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Sonny Boy: A Memoir
From one of the most iconic actors in the history of film, an astonishingly revelatory account of a creative life in full. To the wider world, Al Pacino exploded onto the scene like a supernova. He landed his first leading role, in The Panic in Needle Park, in 1971, and by 1975, he had starred in four movies—The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, Serpico, and Dog Day Afternoon—that were not just successes but landmarks in the history of film. Those performances became legendary and changed his life forever. Not since Marlon Brando and James Dean in the late 1950s had an actor landed in the culture with such force. But Pacino was in his mid-thirties by then, and had already lived several lives. A fixture of avant-garde theater in New York, he had led a bohemian existence, working odd jobs to support his craft. He was raised by a fiercely loving but mentally unwell mother and her parents after his father left them when he was young, but in a real sense he was raised by the streets of the South Bronx, and by the troop of buccaneering young friends he ran with, whose spirits never left him. After a teacher recognized his acting promise and pushed him toward New York’s fabled High School of Performing Arts, the die was cast. In good times and bad, in poverty and in wealth and in poverty again, through pain and joy, acting was his lifeline, its community his tribe. Sonny Boy is the memoir of a man who has nothing left to fear and nothing left to hide. All the great roles, the essential collaborations, and the important relationships are given their full due, as is the vexed marriage between creativity and commerce at the highest levels. The book’s golden thread, however, is the spirit of love and purpose. Love can fail you, and you can be defeated in your ambitions—the same lights that shine bright can also dim. But Al Pacino was lucky enough to fall deeply in love with a craft before he had the foggiest idea of any of its earthly rewards, and he never fell out of love. That has made all the difference.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2024
About the author
Al Pacino
8 books132 followersAlfredo James Pacino is an Academy Award-, Golden Globe-, Tony-, BAFTA-, Emmy- and SAG award-winning American film and stage actor and director, widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential actors of all time.
He is well-known for his roles as Michael Corleone in the The Godfather trilogy, Tony Montana in Scarface, Sonny Wortzik in Dog Day Afternoon, Frank Serpico in Serpico, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman, and Roy Cohn in Angels in America. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1992 for his role in Scent of a Woman after being nominated 7 times beforehand for various roles.
He is well-known for his roles as Michael Corleone in the The Godfather trilogy, Tony Montana in Scarface, Sonny Wortzik in Dog Day Afternoon, Frank Serpico in Serpico, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade in Scent of a Woman, and Roy Cohn in Angels in America. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1992 for his role in Scent of a Woman after being nominated 7 times beforehand for various roles.
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March 12, 2024another octogenarian word class actor who in recent years had nothing but misses releasing a memoir that will be little but self-centred and vain? no thanks (i pre-ordered immediately)
November 21, 2024
AL PACINO MEMOIR I REPEAT AL PACINO MEMOIR!!!!
This was such a great book to listen to, not only because Pacino narrates it himself, but because of the way he does it, the things he emphasises, it feels like you're in the room with him as he's telling you his life story.
He covers everything from his childhood to his acting adventures, his friendships and family, some health issues that come with age and his struggles with alcoholism, all with a dose of humour.
After finishing this, I now think the perfect age to write a memoir is when you're in your 80s. The way Pacino reflects on his life would be different if he was younger, but now it's "just right". I can't really explain, you'll get it when you read it though.
I also want to go rewatch all of his movies that I have seen, and watch the ones I haven't for the first time.
I truly feel like I got to know Al Pacino while listening to this, and I'd love to read it again and again, so I'll be getting a physical copy ASAP. If this is your first time reading it, definitely get the audiobook, and thank me later.
This was such a great book to listen to, not only because Pacino narrates it himself, but because of the way he does it, the things he emphasises, it feels like you're in the room with him as he's telling you his life story.
He covers everything from his childhood to his acting adventures, his friendships and family, some health issues that come with age and his struggles with alcoholism, all with a dose of humour.
After finishing this, I now think the perfect age to write a memoir is when you're in your 80s. The way Pacino reflects on his life would be different if he was younger, but now it's "just right". I can't really explain, you'll get it when you read it though.
