Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson played college football at the University of Miami. He's been a professional wrestling champion for World Wrestling Entertainment. And he's been an action star, in such hit movies as "The Mummy Returns" and "The Rundown."
All those things sound pretty manly. But according to Andy Fickman, his director of the new comedy "The Game Plan," Johnson is a "girly-man."
"Wait, correct that. He's not manly at all. He's just a girl," Fickman said with a chuckle.
But not wanting to offend his physically imposing star, Fickman quickly corrects himself by explaining that Johnson "is really in touch with his emotions and isn't afraid to let it all out. Better yet, Dwayne is not afraid to embarrass himself on the screen, which is a real dream for a director."
When told about Fickman's comment, Johnson says he's not offended. In fact, he's quite proud of a moment in the film where his character cries. And he even claims the on-screen tears were real.
During the filming, Johnson became separated from his wife of 10 years, Dany. "I definitely felt a huge sense of longing and loneliness, and I was desperately missing my daughter (7-year-old Simone Alexandra). I didn't have to fake a thing."
That may explain why Johnson bonded so strongly with young Madison Pettis.
Johnson stars in the film as Joe Kingman, a superstar football quarterback who receives a surprise visit from Peyton James (Madison), the daughter he never knew he had.
"Dwayne kept calling me 'honey' the whole time and was really protective of me," Madison said, adding with a giggle, "He's a real sweetheart. Dwayne may look really intimidating, but he's just a big pussycat."
Johnson, Fickman and Madison were in Salt Lake City last week during a personal-appearance tour to promote "The Game Plan," and the focus was squarely on rising star Johnson.
The 35-year-old actor was surprisingly soft-spoken and thoughtful in his answers, discussing the career choices he's made since becoming a star with Vince McMahon's WWE. In eight years with the company, Johnson worked as much on his verbal repartee as he did on his in-ring moves, and developed his trademark eyebrow lift, which he says was inspired by Groucho Marx.
"I'm thankful for my time in the WWE," Johnson said, "but I think that towards the end of the run there, it became clear to everyone that I was going to get many more opportunities outside of the ring. I had to move on."
And a pair of successful stints guest-hosting "Saturday Night Live" gave him the confidence to pursue acting as a full-time profession.
Johnson credits director Peter Berg for giving him his big break. While he did have roles in "The Mummy Returns" and a spin-off prequel, "The Scorpion King," it was Berg's 2003 comedy-thriller "The Rundown" that demonstrated Johnson was as adept at humor as action. "Peter recognized what I could do and kept encouraging me. I owe him a big one for that."
"The Game Plan" sees Johnson crooning Elvis Presley songs and performing with members of the Boston Ballet, as well as co-stars Pettis and Roselyn Sanchez, who both have considerable dance experience. "I don't know if I'm supposed to admit this but I'm familiar with choreographing moves, thanks to the wrestling and, obviously, the action movies."
Still, he said performing ballet may be his biggest challenge to date. "That part where my character is completely worn out and is sweating like a pig after dance practice? That's not far from the truth. Those ladies work their tails off."
Other upcoming films for Johnson include a science-fiction thriller/comedy-musical titled "Southland Tales," a movie version of the '60s TV comedy "Get Smart" and a remake of Disney's "Witch Mountain" movies. He's also in talks to play the superhero Captain Marvel in "Shazam."
Those projects should help him continue to hone his acting skills, which he says are still developing. "I'm not saying that I'm ready to take on these big costume dramas and character pieces. I'm realistic enough to know what my acting and performing range is right now."
However, he quickly added that it would be "a kick for me to get to be in a movie with Meryl Streep, or some other big, heavyweight Oscar-winners.
"Can you even imagine that?"
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com