Al Pacino Opens Up on Early Career Struggles and Controversial Roles

Al Pacino, the iconic actor known for his powerful performances in films like The Godfather and Dog Day Afternoon, has recently shared insightful and candid reflections on his early career and some of his most controversial roles. In his new memoir, Sonny Boy, Pacino delves into his first film role in the 1969 comedy Me, Natalie, starring Patty Duke. He described the experience as “disastrous” and admitted to feeling depressed due to his lack of understanding of the film-making process and his own performance.

Pacino also addressed his role in the 1980 film Cruising, which he felt was “exploitative” of the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, he donated his entire paycheck from the film to charity, seeking to mitigate the negative impact of the movie. This gesture reflects his commitment to using his platform positively, even in the face of controversy.

In another surprising revelation, Pacino confessed that he avoided watching The Godfather for 50 years after its release in 1972. Despite his iconic portrayal of Michael Corleone, Pacino had managed to steer clear of the film until recently, highlighting the complex relationship he has with some of his most famous roles.