I also want to go rewatch all of his movies that I have seen, and watch the ones I haven't for the first time.
I truly feel like I got to know Al Pacino while listening to this, and I'd love to read it again and again, so I'll be getting a physical copy ASAP. If this is your first time reading it, definitely get the audiobook, and thank me later.
October 21, 2024
The Boy from the Bronx Who Became an Acting Legend
In the pantheon of great American actors, few names shine as brightly as Al Pacino. For over five decades, he has captivated audiences with his intense, nuanced performances on stage and screen. Now, at age 83, the notoriously private star opens up about his remarkable life and career in his long-awaited memoir, "Sonny Boy".
With raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, Pacino takes us on an intimate journey from his hardscrabble youth in the South Bronx to the dizzying heights of Hollywood stardom. Along the way, he shares profound insights on acting, fame, family, and finding one's purpose in life. The result is a deeply moving and revelatory portrait of an artist who has nothing left to prove and nothing left to hide.
A Streetwise Start
Pacino's story begins in the working-class Italian-American neighborhoods of the South Bronx in the 1940s and 50s. Born to teenage parents who soon divorced, young Alfredo was raised primarily by his mother Rose and her parents. Money was perpetually tight, but what the family lacked in material wealth they made up for in love and determination.
Some of the book's most vivid passages recount Pacino's childhood adventures with his scrappy gang of neighborhood friends. With cinematic detail, he brings to life their mischievous exploits - scaling tenement rooftops, outrunning the cops, dreaming of escape from their insular world. Even as a boy, Pacino possessed a magnetic charisma and flair for the dramatic. As he puts it: "I was like a cat with many more than nine lives."
Yet beneath the streetwise bravado, Pacino harbored a sensitive soul and artistic temperament. He found refuge in the local movie theaters, where he and his mother would spend hours watching everything from gritty noir to glitzy musicals. These early cinematic experiences, he writes, "supplied me with a future" - igniting a passion that would shape the course of his life.
Finding His Calling
The turning point came when a perceptive teacher recognized Pacino's nascent talent and urged him to audition for the prestigious High School of Performing Arts. Though wildly out of his element among the sophisticated Manhattan kids, Pacino found he had an innate gift for acting. For the first time, he felt a sense of purpose and belonging.
After graduation, Pacino plunged headlong into New York's gritty off-off-Broadway theater scene. He vividly describes the heady atmosphere of creative ferment in 1960s Greenwich Village, where he honed his craft alongside other hungry young actors. To make ends meet, Pacino worked a string of odd jobs - messenger, movie usher, building superintendent. But his true home was on stage, where he could lose himself in the work he loved.
Some of the book's most poignant passages recount Pacino's long-standing friendship with acting coach Charlie Laughton. More than just a mentor, Charlie became a surrogate father figure to the fatherless young actor. Their bond would sustain Pacino through years of struggle and self-doubt on his path to stardom.
The Breakthrough
Pacino's big break finally came in 1971 with his first starring film role in "The Panic in Needle Park." But it was his iconic turn as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" the following year that catapulted him to international fame at age 32. Practically overnight, Pacino went from scrappy stage actor to one of the most in-demand stars in Hollywood.
With refreshing candor, Pacino reflects on the disorienting experience of sudden stardom. While grateful for the opportunities, he struggled to reconcile his new public persona with his private self. Fame, he discovered, was a double-edged sword - opening doors while also creating distance from the real world that had nourished his art.
The Price of Success
As his star rose ever higher throughout the 1970s with classic films like "Serpico," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "The Godfather Part II," Pacino found himself increasingly isolated. To cope with the pressures of fame, he turned to alcohol and drugs - a dependency that would plague him for years.
Some of the memoir's most gripping sections detail Pacino's struggles with substance abuse and mental health in the 1980s. With brutal honesty, he recounts hitting rock bottom and finally getting sober. Though painful to relive, Pacino views these experiences as crucial to his growth as an artist and human being.
