Al Pacino

Al Pacino was born on April 25, 1940, in the Bronx, New York, as the only child of an Italian-American family. His father left the family when he was two, and Pacino was raised by his mother and grandmother. Growing up as a street kid, he developed an early interest in cinema and acting. He dropped out of high school to join Actors Studio and studied under Lee Strasberg. In 1969, he achieved his first major success Off-Broadway with 'The Indian Wants the Bronx', winning an Obie Award. His film career began in 1971 with 'The Panic in Needle Park'. In 1972, he took on the role of Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather'. His performance transforming the initially idealistic young Michael, who was against war and wanted to stay away from the family's criminal world, into a ruthless mafia boss by the film's end became one of cinema's greatest character transformations. He continued this legendary character in 'The Godfather Part II'. Between 1973-1992, he was nominated eight times for an Oscar but won none; this is often called 'Oscar's greatest injustice'. He finally won his long-awaited Oscar in 1993 for his role as a blind retired colonel in 'Scent of a Woman'. Films like 'Scarface', 'Serpico', 'Dog Day Afternoon', 'Heat', and 'The Irishman' cemented his legacy. The cafe scene in 'Heat' where he appeared with Robert De Niro for the first time is one of cinema's most memorable moments. He never lost his commitment to theater and won two Tony Awards. Still active at 85, Pacino is one of cinema history's living legends.