Dwayne Johnson believes he got infected from a close family friend, who had no idea that they were positive.
The global pandemic caused by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected, amongst millions of people, some high-profile celebrities like Tom Hanks, Idris Elba, Antonio Banderas, Andy Cohen, and many others. The latest to join the list is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, 48, and unfortunately, his family.
The Fast and the Furious actor, who is the world's highest-paid actor on the Forbes' list, announced said he, his wife, and two daughters got infected with the virus even when they were "disciplined" about their safety. The positive results were "a kick in the gut", he was quoted as saying by BBC. Luckily, they have been through the worst of it already. "We're on the other end of it and no longer contagious. Thank God, we're healthy," he said.
That didn't stop him from revealing how this experience has been. "I can tell you that this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family," he said. "And for me personally, too, as well, and I've gone through some doozies in the past... I've gotten knocked about and gotten my a-- kicked a little bit in the past with some challenges, but testing positive for Covid-19 is much different than overcoming nasty injuries or being evicted or even being broke, which I have been more than a few times," he said. "The reason why I feel this is different is because my number one priority is to always protect my family and protect my children, my loved ones," said the former wrestler.
Johnson said that his two young daughters, Jasmine and Tiana, aged 4 and 2, had mild symptoms, but he and his wife, Lauren Hashian, 35, had it much worse. He believes that he got it from close family friends who were not aware they were carriers. He has encouraged that people continue to be cautious when they meet friends and family. He suggested that people get tested for the infection before meeting up and to always wear a mask to stop the spread.
"We are counting our blessings right now because we're well aware that it isn't always the case that you get on the other end of Covid-19 stronger and healthier," said Johnson. "It baffles me that some people out there, including some politicians, will take this idea of wearing masks and make it part of a political agenda. It has nothing to do with politics. Wear your mask. It is a fact. And it is the right thing to do," he said, as quoted by BBC.
He also thinks that his commitment to his health, in general, helped him fight the disease. The Skyscraper actor further added, "My message to all of you around. Stay disciplined. Boost your immune system. Commit to wellness. Wear your mask. Protect your family. Be strict about having people over your house or gatherings. Stay positive. And care for your fellow human beings. Stay healthy, my friends. DJ."
He has been a wellness advocate and has previously revealed about experiencing depression. "Struggle and pain is real. I was devastated and depressed," Johnson said in an interview with The Daily Express. "I reached a point where I didn’t want to do a thing or go anywhere. I was crying constantly," he added.
In a tweet, he also shared the valuable lesson he learned in the process. "We all go thru the sludge/sh-- and depression never discriminates," he wrote. "Took me a long time to realize it but the key is to not be afraid to open up. Especially us dudes have a tendency to keep it in. You’re not alone."
He has faced years of struggles including facing eviction as a child. “We were living in an efficiency that cost $120 a week,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “We come home, and there’s a padlock on the door and an eviction notice. My mom starts bawling. She just started crying and breaking down. ‘Where are we going to live? What are we going to do?’”
He has worked hard for years and now, as the highest-paid actor, he reportedly earned $87.5m (£67m) until June 2020, including $23.5m for the Netflix thriller Red Notice. He and his family would never have to worry about getting evicted again.
References:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54008181
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/drive-despair-rock-dwayne-johnson-712689