Finding Balance
In the latter part of his career, Pacino has found a measure of peace and perspective. He writes movingly about the joys of fatherhood and his evolving relationship to his craft. Now in his ninth decade, he approaches acting with the enthusiasm of a novice coupled with the hard-won wisdom of a master.
Throughout the book, Pacino's passion for acting shines through. More than just a profession, he sees it as a calling - a means of exploring the human condition and connecting with others on a profound level. Even after all these years, he still gets a thrill from inhabiting a character and bringing a story to life.
A Life in Full
"Sonny Boy" is far more than just another celebrity tell-all. With insight and eloquence, Pacino grapples with life's big questions - the nature of art, the price of fame, the search for meaning and belonging. He emerges as a complex, deeply thoughtful man still striving to understand himself and his place in the world.
Pacino's voice on the page is warm, wise, and startlingly candid. He's an astute observer of human nature with a knack for vividly evoking people and places. The prose crackles with streetwise energy while also achieving moments of lyrical beauty.
Longtime fans will delight in Pacino's behind-the-scenes stories from his most famous films. But you don't need to be a cinephile to appreciate this remarkable life story. At its heart, this is a quintessentially American tale of reinvention and self-discovery.
Final Thoughts
"Sonny Boy" stands as one of the most revealing and insightful showbiz memoirs in recent memory. With hard-won wisdom and disarming vulnerability, Pacino offers a master class in finding one's authentic voice as an artist and human being. This is essential reading not just for film buffs, but for anyone who has ever struggled to stay true to themselves while pursuing their dreams.
More than just recounting his triumphs, Pacino uses his life story as a lens to explore universal themes of identity, purpose, and the creative spirit. The result is a rich, multifaceted portrait of a complex man still hungry to learn and grow even in his ninth decade.
Ultimately, what shines through most is Pacino's enduring love affair with acting. It was his lifeline in troubled times, his north star guiding him forward. As he poignantly reflects: "I knew that I was going to get there. That was my blessing. Maybe I learned it when my grandma fed me baby food and made me the star of all the stories she told me. Maybe it was my friends in the street. Maybe it was Marty Sheen, or my great friend Charlie Laughton. When did it happen? Who was this kid, with this fierce energy that could light a schoolyard at night? Something was driving me. I had to make it, because that was the only way I would survive this world."
In sharing his remarkable journey from street kid to screen legend, Pacino has crafted a memoir as dramatic and compelling as any of his iconic roles. "Sonny Boy" is a fitting capstone to an unparalleled career - and a testament to the enduring power of following one's passion against all odds.
Key Takeaways:
- Pacino's humble beginnings in the South Bronx shaped his gritty, authentic approach to acting
- Early exposure to movies and theater ignited his lifelong passion for performance
- Mentor Charlie Laughton played a crucial role in nurturing Pacino's talent and confidence
- Sudden fame after "The Godfather" led to a period of personal struggle and substance abuse
- Pacino views acting as more than just a career, but a calling and way of understanding humanity
- Even at 83, he approaches his craft with childlike enthusiasm and a desire to keep learning
In the pantheon of great American actors, few names shine as brightly as Al Pacino. For over five decades, he has captivated audiences with his intense, nuanced performances on stage and screen. Now, at age 83, the notoriously private star opens up about his remarkable life and career in his long-awaited memoir, "Sonny Boy".
With raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, Pacino takes us on an intimate journey from his hardscrabble youth in the South Bronx to the dizzying heights of Hollywood stardom. Along the way, he shares profound insights on acting, fame, family, and finding one's purpose in life. The result is a deeply moving and revelatory portrait of an artist who has nothing left to prove and nothing left to hide.
A Streetwise Start
Pacino's story begins in the working-class Italian-American neighborhoods of the South Bronx in the 1940s and 50s. Born to teenage parents who soon divorced, young Alfredo was raised primarily by his mother Rose and her parents. Money was perpetually tight, but what the family lacked in material wealth they made up for in love and determination.
