Dwayne Johnson turned to family films after painful divorce
What's the story
Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson recently opened up about the impact of his 2007 divorce from ex-wife-producer Dany Garcia on his mental health and career choices. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, he revealed that the end of his 16-year marriage deeply affected him, especially as they co-parented their daughter Simone (24). The Moana star admitted to struggling with depression during this time, which led him to seek out happy ending films like The Game Plan and Tooth Fairy.
Career shift
'I wanted stuff that had a happy ending'
Johnson revealed that during his struggle with depression, he wanted to do films that had a "happy ending." He said, "I was trying to figure my stuff out... I didn't want anything that was going to challenge me to rip my guts out; I wanted stuff that had a happy ending." He described making these films as a form of self-therapy, saying he felt they manifested during a time when he needed positivity and healing.
Professional partnership
Johnson's personal life now
Despite their personal split, Johnson and Garcia have continued to work together through their production company, Seven Bucks Productions. This professional partnership has allowed them to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship for the sake of their daughter Simone. On the personal front, Johnson is now happily married to singer-music producer Lauren Hashian, and they share two daughters, Jasmine (9) and Tiana (6).