Dwayne Johnson Opens Up on Divorce, Mental Health

The Rock's Raw Journey: Divorce, Depression, and Hollywood's Lighter Path

Dwayne Johnson, the global icon known as "The Rock," has always projected an image of unshakeable strength. Yet in a recent candid interview on The Hollywood Reporter's *Awards Chatter* podcast, the actor revealed a vulnerable chapter of his life that reshaped his career and personal journey: his 2007 divorce from ex-wife Dany Garcia and the profound mental health struggles that followed.

"When you guys get married, you sign up for the long haul, but then it doesn’t always work out like that," Johnson shared, reflecting on the end of his 16-year marriage. "And then it rocks you like it rocked me." The separation wasn't just a personal blow—it triggered a deep identity crisis centered on his role as father to their daughter Simone, now 24. "We had a baby, and what kind of father was I going to be?"

Amid the upheaval, Johnson grappled with "another bout of depression." This emotional turmoil directly influenced his artistic choices during that period. "I was really going through it," he admitted. "I was trying to figure my stuff out, and that was the only thing I really wanted to do artistically. I didn’t want anything that was going to challenge me to rip my guts out. I wanted stuff that has a happy ending."

The Family Film Era: A Therapeutic Escape

The result? A string of lighthearted family films that defined Johnson’s early acting career. Movies like *The Game Plan* (2007), *Race to Witch Mountain* (2009), and *Tooth Fairy* (2010) became both a professional safe haven and a therapeutic outlet. "I loved making those movies," Johnson emphasized. "I also think I manifested those because I don’t think I was ready for anything other than easy, light, family films that made me feel good."

These roles, though sometimes critically panned, served as a necessary anchor during his darkest moments. They offered predictability, joy, and a respite from the emotional turbulence of his personal life. As Johnson noted in the interview, the "cloudy" period of his life demanded creative choices that prioritized emotional stability over artistic risk.

From Divorce to Partnership: Rebuilding Beyond Marriage

While the divorce was devastating, Johnson and Garcia forged an unexpected path forward. They maintained a positive co-parenting relationship and transformed their professional dynamic into a powerhouse collaboration. In 2012, they co-founded Seven Bucks Productions, a venture Johnson credits as a "pretty cool" silver lining to their separation.

"Marriage may not be in our cards, but building business can be," Johnson explained, highlighting the years of work and communication required to achieve their successful partnership today.

Today, Johnson shares a life with his wife, Lauren Hashian, and their two daughters, Jasmine (9) and Tiana (6). His Instagram often showcases heartwarming moments with his family—from tea parties with Tiana to batting practice with Jasmine—painting a picture of a father deeply committed to nurturing his daughters.

Resilience and Reinvention

Johnson’s journey—from divorce-stricken actor to global superstar—embodies resilience. His willingness to seek therapy, prioritize mental health, and rebuild relationships professionally and personally has become a blueprint for handling adversity. The family films that once felt like a compromise now symbolize a strategic choice to weather life’s storms with positivity.

As he prepares for his dramatic role in *The Smashing Machine* and the upcoming live-action *Moana*, Johnson’s story reminds us that even the strongest among us face profound challenges. By confronting his vulnerabilities head-on, he didn’t just survive—he thrived.

"You can get through the sludge," Johnson reflected on his divorce. "On the other side of that is usually some greatness." It’s a lesson that extends far beyond Hollywood, offering hope to anyone navigating life’s unexpected turns.