Be it the stage of WWE or the celluloid stage, “The Rock” has successfully owned every stage that he has ever set foot on. His is an inspiring story of rags to riches, a man who started out with $7 and is now a brand name. Facts about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson serves as a source of inspiration for many. Here are 20 rare pics and facts about Dwayne Johnson, the man who worked his butt off to attain the pinnacle of success.

1 Dwayne Johnson comes from the Anoaʻi family, a Samoan family that includes over 16 professional wrestlers.

The Anoaí family originated from American Samoa. Reverend Amituana’i Anoa’i and Peter Maivia were blood brothers, thus, the Anoa’i family regard Maivia line as the extension of their own clan. Peter married Ofelia “Lia” Fuataga who already had a daughter from a previous marriage. This daughter, Ata was adopted by Peter. Ata married Rocky Johnson, a wrestler and they became the parents of Dwayne Johnson.(source)

2 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hasn’t eaten candy since 1989.

In order to maintain his ‘wowzzie’ physique, Johnson consumes more than 5000 calories per day. As Candy is not healthy, Johnson has abstained from eating them since 1989.(source)

3 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s first WWF persona was Rocky Maivia, a face (good guy). The audience rejected him due to his cheesy character, with chants of “Die, Rocky, die!”. After this, he became a heel (villain), referring to himself in the third person as “The Rock” and insulting the audience.

Dwayne Johnson debuted in the Survivor series as Rocky Maivia (combination of his father and grandfather’s ring names), as a good guy. He was portrayed as the clean cut baby-faced do-gooder,however, audience soon got tired of this one-dimensional character and began to chant “Die, Rocky, Die.” After returning from injury, Dwayne Johnson was allowed to become a heel (villain), Johnson was at his vitriolic best in this new edition as he vented out all his suppressed anger at his audience. The new avatar was loved by the audience and The Rock never looked back.(source)

4 Dwayne Johnson was Tim Burton’s second choice for Willy Wonka in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.

Charlie and the Chocolate factory is a 2005 musical fantasy film directed by Tim Burton. The movie based on Roald Dahl’s famous book of the same name was distributed by Warner Bros. Johnny Depp was the only actor Tim wanted as his ‘Willy Wonka.’ Dwayne Johnson was the second choice, in case, Depp was unavailable for the movie.(source)

5 In 2015, Dwayne Johnson became an ordained minister in order to surprise a superfan by officiating at his wedding.

Dwayne Johnson surprised his ardent fan, Nick Mundy (of Screen Junkies)  by officiating at his wedding to his fiancee Dilara Karabas. He was officially ordained for this special purpose.(source)