Some of the book's most vivid passages recount Pacino's childhood adventures with his scrappy gang of neighborhood friends. With cinematic detail, he brings to life their mischievous exploits - scaling tenement rooftops, outrunning the cops, dreaming of escape from their insular world. Even as a boy, Pacino possessed a magnetic charisma and flair for the dramatic. As he puts it: "I was like a cat with many more than nine lives."
Yet beneath the streetwise bravado, Pacino harbored a sensitive soul and artistic temperament. He found refuge in the local movie theaters, where he and his mother would spend hours watching everything from gritty noir to glitzy musicals. These early cinematic experiences, he writes, "supplied me with a future" - igniting a passion that would shape the course of his life.
Finding His Calling
The turning point came when a perceptive teacher recognized Pacino's nascent talent and urged him to audition for the prestigious High School of Performing Arts. Though wildly out of his element among the sophisticated Manhattan kids, Pacino found he had an innate gift for acting. For the first time, he felt a sense of purpose and belonging.
After graduation, Pacino plunged headlong into New York's gritty off-off-Broadway theater scene. He vividly describes the heady atmosphere of creative ferment in 1960s Greenwich Village, where he honed his craft alongside other hungry young actors. To make ends meet, Pacino worked a string of odd jobs - messenger, movie usher, building superintendent. But his true home was on stage, where he could lose himself in the work he loved.
Some of the book's most poignant passages recount Pacino's long-standing friendship with acting coach Charlie Laughton. More than just a mentor, Charlie became a surrogate father figure to the fatherless young actor. Their bond would sustain Pacino through years of struggle and self-doubt on his path to stardom.
The Breakthrough
Pacino's big break finally came in 1971 with his first starring film role in "The Panic in Needle Park." But it was his iconic turn as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" the following year that catapulted him to international fame at age 32. Practically overnight, Pacino went from scrappy stage actor to one of the most in-demand stars in Hollywood.
With refreshing candor, Pacino reflects on the disorienting experience of sudden stardom. While grateful for the opportunities, he struggled to reconcile his new public persona with his private self. Fame, he discovered, was a double-edged sword - opening doors while also creating distance from the real world that had nourished his art.
The Price of Success
As his star rose ever higher throughout the 1970s with classic films like "Serpico," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "The Godfather Part II," Pacino found himself increasingly isolated. To cope with the pressures of fame, he turned to alcohol and drugs - a dependency that would plague him for years.
Some of the memoir's most gripping sections detail Pacino's struggles with substance abuse and mental health in the 1980s. With brutal honesty, he recounts hitting rock bottom and finally getting sober. Though painful to relive, Pacino views these experiences as crucial to his growth as an artist and human being.
Finding Balance
In the latter part of his career, Pacino has found a measure of peace and perspective. He writes movingly about the joys of fatherhood and his evolving relationship to his craft. Now in his ninth decade, he approaches acting with the enthusiasm of a novice coupled with the hard-won wisdom of a master.
Throughout the book, Pacino's passion for acting shines through. More than just a profession, he sees it as a calling - a means of exploring the human condition and connecting with others on a profound level. Even after all these years, he still gets a thrill from inhabiting a character and bringing a story to life.
A Life in Full
"Sonny Boy" is far more than just another celebrity tell-all. With insight and eloquence, Pacino grapples with life's big questions - the nature of art, the price of fame, the search for meaning and belonging. He emerges as a complex, deeply thoughtful man still striving to understand himself and his place in the world.
Pacino's voice on the page is warm, wise, and startlingly candid. He's an astute observer of human nature with a knack for vividly evoking people and places. The prose crackles with streetwise energy while also achieving moments of lyrical beauty.
Longtime fans will delight in Pacino's behind-the-scenes stories from his most famous films. But you don't need to be a cinephile to appreciate this remarkable life story. At its heart, this is a quintessentially American tale of reinvention and self-discovery.
Final Thoughts
"Sonny Boy" stands as one of the most revealing and insightful showbiz memoirs in recent memory. With hard-won wisdom and disarming vulnerability, Pacino offers a master class in finding one's authentic voice as an artist and human being. This is essential reading not just for film buffs, but for anyone who has ever struggled to stay true to themselves while pursuing their dreams.
