Clearly Dwayne Johnson, aka "The Rock," can easily play the tough guy. But if you catch him off-screen, you're more likely to see him showing his softer side. And what he just did to bring joy to a group of sick kids is proof that his massive muscles aren't nearly as big as his heart!
Dwayne, who got his start as a WWE wrestler called "The Rock," has since transitioned into a successful movie career. But despite his success, the star has always managed to remain very down-to-earth.
Case in point -- while recently in Georgia filming for his newest movie, Baywatch, the star decided that rather than heading back to his trailer between takes, he'd make an impromptu visit to the children's ward at Memorial University Medical Center.
He describes the experience as being "the best part of fame." And the unexpected rendezvous from the celeb was a complete delight for everyone involved -- from nurses, to parents, to the brave, little warriors themselves. It was just what these special kids needed -- a day filled with excitement, smiles, laughter and even great, big bear hugs!
Oh, but it doesn't end there! When "The Rock" learned that one of his biggest fans missed out on the experience, he made sure to remedy the situation right away.
One of the patients, Christopher, was too old for the children's ward. And since his room was in the main hospital rather than the pediatric ward, he didn't get to join in all the hullabaloo. But once Dwayne found out, he put the movie production on hold and headed back to pay a special visit. It was a wonderful moment for Christopher and an answered prayer for Christopher's mom, who tearfully told her son, "Christopher I can't give you anything, but I'm so happy I could give you this today..."
Dwayne also made another fan's dream come true when he extended the invitation for 7-year-old Gabriel "Tater" Singleton to come visit him on the set of Baywatch. Gabriel is battling stage 4 cancer and is a huge fan of "The Rock."
Gabriel's family started a Facebook campaign to try to make the little boy's wish of meeting his favorite wrestler come true. In a touching photo, the sweet boy held a handwritten note to Dwayne saying,
"I've been in cancer treatment for over 4 years. Losing my hair made me sad, but seeing you rock your bald head made it easier! I think you are strong, but I am very strong too. I've been struck by hundreds of needles, have had TONS of shots, gone through 8 surgeries, too many blood and platelet transfusions, lots and lots of chemo treatments, radiation therapy, tests, scans and 2 stem cell transplants."
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Not only did Gabriel's post go viral, but it reached "The Rock" himself! And when Dwayne saw Gabriel's message, he responded that he'd not only be coming to visit him, but would also be arranging for Gabriel to be a special guest on the set of the Baywatch movie.
Having come from humble beginnings himself, giving back is something that's always been important to the star. In 2012, Dwayne shared a memory on his Instagram account of watching his mother cry as the family's only car was repossessed. In that same post, he surprised his mom with a brand new car!
Seeing his family struggle to make ends meet as he was growing up was very influential in his desire to make it to Hollywood. In fact, those struggles helped to teach hime just how precious life is.
Along with the motivation Dwayne derives from his family, he also leans on his faith. He says it's what's helped him battle depression, as well as what's gotten him through the tough times that preceded his fame.
"At that time, which was five or six years ago, for me I was little unsure of what was actually gonna happen, you know, so I just have to, you know, put my faith in God and continue to work hard and hopefully good things will happen," he said in an interview about the journey that led him to wrestling.
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But with support from his family, faith in the Almighty and lots of hard work and perseverance, Dwayne finally made a name for himself, and the rest is history!
"I certainly, I feel very blessed. I count my blessings, every day," he said.
And of course, it's the hard times that help us to appreciate the good. So, it's incredible to see that no matter how busy or how famous this "tough guy" gets, he still takes time out for the things that truly matter!
To see more of "The Rock's" softer side, watch as he lets a 2-year-old girl believe she is pulling a plane by herself in the video below:
h/t: Little Things / TV Guide
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Dwayne The Rock Johnson | Instagram/The Rock