logo
HomeCelebrityHollywood
Al Pacino | Source: Getty Images
Al Pacino | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino, 84, Revealed He Had No Pulse During Near-Death Experience – What Happened?

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Oct 10, 2024
10:30 A.M.

At 84, Al Pacino remains one of Hollywood's most respected icons. But in a recent revelation, the "Scarface" star described a life-altering experience that brought him closer to death than ever before. What exactly happened during that fateful time?

Advertisement

Al Pacino has seen his fair share of highs and lows throughout his decades-long career. Rising to fame in the 1970s with unforgettable roles in "The Godfather" and "Dog Day Afternoon," Pacino became a household name. But behind the success, he has faced many struggles, including battles with addiction and moments when his career faltered

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather," circa 1972 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather," circa 1972 | Source: Getty Images

Now, Pacino has opened up about one of the most frightening experiences of his life when he had a brush with death. His story offers a rare glimpse into a deeply personal moment when everything seemed to stand still for a few terrifying seconds.

Al Pacino at The 92nd Street Y, in New York on April 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino at The 92nd Street Y, in New York on April 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

A Star on the Rise in the 1970s

Pacino's rise to fame began in the 1970s, a decade that saw him deliver some of the most iconic performances in film history. His role as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" trilogy cemented his status as a Hollywood legend.

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather," circa 1972 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather," circa 1972 | Source: Getty Images

It was followed by unforgettable portrayals in films like "Serpico," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "Scarface." His intense, method acting style captivated audiences, making him one of the most influential actors of his generation. Despite this incredible success, Pacino has admitted that the whirlwind of fame during the '70s was a blur to him.

Al Pacino in a scene from "Serpico," in 1973 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino in a scene from "Serpico," in 1973 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Reflecting on that period, he once said, "You don't think of those parts as achievements." The actor explained that it was a fast-paced time, and he didn't fully realize what he was accomplishing. Though he could have rested on his laurels, Pacino has always pushed himself to keep working, never fully satisfied with past successes.

Despite this period of success, challenges loomed on the horizon. As the 1980s approached, Pacino would face a series of personal and professional struggles that would test his resilience.

Al Pacino, circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino, circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images

Personal Struggles and Career Decline

As Pacino's fame grew in the 1970s, the pressures of his rising stardom began to take a toll on his personal life. He turned to alcohol to cope with the stress, a habit that quickly spiraled out of control. His addiction not only affected his well-being but also began to impact his career.

Advertisement
Al Pacino, circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino, circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images

Pacino has candidly described this period as "a bit of madness" where his drinking left him out of work more often than in it. Eventually, he decided to stop drinking, which helped him regain focus on his career and personal life. He also stopped smoking and using drugs. However, the 1980s marked a difficult time for Pacino's professional life.

Undated photo of Al Pacino | Source: Getty Images

Undated photo of Al Pacino | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

After the commercial and critical failure of "Revolution" in 1985, Pacino took a four-year break from filmmaking. This period of silence was a stark contrast to the vibrant success of the previous decade, but Pacino found solace in his love for the stage.

Al Pacino in a scene from the film "Revolution," in 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino in a scene from the film "Revolution," in 1985 | Source: Getty Images

He continued performing in theater productions, including "Richard III" and "Salome," which helped him stay connected to his craft. Despite his efforts to keep moving forward, Pacino's financial situation deteriorated in the following years.

Al Pacino seen on November 11, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino seen on November 11, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

By 2011, he faced a $188,000 tax bill due to mismanagement by his business manager, Kenneth Starr, who was later convicted for his role in a Ponzi scheme. Pacino promptly settled the debt, even poking fun at his financial troubles by playing a humorous role in the 2011 film "Jack and Jill."

Al Pacino at the Los Angeles premiere of "Jack And Jill" on November 6, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino at the Los Angeles premiere of "Jack And Jill" on November 6, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Family Life and His Battle with COVID-19

Even as Pacino worked through these professional and financial challenges, his personal life continued to evolve. Pacino is the father of four children. His first daughter, Julie Marie, was born in 1989 from his relationship with acting coach Jan Tarrant.

Al Pacino and daughter Julie during the 20th Annual American Cinematheque Award on October 21, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino and daughter Julie during the 20th Annual American Cinematheque Award on October 21, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Later, in 2001, he welcomed twins, Anton and Olivia Pacino, with actress Beverly D'Angelo. Most recently, in 2023, Pacino welcomed his youngest son, Roman, with Noor Alfallah at 83. Over the years, Pacino has been romantically linked to several of his co-stars.

Anton, Olivia, Al, and Julie Pacino attend the 92nd Annual Academy Awards on February 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Anton, Olivia, Al, and Julie Pacino attend the 92nd Annual Academy Awards on February 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

These include a two-decade-long on-off relationship with "Godfather" co-star Diane Keaton. Despite these relationships, Pacino has remained unmarried but has always emphasized the importance of fatherhood and his close bond with his children.

Al Pacino, his daughter Olivia and his son Anton are seen at the Malibu Fair on August 31, 2008 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino, his daughter Olivia and his son Anton are seen at the Malibu Fair on August 31, 2008 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacino also faced a serious health scare. He contracted a severe case of the virus before vaccines were available, and his condition quickly worsened.

"They said my pulse was gone. It was so — you're here, you're not. I thought: Wow, you don't even have your memories. You have nothing. Strange porridge," he recalled.

Al Pacino as seen on January 14, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino as seen on January 14, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

When Pacino regained consciousness, he was surrounded by paramedics in protective suits. Reflecting on the moment, he said, "I thought I experienced death. I might not have. I don't think I have, really. I know I made it. Everybody thought I was dead. How could I be dead? If I was dead, I fainted."

Al Pacino seen on February 2, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino seen on February 2, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

Reflections on Mortality

Despite the seriousness of his near-death experience, Pacino has remained remarkably philosophical about it. He has mixed humor with contemplation when discussing the incident.

Al Pacino in a conversation with David Rubenstein in 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino in a conversation with David Rubenstein in 2023 | Source: Getty Images

He recalled that after the paramedics revived him, he didn't see the "white light" that people often associate with such moments. Although the experience was profound, Pacino has said it didn't significantly change how he lives his life.

Al Pacino at the 14th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino at the 14th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

When asked if the health scare had altered his outlook, he responded, "Not at all." He continues to find joy in his work, mentioning that while aging presents challenges, it hasn't dampened his passion for acting.

Al Pacino attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino's Legacy

Pacino's near-death experience during the pandemic is just one chapter in a long and storied life. Over five decades, he has faced professional ups and downs, personal struggles, and health challenges, yet he has always returned to the spotlight.

From his breakthrough role to his recent projects, Pacino's ability to reinvent himself has kept him relevant across generations. Despite the brushes with mortality and the challenges of aging, Pacino remains active in the industry he loves.

Advertisement
Al Pacino arrives for a music video shoot on August 24, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino arrives for a music video shoot on August 24, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Al Pacino's reflections on his experiences show his resilience and passion for life. His legacy, built on decades of memorable performances, is a testament to his talent and determination.

Advertisement
Advertisement
info

We at news.AmoMama.com do our best to give you the most updated news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, but the situation is constantly changing. We encourage readers to refer to the online updates from CDС, WHO, or Local Health Departments to stay updated.Take care!

Related posts