More than just recounting his triumphs, Pacino uses his life story as a lens to explore universal themes of identity, purpose, and the creative spirit. The result is a rich, multifaceted portrait of a complex man still hungry to learn and grow even in his ninth decade.
Ultimately, what shines through most is Pacino's enduring love affair with acting. It was his lifeline in troubled times, his north star guiding him forward. As he poignantly reflects: "I knew that I was going to get there. That was my blessing. Maybe I learned it when my grandma fed me baby food and made me the star of all the stories she told me. Maybe it was my friends in the street. Maybe it was Marty Sheen, or my great friend Charlie Laughton. When did it happen? Who was this kid, with this fierce energy that could light a schoolyard at night? Something was driving me. I had to make it, because that was the only way I would survive this world."
In sharing his remarkable journey from street kid to screen legend, Pacino has crafted a memoir as dramatic and compelling as any of his iconic roles. "Sonny Boy" is a fitting capstone to an unparalleled career - and a testament to the enduring power of following one's passion against all odds.
Key Takeaways:
- Pacino's humble beginnings in the South Bronx shaped his gritty, authentic approach to acting
- Early exposure to movies and theater ignited his lifelong passion for performance
- Mentor Charlie Laughton played a crucial role in nurturing Pacino's talent and confidence
- Sudden fame after "The Godfather" led to a period of personal struggle and substance abuse
- Pacino views acting as more than just a career, but a calling and way of understanding humanity
- Even at 83, he approaches his craft with childlike enthusiasm and a desire to keep learning
October 29, 2024
Every now and then a memoir comes along that changes my opinion of the writer. Such is the case here. Hearing Al Pacino read his book in his own voice, sometimes with emotional charge, has elevated him from what I had come to feel was that of a self important blowhard into a human being, flawed yes, but humane and caring nonetheless. So much of what he says is so relatable, and his early love of the theater, his voracious reading, his close family ties, his memories of growing up in the Bronx and the road he could have gone down had it not been for show business -- all make him so much more a real person.
November 15, 2024
Pacino confesses he is not a writer and this feels more like a conversation, or a talk, as Al takes us on a whistle-stop journey through his life. More time is spent on his early career when he had a string of outstanding films, less time is spent on the numerous more recent films, some good, some bad. Most touching are his memories of growing up in the Bronx and the world that has disappeared now, and there is a poignant sense of a man who feels he has much more to give and do, but realises time is running out and age is finally catching up with him. Some funny stories from theatre and film, and honest reflections on drug and alcohol use. A must for any fan and a fitting if uncontroversial autobiography for one of the greats.
October 23, 2024
If you are able to get the audiobook version, get the audiobook. It’s as if you are sitting down with Al Pacino while he is telling you about his extraordinary life. He is a master storyteller.
From growing up poor on the streets of the South Bronx to standing on the stage at the Oscars, Pacino worked for every ounce of success he achieved. His genuine love for books, theater, and storytelling helped catapult him into one of the most famous actors of all time.
In “Sonny Boy,” he goes into great detail about his childhood, growing up with a single mom, the odd jobs he worked just to eat, his start in the world of theater and the shock of worldwide fame after “The Godfather.” He gives behind the scenes stories about each film and play he appeared in; not only Pacino fans, but theater and film buffs will love this!
I left this book feeling as if I truly met Al Pacino, as if we spent an afternoon together over coffee. His intelligence, wisdom, sense of humor, compassion, and especially his self-deprecation shine through; even at 84 years of age, Pacino still appears shocked and humbled at all he’s achieved.
Saying this is a “five star read” isn’t enough; it’s the best autobiography I’ve ever read and listening to Pacino himself narrate put it over the edge. Pacino fans will treasure this, and those not familiar with his work will have the opportunity to meet an extraordinary person.
October 25, 2024
Minhas amigas mais antigas podem comprovar que meu crush cinematográfico pelo Al Pacino dura já uns 30 anos e ler a autobiografia dele só fez meu amor aumentar.
