Kaylah Walton
Hollywood icon Al Pacino recently recounted a chilling experience he faced during his struggle with COVID-19, revealing that his heart briefly stopped, putting him in a critical condition where rescuers had to revive him.
In a heartfelt discussion with The New York Times, the 84-year-old star of “The Godfather” opened up about this harrowing event, which took place amid the pandemic’s peak in 2020. He described the moment he realized, “I was sitting there in my house, and I was gone,” as he lost consciousness and his heartbeat.
He vividly recalled, “In minutes, the ambulance arrived, and there were six paramedics and two doctors in my living room, dressed in outfits that looked like spacesuits.”
This was a difficult time for the acclaimed actor, who initially felt “unwell.” Experiencing fever and dehydration, he called for a nurse, but the situation escalated when he fainted.
“I didn’t see any bright light or anything,” Pacino shared, reflecting on his near-death experience. “There was nothing. I never thought I would encounter this in my life, but you know how actors are: saying you died once sounds intriguing.”
A Shift in Perspective
Having faced death, Pacino’s views on mortality have evolved as he has aged. He noted, “Getting older gives you a different perspective on death. It’s just how life unfolds. I didn’t invite it, it just happens.” He doesn’t regard discussions of death as “morbid.”
Pacino finds solace in his four children—Julie (34), twins Anton and Olivia (23), and infant Roman (born in 2023)—as well as his vast filmography.
He acknowledged the peaks and valleys of his lengthy career, admitting that earlier in life, filming movies brought him greater joy. “Generally, I’m not very happy while making films,” he confessed. “They can be quite tedious, yet there’s always a place to retreat and unwind.”
Overcoming Challenges
In his leisure time, Pacino enjoys watching YouTube and browsing TikTok. He also mentioned that he would like his young son Roman to first see “Jack and Jill,” the 2011 film he did with Adam Sandler, explaining, “It’s humorous,” and it arrived at a time when he was grappling with financial difficulties.
These financial issues stemmed from his former advisor, Kenneth Starr, who was imprisoned for defrauding clients and left Pacino responsible for nearly $200,000 in back taxes. Undeterred, Pacino embraced roles in comedic films to rebound from the setback.
Emerging from both financial adversity and a health crisis, Pacino now reflects on life with greater insight but retains an optimistic outlook on the future—even as he faces the reality of mortality without fear.
