Al Pacino, widely regarded as one of the most exceptional and influential actors of the 20th century, has garnered significant recognition throughout his illustrious career. His accolades include an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards (achieving the esteemed Triple Crown of Acting), four Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and prestigious honors like the Cecil B. DeMille Award (2001), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2007), the National Medal of Arts (2011), and the Kennedy Center Honors (2016).
April 25, 1940: Al Pacino's Birth
Al Pacino, whose birth name is Alfredo James Pacino, was born on April 25, 1940.
1962: Death of Pacino's Mother and Grandfather
In 1962, at the age of 22, Pacino experienced the loss of both his mother and grandfather. He considers this period a low point in his life.
1967: Pacino's Time at the Charles Playhouse
In 1967, Al Pacino had his first major acting role, earning $125 a week at the Charles Playhouse in Boston, acting in "Awake and Sing!" and "America Hurrah." During this time, he also began a five-year relationship with actress Jill Clayburgh.
January 17, 1968: "The Indian Wants the Bronx" Premiere and Pacino's Big Break
On January 17, 1968, "The Indian Wants the Bronx," starring Al Pacino, premiered at the Astor Place Theatre. The play was a success, running for 177 performances. Pacino's performance earned him an Obie Award, and he was noticed by Martin Bregman, who became his manager, leading to significant roles for Pacino in the future.
November 12, 1968: Pacino and Clayburgh's Television Debut
Pacino and Clayburgh appeared on television for the first time in "Deadly Circle of Violence," an episode of the ABC television series "NYPD," which premiered on November 12, 1968.
February 25, 1969: Pacino's Broadway Debut in "Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?"
Al Pacino debuted on Broadway on February 25, 1969, in "Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?" at the Belasco Theater.
March 29, 1969: Closing of "Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?"
Although "Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?" closed on March 29, 1969, after 39 performances, Pacino's performance received critical acclaim.
April 20, 1969: Al Pacino Wins His First Tony Award
Pacino received a Tony Award on April 20, 1969, for his performance in "Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?"
1969: Stars in "The Local Stigmatic" on Stage
Pacino took to the stage in 1969 to star in the off-Broadway play "The Local Stigmatic."
1969: Film Debut in "Me, Natalie"
Al Pacino made his film debut in 1969 with a small role in the independent film "Me, Natalie," starring Patty Duke.
1970: Signs with Creative Management Associates
In 1970, as his acting career began to gain traction, Al Pacino signed with the talent agency Creative Management Associates (CMA).
1971: "The Panic in Needle Park"
Al Pacino starred in the 1971 film "The Panic in Needle Park" as a heroin addict, a performance that caught the attention of director Francis Ford Coppola.
1972: Breakthrough Role in "The Godfather"
Al Pacino's career was significantly boosted in 1972 when he was cast by Francis Ford Coppola as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather," despite studio executives initially wanting a more well-known actor.
1973: Wins Palme d'Or and Stars in "Serpico"
In 1973, Al Pacino won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in "Scarecrow" alongside Gene Hackman. The same year, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Serpico."
1974: Reprises Role in "The Godfather Part II"
Al Pacino reprised his role as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather Part II" in 1974, which went on to become the first sequel to win the Best Picture Oscar, and he received another Oscar nomination for his performance.
1975: "Dog Day Afternoon" and Critical Acclaim
In 1975, Pacino starred in "Dog Day Afternoon," based on a true story and directed by Sidney Lumet, for which he received critical acclaim and another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1977: Al Pacino Achieves Sobriety
In 1977, Al Pacino achieved sobriety, having previously struggled with drug and alcohol abuse.
1977: Stars in "Bobby Deerfield" and "...And Justice for All"
Pacino took on diverse roles in 1977, starring as a race-car driver in "Bobby Deerfield" and in the courtroom drama "...And Justice for All." He received a Golden Globe nomination for "Bobby Deerfield" and another Best Actor Oscar nomination for "...And Justice for All."
1983: Pacino Supports The Mirror Theater Ltd
In 1983, Al Pacino joined Dustin Hoffman and Paul Newman as a major donor to The Mirror Theater Ltd, inspired by their connection to Lee Strasberg, whose daughter-in-law, Sabra Jones, founded and ran the company.
1983: A Defining Role in "Scarface"
Despite initial controversy and negative reviews upon release, Al Pacino's performance in the 1983 film "Scarface" became a defining role in his career. The film achieved significant commercial success and later garnered critical acclaim. Pacino also earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of the Cuban drug lord Tony Montana.
1983: Video Game Adaptation of Scarface
Al Pacino allowed his likeness to be used in the 1983 video game adaptation of "Scarface", titled "Scarface: The World is Yours", though he declined to reprise his role as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" video game.
1985: Commercial and Critical Failure of "Revolution"
Al Pacino's 1985 film "Revolution" was a commercial and critical failure, which led to a four-year hiatus from films for Pacino. He blamed the film's shortcomings on its rushed production.
1985: Films "The Local Stigmatic"
In 1985, Pacino returned to his theatrical roots by adapting "The Local Stigmatic," a play he had starred in during 1969, into a film. The film saw a limited release much later, in 2007, as part of a box set.