Não sei se foi ele mesmo quem escreveu ou usou ghost writer, mas seu livro é tão carismático quanto sua persona que vemos mas telas e seus silêncios nele dizem muito mais que ele gostaria, além de dizer algumas coisas que parecem não ser tão perceptíveis pra ele, enquanto para o leitor é claro (ele não parece notar o quanto é parecido com o pai tanto fisicamente quanto na vida amorosa), nem parece que sua apaixonada defesa da análise o ensinou a ver a si mesmo com profundidade.
Leia e tente não se apaixonar por ele, se já não o é.
Não sei se foi ele mesmo quem escreveu ou usou ghost writer, mas seu livro é tão carismático quanto sua persona que vemos mas telas e seus silêncios nele dizem muito mais que ele gostaria, além de dizer algumas coisas que parecem não ser tão perceptíveis pra ele, enquanto para o leitor é claro (ele não parece notar o quanto é parecido com o pai tanto fisicamente quanto na vida amorosa), nem parece que sua apaixonada defesa da análise o ensinou a ver a si mesmo com profundidade.
Leia e tente não se apaixonar por ele, se já não o é.
October 22, 2024
“Sometimes you’re a little unconscious as a young actor; you have other things on your mind and all forms of grace and etiquette go out the window due to your vain impulses and your stupid ego... I hope I’m not still that way. I hope. Who knows, but the jury’s out on that one.”
This book is a beautiful, eloquent, and very honest reflection on a life lived fully.
Al Pacino writes his life story with a self-conscious sense of maturity, explaining his life journey from stage to screen, then back to stage and then back to screen both big and small. I have admired Pacino in the past but now I admire him even more. Pacino begins telling of his childhood in the Bronx with his mother and bizarre misadventures with friends. He then explains his leap to fame after The Godfather, his ups and downs in term of film roles, brief forays into his love life of which his fast and free lifestyle ends several relationships when Marriage becomes an option (he does mention earlier that in his boyhood, he didn't want to be a saint; Though he credits praying to God for helping him regain some of his former strength). Pacino is brutally but also guardedly honest both with and of himself, and it is truly an admirable quality he expresses.
Some of my favorite moments come when he describes what he really thinks of the perpetually controversial Cruising without showing any outward resentment to William Friedkin. and honestly describes the troubled production of Revolution while respectfully explaining the limitations and vision of its ill-fated director Hugh Hudson, and the initial public rejection of Scarface with Eddie Murphy being the only one who expresses praise to Pacino during opening night.
Some fans may be a little disappointed that he does not go more in depth with his filmmaking stories, (I know I would have liked to hear more about his work on Insomnia, perhaps my personal favorite performance from him) but Pacino keeps the story focused on his life and career, and thankfully does not fall into the trap of using his memoirs to embellish his political opinions; he is far too professional for that.
Here are some of my favorite Pacino lines from this book:
"You haven't lived until you've seen the Mona Lisa made of Legos."
"I never got into making movies for money. Except for when I got broke- Then I really got into it!"
"Some people ask how I got so successful. I tell them, 'I was in The Godfather, man!'"
"They used my face to market REVOLUTION. When you look at the poster, you see my head with that vacant, shell-shocked look. I don't know where I got it from!"
"Carlito Brigante couldn't be farther away from Scarface as a character; He doesn't get high..."
"Fame and wealth changes everything in your personal life...It causes all kinds of stimuli in your life; some good, some bad, some ugly."
"With fame comes money and with money comes lawsuits."
"I look at Tom Cruise who can leap over the Empire State Building, doesn't even need a cape, just goes out there and does it. Wake up Al, that guy, Tom Cruise is twenty years younger than you."
"He asked, 'What do you think God will say at the Pearly Gates?' I said, 'I hope he says, 'Rehearsal starts tomorrow at 3 P.M.'"
This book is a beautiful, eloquent, and very honest reflection on a life lived fully.
