Wrestling legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has not only skyrocketed to the top of the Hollywood heap — he’s become a social media superstar.
Rock Solid
Fifteen years ago, the world was already smelling what The Rock was cooking — and couldn’t get enough of it. During his conversation with Penthouse in October 2006, Dwayne Johnson displayed his charisma, sense of humor and showbiz smarts as he discussed his role in the video game Spy Hunter and his burgeoning acting career. But since then, the WWE legend has amassed an impressive movie resume, with films that have raked in more than $10.5 billion worldwide at the box office, making him one of the globe’s highest-grossing actors — and the most followed American on Instagram.
His eyebrow-raising success has included him starring in and producing the hit HBO series Ballers, appearing in the Fast & Furious and Jumanji franchises and taking a musical turn in Disney’s Moana as bombastic demigod Maui, among other successful projects. And his eventful life has even inspired the sitcom Young Rock, which was recently renewed for a second season on NBC.
Now 49, the gregarious star is larger than life at six-foot-four and a reported 260 pounds of muscle, but he’s earned a spot as one of pop culture’s most endearing personalities — thanks in no small part to his Instagram account @therock.
In his picture-packed posts, Johnson demonstrates how he maintains his impressive physique, dishes about his movie work and business projects, gives heartwarming insights into his personal life and delivers encouraging messages.
With 244 million followers, he’s the most popular actor on the platform, only coming in second to Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) but topping “God Is a Woman” singer Ariana Grande (@arianagrande).
When the California-born performer surpassed the impressive 200 million mark in October 2020, he expressed his gratitude, telling fans he was “humbled” by their support.
Piper Kerman, author of Orange Is the New Black, wrote about The Rock’s universal appeal, calling him a “uniter, not a divider.”
His incredible popularity has even sparked chatter that he may launch a bid for the White House one day.
When asked about a potential presidential run during an interview earlier this year on Today, The Rock admitted, “I do have that goal to unite our country, and I also feel that if this is what the people want, then I will do that.”
He added, “If the time comes where there is a good amount of people who want to see that happen, then I’m going to consider it.”
The self-described “political independent and centrist,” who threw his weight behind Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in in 2020, didn’t elaborate on what party he might possibly represent or give any sort of time frame. But The Rock’s remarks followed him sharing a poll on social media, which revealed 46 percent of those surveyed said they’d consider casting their vote for him as commander in chief.
In his post about the poll, The Rock wrote: “I don’t think our Founding Fathers EVER envisioned a six-four, bald, tattooed, half-Black, half-Samoan, tequila drinking, pick up truck driving, fanny pack wearing guy joining their club — but if it ever happens it’d be my honor to serve you, the people.”
With all he’s achieved so far, there’s little reason to doubt The Rock could successfully make the leap from the squared circle to the Oval Office.
Being rather the modern — ideal in some views — man, The Rock has multiple social media accounts on the standard platforms, but sees no need for a “personal” web site. That said, his Seven Bucks Productions company has one, and you can adorn yourself with Rock Gear at another should you desire. To put it simply, should you desire more, Rock On. (Sorry. Sometimes we simply cannot help ourselves.)