1987: The Original "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune"
Terrence McNally's play "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune," on which the 1991 film was based, premiered off-Broadway in 1987.
1988: Returns to Stage in "Julius Caesar"
Following a break from film, Pacino returned to the stage in 1988 with a role in "Julius Caesar" as part of Joseph Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival.
October 16, 1989: Birth of Julie Marie Pacino
Al Pacino's eldest daughter, Julie Marie Pacino, was born on October 16, 1989. Her mother is acting coach Jan Tarrant.
1989: Returns to Film in "Sea of Love"
In 1989, Al Pacino returned to film after a four-year hiatus with "Sea of Love," a crime drama that earned positive reviews and marked a successful comeback.
1990: Stars in "Dick Tracy" and "The Godfather Part III"
Al Pacino had a busy year in 1990, starring in both "Dick Tracy" and "The Godfather Part III." He received critical acclaim for his scene-stealing performance in "Dick Tracy," earning an Academy Award nomination. "The Godfather Part III," although facing production challenges, marked his return to the iconic role of Michael Corleone.
1991: Stars in "Frankie and Johnny"
In 1991, Al Pacino starred alongside Michelle Pfeiffer, his "Scarface" co-star, in the romantic drama "Frankie and Johnny." While the film received mixed reviews, Pacino was praised for his performance, particularly his on-screen chemistry with Pfeiffer.
1992: Wins Best Actor Oscar for "Scent of a Woman"
Al Pacino's performance in the 1992 film "Scent of a Woman" earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for "Glengarry Glen Ross" that same year, making him the first male actor to receive two acting nominations for two different films in the same year and win for the lead role.
1993: Stars in "Carlito's Way"
Al Pacino portrayed Carlito Brigante, a gangster trying to go straight, in the 1993 crime drama "Carlito's Way."
1995: First On-screen Appearance with Robert De Niro in "Heat"
Al Pacino and Robert De Niro appeared on screen together for the first time in the 1995 crime thriller "Heat," directed by Michael Mann. Though both had starred in "The Godfather Part II," their characters did not share any scenes in that film.
1996: Directs and Stars in "Looking for Richard"
In 1996, Al Pacino directed and starred in "Looking for Richard," a film that combined scenes from Shakespeare's "Richard III" with a broader exploration of Shakespeare's cultural impact. The film featured a star-studded cast, including Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, and Winona Ryder.
1997: Beginning of Relationship with Beverly D'Angelo
Al Pacino began a relationship with actress Beverly D'Angelo in 1997.
1997: Stars in "The Devil's Advocate"
Al Pacino played Satan in the 1997 supernatural thriller "The Devil's Advocate." The film, which co-starred Keanu Reeves, was a commercial success. Pacino's performance as the charismatic and sinister Satan was praised by critics.
1997: Donnie Brasco
In 1997, Al Pacino starred in "Donnie Brasco" as gangster "Lefty", alongside Johnny Depp, in a film about an undercover FBI agent infiltrating the Mafia.
1999: The Insider and Any Given Sunday
Al Pacino starred in two films in 1999: "The Insider", where he played 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman opposite Russell Crowe, and "Any Given Sunday", directed by Oliver Stone.
2000: Chinese Coffee
Al Pacino starred in and fully funded "Chinese Coffee" in 2000, a film adaptation of Ira Lewis' play, featuring Jerry Orbach.
January 25, 2001: Birth of Anton James and Olivia Rose Pacino
Al Pacino's twins, Anton James and Olivia Rose Pacino, were born on January 25, 2001. Their mother is actress Beverly D'Angelo.
2001: Cecil B. DeMille Award
Al Pacino received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2001, a Golden Globe Award recognizing his lifetime achievements in the film industry.
October 2002: Pacino Stars in "The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui"
In October 2002, Al Pacino starred in a production of "The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui" alongside several other well-known Hollywood actors. The production was a critical success.
2003: Supporting Roles and "Angels in America"
Al Pacino took supporting roles in "People I Know" and "Gigli" in 2003. He also starred as Roy Cohn in the HBO miniseries "Angels in America", adapted from Tony Kushner's play.
2003: Voted Greatest Film Star of All Time
In 2003, British television viewers voted Al Pacino as the greatest film star of all time in a Channel 4 poll.
2003: End of Relationship with Beverly D'Angelo
Al Pacino's relationship with actress Beverly D'Angelo ended in 2003.
2004: Release of "Modigliani"
A film adaptation of Dennis McIntyre's play about Amedeo Modigliani, "Modigliani", was released in 2004.
2004: The Merchant of Venice
Al Pacino starred as Shylock in the 2004 film adaptation of "The Merchant of Venice".
2004: Golden Globe for "Angels in America"
Al Pacino won his third Golden Globe Award in 2004, for Best Performance by an Actor, for his role in "Angels in America".
2004: Publication of "I Heard You Paint Houses"
The book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt, the basis for the film "The Irishman", was published in 2004.