Al Pacino writes his life story with a self-conscious sense of maturity, explaining his life journey from stage to screen, then back to stage and then back to screen both big and small. I have admired Pacino in the past but now I admire him even more. Pacino begins telling of his childhood in the Bronx with his mother and bizarre misadventures with friends. He then explains his leap to fame after The Godfather, his ups and downs in term of film roles, brief forays into his love life of which his fast and free lifestyle ends several relationships when Marriage becomes an option (he does mention earlier that in his boyhood, he didn't want to be a saint; Though he credits praying to God for helping him regain some of his former strength). Pacino is brutally but also guardedly honest both with and of himself, and it is truly an admirable quality he expresses.
Some of my favorite moments come when he describes what he really thinks of the perpetually controversial Cruising without showing any outward resentment to William Friedkin. and honestly describes the troubled production of Revolution while respectfully explaining the limitations and vision of its ill-fated director Hugh Hudson, and the initial public rejection of Scarface with Eddie Murphy being the only one who expresses praise to Pacino during opening night.
Some fans may be a little disappointed that he does not go more in depth with his filmmaking stories, (I know I would have liked to hear more about his work on Insomnia, perhaps my personal favorite performance from him) but Pacino keeps the story focused on his life and career, and thankfully does not fall into the trap of using his memoirs to embellish his political opinions; he is far too professional for that.
Here are some of my favorite Pacino lines from this book:
"You haven't lived until you've seen the Mona Lisa made of Legos."
"I never got into making movies for money. Except for when I got broke- Then I really got into it!"
"Some people ask how I got so successful. I tell them, 'I was in The Godfather, man!'"
"They used my face to market REVOLUTION. When you look at the poster, you see my head with that vacant, shell-shocked look. I don't know where I got it from!"
"Carlito Brigante couldn't be farther away from Scarface as a character; He doesn't get high..."
"Fame and wealth changes everything in your personal life...It causes all kinds of stimuli in your life; some good, some bad, some ugly."
"With fame comes money and with money comes lawsuits."
"I look at Tom Cruise who can leap over the Empire State Building, doesn't even need a cape, just goes out there and does it. Wake up Al, that guy, Tom Cruise is twenty years younger than you."
"He asked, 'What do you think God will say at the Pearly Gates?' I said, 'I hope he says, 'Rehearsal starts tomorrow at 3 P.M.'"
November 17, 2024
Bronx'da geçirdiği zor çocukluk ve gençliğini epey detaylı anlatmış. Yetmişlerde ve seksenlerde yaptığı filmleri de uzunca anlatmış. Doksanlardan itibaren sıkılmış herhalde, jet hızıyla geçti o dönemi. Ne bileyim Frankie & Johnny, Two Bits filan hiç yok mesela. Çoğunlukla keyifliydi, elimden bırakamadım. Ama bir Barbra Streisand kitabı gibi değil.
October 30, 2024
Oh! Oh this was good!!
It was like sitting with an old friend and just listening to him talk. I felt like Al was with me!
His life story of growing up in the Bronx and working his way through the maze of film making. He is an awesome actor and embodies his roll.
I watched the Godfather 1 and 2 when I saw this book was waiting for pickup at my library. It’s a lot of hours of movie, but flew by in minutes to me.
This book is a lot like that. So many great stories to hear. Quips, ideas, hopes dashed at times and the climb back up. He was hard on himself. He is a brilliant actor and now a brilliant storyteller.
He makes you laugh, breaks your heart a little and is as real as real can get.
He left out his political views which was a plus for me because just don’t care about that stuff. I watch movies and read books to get away from all that!! It’s my escape from reality and thank you Al for not going there.
This is one of those autobiographies that I will want to get a copy of to call my own. I can put it on a shelf and know it’s there and when I want some company I can always invite Al and know I’ll have a good day.
It was like sitting with an old friend and just listening to him talk. I felt like Al was with me!
His life story of growing up in the Bronx and working his way through the maze of film making. He is an awesome actor and embodies his roll.
I watched the Godfather 1 and 2 when I saw this book was waiting for pickup at my library. It’s a lot of hours of movie, but flew by in minutes to me.
