©

Getty Images 

The early years -

Dwayne Johnson comes from a long legacy of wrestlers. His father, the late Rocky Johnson, was part of the first Black tag-team duo in the history of the WWF (now the WWE).

©

Getty Images 

The early years -

Johnson spent his childhood moving between family homes in California and New Zealand, closer to his Samoan roots, by way of his mother, Ata Johnson, herself the daughter of pro wrestler Peter Maivia.

©

Getty Images 

The early years - His family relocated to Honolulu when he was a teenager, although it was anything but paradise. His mother's car was possessed and they were evicted from their apartment one week later.

© Shutterstock

The early years -

His father was away struggling to make money on the wrestling circuit. Dwayne Johnson got in some trouble with the law during this difficult time, and found himself in a deep depression. 

©

BrunoPress

Football career -

Dwayne Johnson dedicated himself to training and building his body, the same way he'd seen the successful men in his life do. At 18, he was offered a football scholarship to the University of Miami—things were looking up! 

©

Getty Images 

Football career -

He loved football and excelled at the sport, but sadly he suffered several serious injuries that killed his NFL dreams. He was signed by a professional Canadian football team, however, but was cut only two months into the season.

©

Getty Images 

Disaster -

Johnson hit another low point at this stage. He described looking in his pocket and realizing he only had US$7 to his name.

©

BrunoPress

Wrestling career -

With his football career up in smoke, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and join the wrestling world. His father reluctantly agreed to train him, knowing it might not be an easy life.

©

Getty Images

Wrestling career -

He adopted the villainous character of The Rock and went on to to be one of the most successful pro wrestlers in history, winning 17 championships.

©

Getty Images

Acting -

Johnson was king of the ring for 10 years, but he wanted to make the leap into acting. Only a few wrestlers had done this successfully in the past.

© Getty Images

Acting -

After successfully guest-hosting 'Saturday Night Live' in 2000, he landed his first big role as The Scorpion King in 'The Mummy Returns.' He actually broke the record for the highest-paid actor in their first role.

©

Getty Images 

Acting -

Hollywood saw his acting potential. Unlike most wrestlers, he was able to play a range of characters.

© Getty Images

Acting - In the early 2000s, he added action, romance, and family films to his resume.

© Getty Images

Acting -

One of his main selling points has always been his humor. Even as The Rock, he always had the crowd in stitches. His ability to make fun of himself and his tough guy appearance is often a key part of his characters.

© Getty Images

Acting -

Although he was achieving incredible success in his acting career, he felt he was losing himself. He felt pressure to distance himself from his wrestling persona and conform to the Hollywood norms.

© Getty Images

Acting - This also meant he couldn't continue to build his body the way he wanted to. He's never been a skinny guy, but early in his acting career he definitely wasn't the mountain we see today!

© Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson - In 2011, he decided it was time to make a change. He fired his publicists and changed to a new agency that supported his goals and recognized his potential.

© Getty Images

Acting -

He went on to star in movies like 'Pain and Gain' and the successful 'The Fast and the Furious' franchise. He was named the top grossing box-office actor in both 2013 and 2015.

© Getty Images

Acting -

He was number one on Forbes' Highest-Paid Actors list in 2019, and again in 2020! He raked in US$87.5 million in one year.

© Getty Images

Branching out -

While his acting career was booming over the past decade, he smartly diversified his income! In 2012, he founded his own production company: Seven Bucks Productions.

© Getty Images

Branching out -

Seven Bucks Productions have produced huge hits like 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,' 'Shazam!' and 'Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.'

©

Getty Images 

Branching out -

In a move that surely accomplished a lifelong dream, Johnson purchased his own sports league! He bought the XFL, an American football league once owned by WWE boss Vince McMahon, for US$15 million in August of 2020.

©

Getty Images 

Family life -

Johnson is passionate about his family. He had his daughter Simone in 2001 with now ex-wife Dany Garcia. Today, Garcia is Johnson's longtime manager and business partner, and Simone has gone into the family business as a wrestler herself.

©

Getty Images

Family life -

Johnson now has two young daughters with his new wife, Laura Hashian. He proudly posts intimate family moments on his Instagram.

©

Getty Images 

Instagram success - Speaking of Instagram, it would be hard to talk about The Rock without mentioning his social media success! As of early August 2020, he is the third most-followed individual on the platform.

© Shutterstock

Instagram success -

He has become famous for his intense daily routine, which includes waking up at 4 am to run, followed by a day of hardcore weightlifting and approximately seven huge meals! His buddy Mark Wahlberg has gained similar fame for his crazy routine.

©

Getty Images 

Instagram success -

Possibly more famous than his fitness routines are his cheat day meals. Imagine literal mounds of pancakes, sushi servings that look like they're for five people, and an entire loaf's worth of French toast with apple pie on top.

©

BrunoPress

Fitness idol -

His epic physique isn't just for show, though. His discipline and dedication are an inspiration to millions, and he has become an idol to those wishing to change their health and their lives.

©

BrunoPress

Philanthropy -

Johnson hasn't been reluctant to share his success with those in need. In 2007, he started the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation. The charity works with at-risk and terminally ill children.

©

Getty Images 

The winning formula -

What's the key to Johnson's success? According to him, success isn't always about greatness. "It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success.”

©

Getty Images

What next? -

Dwayne Johnson isn't the only celeb who overcame serious adversity to reach incredible success. Check out the inspiring stories of the stars who were told they'd never make it.

© Getty Images