October 8, 2005: Two for the Money
"Two for the Money", starring Al Pacino as a sports gambling agent alongside Matthew McConaughey and Rene Russo, was released on October 8, 2005.
October 20, 2006: AFI Life Achievement Award
Al Pacino received the 35th AFI Life Achievement Award on October 20, 2006.
November 22, 2006: Honorary Patronage from Trinity College Dublin
Al Pacino was awarded the Honorary Patronage of the University Philosophical Society of Trinity College Dublin on November 22, 2006.
2007: Pacino: An Actor's Vision
In 2007, a special DVD box set titled "Pacino: An Actor's Vision" was released, including "Chinese Coffee", "The Local Stigmatic", and "Looking for Richard", with Pacino providing prologues and epilogues for each film.
2007: AFI Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2007, Al Pacino was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute (AFI).
2007: "The Local Stigmatic" Released in Box Set
In 2007, Al Pacino's film adaptation of "The Local Stigmatic" was released as part of the "Pacino: An Actor's Vision" box set.
April 18, 2008: 88 Minutes
"88 Minutes", co-starring Alicia Witt, was released in the United States on April 18, 2008, following releases in other countries in 2007.
September 12, 2008: Righteous Kill
Al Pacino and Robert De Niro reunited in "Righteous Kill", playing New York detectives searching for a serial killer. It was released on September 12, 2008.
2008: Beginning of Relationship with Lucila Polak
Al Pacino began a ten-year relationship with Argentine actress Lucila Polak in 2008.
April 2010: You Don't Know Jack
Al Pacino starred as Jack Kevorkian in the HBO Films biopic "You Don't Know Jack", which premiered in April 2010. This performance earned him an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
September 4, 2011: Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award
Al Pacino was presented with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award on September 4, 2011.
2011: Jack and Jill and Golden Raspberry Award
Al Pacino appeared as himself in the comedy film "Jack and Jill" in 2011, and received the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor.
February 2012: National Medal of Arts
President Barack Obama awarded Al Pacino the National Medal of Arts in February 2012.
March 21, 2012: US Premiere of Wilde Salomé
Pacino's documentary-drama "Wilde Salomé", in which he plays Herod, premiered in the US on March 21, 2012, at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco.
September 2012: Paterno Role Announcement
It was announced in September 2012 that Al Pacino would play Joe Paterno, the former Penn State University football coach, in a television film.
October 2012: Glengarry Glen Ross Opens on Broadway
Al Pacino stars in the 30th-anniversary Broadway revival of David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross," which opened in October 2012.
January 20, 2013: Glengarry Glen Ross Closes on Broadway
On January 20, 2013, the 30th-anniversary Broadway revival of David Mamet's play, Glengarry Glen Ross, starring Al Pacino, closed after a successful run.
2013: Phil Spector
Al Pacino starred in the HBO biographical picture "Phil Spector" in 2013, focusing on the record producer's murder trial.
October 2015: Preview Performances of China Doll Begin
Preview performances for the Broadway play "China Doll," starring Al Pacino, began in October 2015 ahead of its official opening.
December 5, 2015: China Doll Premieres on Broadway
Al Pacino starred in the Broadway play "China Doll," written by David Mamet, which premiered on December 5, 2015.
2015: Danny Collins
Pacino starred in the comedy-drama "Danny Collins" in 2015, playing an aging rock star, and received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.
January 21, 2016: China Doll Ends its Broadway Run
On January 21, 2016, the Broadway play "China Doll," starring Al Pacino, closed after 97 performances.
2016: Kennedy Center Honor
Al Pacino received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2016, with tributes from former costars Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, Bobby Cannavale, and Chris O'Donnell.
April 7, 2018: Premiere of Paterno
"Paterno", starring Al Pacino as Joe Paterno, premiered on HBO on April 7, 2018.
2018: End of Relationship with Lucila Polak
Al Pacino's ten-year relationship with Argentine actress Lucila Polak ended in 2018.
July 26, 2019: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Al Pacino starred alongside Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in Quentin Tarantino's comedy-drama "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", which was released on July 26, 2019.
February 2020: Hunters Premiere
Al Pacino starred as Meyer Offerman in the Amazon Prime Video series "Hunters", his first television series since "Angels in America", premiering in February 2020.
August 2020: Hunters Renewal
"Hunters" was renewed for a second season in August 2020.
2021: House of Gucci and American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally
Al Pacino starred in two films released in 2021: as Aldo Gucci in Ridley Scott's "House of Gucci", and as the lead defense attorney in "American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally".
August 2022: Al Pacino to Produce "Modì"
In August 2022, it was announced that Al Pacino would produce a film about Amedeo Modigliani called "Modì."
June 15, 2023: Birth of Roman Pacino
Al Pacino's youngest son, Roman Pacino, was born on June 15, 2023. His mother is Pacino's girlfriend, Noor Alfallah.
September 2023: Filming Begins for "Modì"
Principal photography for the film "Modì", produced by Al Pacino, began in September 2023.
March 10, 2024: Presents Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards
On March 10, 2024, Al Pacino presented the award for Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards.