Discover the fascinating story of Dwayne Johnson’s parents – Rocky Johnson, a trailblazing professional wrestler and Ata Johnson, a woman with Samoan heritage and ties to the wrestling legacy.
Dwayne Johnson Parents: Meet Rocky Johnson and Ata Johnson
Rocky Johnson, born as Wayde Douglas Bowles, was a Canadian professional wrestler. He gained prominence in the 1980s, teaming up with Tony Atlas as “The Soul Patrol” and becoming the first African-American tag team to win the World Tag Team Championship in the then-World Wrestling Federation(WWF).
Rocky is also known as the father of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who followed in his footsteps and became a successful professional wrestler and actor. Wayde passed away on the 15th of January, 2020 from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 75.
Ata Johnson on the other hand, was born to Sione Papali’i Fitisemanu by his wife, Lia Maivia and was later adopted by Samoan professional wrestler, Peter Maivia, whose real name is Fanene Leifi Pita Maivia.
Ata Johnson was born on the 25th of October, 1948 in Hawaii, United States of America as Mataniu Feagaimaleata “Ata” Fitisemanu nèe Maivia. Ata has been supportive of her son’s career and has occasionally made appearances in the media alongside him. She is part of the well-known wrestling family, the Anoa’I-Maivia family.
RECOMMENDED READING: Dwayne Johnson’s Wife: Who Is Lauren Hashian?
Dwayne Johnson’s Background
Dwayne has a fascinating background. He was born on the 2nd of May, 1972 in Hayward, California. His father, Rocky Johnson, was a professional wrestler and his grandfather, Peter Maivia, was also a professional wrestler.
This family background laid the foundation for Dwayne’s future career in wrestling. Before his wrestling and acting career took off, Johnson played college football at the University of Miami, where he won a national championship.
After a brief stint in the Canadian Football League, Dwayne decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and pursue a career in professional wrestling. He is presently one of the most recognizable and successful actors in Hollywood and a renowned former WWE wrestler.