • 1998-11-15 –1998-12-29 (Won Tournament)
  • 1999-01-24 –1999-01-26
  • 1999-02-15 –1999-03-28
  • 2000-04-30 –2000-05-21
  • 2000-06-25 –2000-10-22 (Pinned Vince McMahon in a Six Man Tag Match with Champion Triple H)
  • 2001-02-25 –2001-04-01
  • 2002-07-21 –2002-08-25

• WWE Intercontinental Champion (2)
  • 1997-02-13 –1997-04-28
  • 1997-12-08 –1998-08-30 (Awarded by Steve Austin)

• WWE Tag Team Champion (5)
  • 1999-08-30 –1999-09-07 (with Mankind)
  • 1999-09-20 –1999-09-21 (with Mankind, won a "Dark Side Rules" Match)
  • 1999-10-12 –1999-10-18 (with Mankind)
  • 2000-12-18 –2000-12-19 (with The Undertaker)
  • 2001-10-22 –2001-10-30 (with Chris Jericho)

• World Champion (2)
  • 2001-08-19 –2001-10-21
  • 2001-11-05 –2001-12-09

• 2000 Royal Rumble Winner

External links

• The Rock http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0425005/ at the Internet Movie Database
• The Rock profile, NNDB http://www.nndb.com/people/062/000028975/ .
• University of Miami: Famous Alumni http://www.ncaaticketsnow.com/miami-tickets.asp .