Al Pacino Reflects on Life and Legacy in New Autobiography ‘Sonny Boy’

Sitting in a Beverly Hills hotel suite, Al Pacino, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, shared his thoughts on life, career, and legacy. At 84, Pacino has written his autobiography, “Sonny Boy,” named after his mother’s affectionate nickname for him.

“I’m not convinced I’ve ever been a godfather,” Pacino said with a chuckle, referencing his iconic role in “The Godfather.” Becoming a father for the fourth time at 83 inspired him to write his memoir, ensuring his youngest child, Roman, knows his story.

Pacino’s book is a reflection on his life, including his childhood in New York’s South Bronx and his rise to stardom. He reminisced about the filming of “The Godfather” and how he nearly got sacked during the first two weeks. Francis Ford Coppola moved up the filming schedule of a pivotal scene, allowing Pacino to showcase his talent.

When asked about potential replacements, Pacino mentioned Robert De Niro. “Yeah, sure. Why not? I’m not irreplaceable,” he laughed.

Pacino also discussed his love for “Scarface,” citing its cult classic status and impact on the hip-hop community. He expressed his desire for an Oscar nomination for that film.

On the future of Hollywood, Pacino remains optimistic, citing directors like Scorsese, Tarantino, and Coppola. He’s unconcerned about AI replicating his likeness after his death, trusting his children to handle it.

During the interview, Pacino shared stories about collapsing during the pandemic, his financial struggles, and his admiration for actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Adam Driver.

As the conversation concluded, Pacino revealed his phone case features Shrek, a gift from his daughter. He also expressed reluctance to provide voices for animated films.

One notable omission from Pacino’s accolades is a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When asked, he responded, “Oh, I don’t have a star… Oh yeah, sure,” indicating his desire for one.

“Sonny Boy” by Al Pacino is now available.