Childhood and Education Journey of Dwayne Johnson in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Dwayne Johnson. From birth to education, explore key events.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is an American actor, professional wrestler, and businessman. He gained prominence in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the Attitude Era, becoming one of wrestling's all-time greats. Transitioning to acting, Johnson achieved immense success, becoming one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors globally, with his films earning over $14.9 billion worldwide. Beyond entertainment, he is a co-owner of the United Football League, a board member of TKO Group Holdings (UFC & WWE's parent company), and co-founder of Seven Bucks Productions, demonstrating his entrepreneurial ventures.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

May 2, 1972: Dwayne Johnson's Birth

On May 2, 1972, Dwayne Douglas Johnson, also known as The Rock, was born. He is an American actor, professional wrestler, and businessman.

1990: Graduated from Freedom High School

In 1990, Dwayne Johnson graduated from Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania.

1995: Graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies

In 1995, Dwayne Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies and a dual major in criminology and physiology.

1999: That '70s Show Appearance

In 1999, Johnson appeared on That '70s Show as his father Rocky Johnson.

Loading Video...

1999: Heel Turn

In 1999, The Rock had a heel turn.

2000: Music and Television Appearances

In 2000, The Rock appeared on Wyclef Jean's "It Doesn't Matter," appeared on Star Trek: Voyager as an alien wrestler, and hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time, which led to more offers from Hollywood studios.

Loading Video...

2000: Speaking Role at Political Conventions

In 2000, as part of WWE's "Smackdown Your Vote" campaign, Dwayne Johnson had a speaking role at the Republican National Convention and attended the Democratic National Convention.

August 14, 2001: Birth of Daughter Simone

On August 14, 2001, Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia's daughter, Simone, was born in Davie, Florida.

2001: Xbox Unveiling and The Mummy Returns Debut

In 2001, The Rock made a surprise appearance at the official Xbox unveiling. Also in 2001, his motion picture debut in The Mummy Returns broke a record for the highest-grossing single day in film history.

Loading Video...

January 30, 2003: SmackDown! Appearance and Heel Turn

On January 30, 2003, The Rock returned on SmackDown! to set up another match with Hulk Hogan at No Way Out, turning heel for the first time since 1999, and adopting the "Hollywood Rock" persona.

2003: Samoan Peʻa Tattoo

In 2003, Dwayne Johnson got a partial Samoan Peʻa tattoo on his left side.

2003: Heel Turn Since 2003

In 2024, The Rock turned heel for the first time since 2003.

2003: Reference to Hollywood Rock Persona

In February 2024, The Rock's new persona incorporated elements of his "Hollywood Rock" incarnation from 2003, including insulting the audience and wearing expensive clothes.

March 14, 2004: Final Wrestling Match Until November 2011

On March 14, 2004, at WrestleMania XX, the Rock 'n' Sock Connection lost against Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista. This was Johnson's final wrestling match until November 2011.

2008: Voted for Barack Obama

In 2008, Dwayne Johnson voted for Barack Obama.

2009: Obtained Canadian Citizenship

In 2009, Dwayne Johnson obtained Canadian citizenship through his father's birth and citizenship there.

November 2011: Return to Wrestling

In November 2011, the Rock had his return to Wrestling.

2012: Voted for Barack Obama

In 2012, Dwayne Johnson voted for Barack Obama.

January 25, 2015: Royal Rumble Appearance and Roman Reigns Endorsement

On January 25, 2015, The Rock appeared at the Royal Rumble, helping Roman Reigns fend off Big Show and Kane and endorsing Reigns after he won the match.

March 29, 2015: WrestleMania 31 Altercation with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon

On March 29, 2015, at WrestleMania 31, The Rock appeared alongside Ronda Rousey and got into an in-ring altercation with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. The Rock and Rousey prevailed.

2016: Did Not Vote

In 2016, Dwayne Johnson did not vote.

2016: First Live Appearance on Raw Since 2016

On January 1, 2024, The Rock made his first live appearance on Raw since 2016.

February 20, 2017: Untelevised Raw Appearance for Film Promotion

On February 20, 2017, The Rock made an untelevised appearance on Raw after the broadcast to promote and film a scene for his movie Fighting with My Family.

Loading Video...

2017: Independent Voter

As of 2017, Dwayne Johnson was an independent voter.

2017: Tattoo Modification

In 2017, Dwayne Johnson had the small "Brahma bull" tattoo on his right arm covered with a larger half-sleeve tattoo of a bull's skull.

August 3, 2019: Retirement from Professional Wrestling

On August 3, 2019, The Rock officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling.

2020: Endorsed Joe Biden

In 2020, Dwayne Johnson endorsed Joe Biden.

February 2021: Considers Presidential Run

In February 2021, Dwayne Johnson told USA Today that he would "consider a presidential run in the future if that's what the people wanted".

April 2021: Goal to Unite Country

Following an online poll in April 2021, Dwayne Johnson told Today, "I do have that goal to unite our country and I also feel that if this is what the people want, then I will do that".

2021: Support for Samoa National Rugby League Team

In 2021, Dwayne Johnson publicly pledged his support to the Samoa national rugby league team during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

January 1, 2024: Raw Day 1 Appearance and Confrontation with Jinder Mahal

On January 1, 2024, The Rock made a surprise appearance on the Day 1 edition of Raw, confronting and brawling with Jinder Mahal. He then hinted at challenging Roman Reigns.

April 2024: Regretted Biden Endorsement

In an April 2024 interview, Dwayne Johnson told Fox News that he regretted endorsing Joe Biden and refused to endorse anyone in 2024.

2024: Joining The Bloodline and WrestleMania XL Involvement

Throughout February and March 2024, The Rock joined The Bloodline, debuted his "Final Boss" persona, and participated in WrestleMania XL, facing John Cena and being chokeslammed by The Undertaker. He later congratulated Cody Rhodes and announced he would be leaving for a while to film The Smashing Machine.

Loading Video...

January 6, 2025: Raw Premiere on Netflix Appearance

On January 6, 2025, The Rock returned on the Raw premiere on Netflix, thanking Cody Rhodes for his work and embracing Roman Reigns after he reclaimed his title.