This book is a lot like that. So many great stories to hear. Quips, ideas, hopes dashed at times and the climb back up. He was hard on himself. He is a brilliant actor and now a brilliant storyteller.
He makes you laugh, breaks your heart a little and is as real as real can get.
He left out his political views which was a plus for me because just don’t care about that stuff. I watch movies and read books to get away from all that!! It’s my escape from reality and thank you Al for not going there.
This is one of those autobiographies that I will want to get a copy of to call my own. I can put it on a shelf and know it’s there and when I want some company I can always invite Al and know I’ll have a good day.
October 25, 2024
Ah - my heart. I just heard the last of this audiobook and it ended beautifully. A life well lived with its ups and downs and the magic of life, the potency of loss, the struggles and growth. Bravo.
I had seen this was released out of the blue on Audible and picked it up immediately without question. I've always been a huge Al Pacino fan, growing up loving the movie Scarface and Carlito's Way, appreciating The Godfather and other works as an adult. Always a bit private in comparison to some of the Hollywood crowd, Pacino has never been one until the past few years for interviews, so that he decided to do a memoir was a treat. I gambled on the narration but needn't have worried, as his voice carries strong and enthusiastic from page one to finis.
He spends as much time talking about his works with plays, broadway, and Shakespeare as he does the movies. It's clear where his enthusiasm can lay. This is not a memoir that dishes dirt on others or talks of controversy with other stars - but it is very honest. He talks of mistakes, good performances and bads, feeling discomfort and out of place, his struggles with the bottle, his mistakes with relationships, and tons of money management issues. It is self-reflective and not at all egotistical. What's funny in a way is so many actors struggle for years to make it with endless auditions and rejections but his big initial roles fell into his lap without him even trying, and he was hesitant to enter the movie business at times, and other times he strayed from it.
Really lovely stuff.
I had seen this was released out of the blue on Audible and picked it up immediately without question. I've always been a huge Al Pacino fan, growing up loving the movie Scarface and Carlito's Way, appreciating The Godfather and other works as an adult. Always a bit private in comparison to some of the Hollywood crowd, Pacino has never been one until the past few years for interviews, so that he decided to do a memoir was a treat. I gambled on the narration but needn't have worried, as his voice carries strong and enthusiastic from page one to finis.
He spends as much time talking about his works with plays, broadway, and Shakespeare as he does the movies. It's clear where his enthusiasm can lay. This is not a memoir that dishes dirt on others or talks of controversy with other stars - but it is very honest. He talks of mistakes, good performances and bads, feeling discomfort and out of place, his struggles with the bottle, his mistakes with relationships, and tons of money management issues. It is self-reflective and not at all egotistical. What's funny in a way is so many actors struggle for years to make it with endless auditions and rejections but his big initial roles fell into his lap without him even trying, and he was hesitant to enter the movie business at times, and other times he strayed from it.
Really lovely stuff.
October 19, 2024
A great book, I listened to the audio and Pacino did so great narrating it, learned alot I didn't know about him, loved it!
November 7, 2024
When I was a BOY I had a PUPPY. Her name was TRIXIE and I LOVED her. - this whole book
November 21, 2024
Um livro triste, engraçado, feliz e bastante íntimo.
October 27, 2024
i love al pacino so much, i would give up my left kidney just to stand in the same room as him
October 17, 2024
Al Pacino takes readers on a mesmerising journey in Sonny Boy, a memoir that’s equal parts raw and riveting. With his signature flair and an enchanting narrative style, Pacino shares the story of his rise from a scrappy kid in the Bronx to a Hollywood icon. It’s a backstage pass to the greatest show on earth—his life!
From the outset, Pacino's voice leaps off the page - If you get the audiobook, you get Al himself reading it, and it's so engaging. He mixes his experiences with humour and candid, disarming, yet captivating honesty. Behind the glitz and glamour are real struggles, and he doesn’t shy away from exposing the vulnerabilities that many don’t see.
His anecdotes from the filming of classics like The Godfather and Scarface are laced with wit and charm, making the reader feel like they’re sitting in on a lively conversation with an old friend.
Moreover, Pacino reflects on his family, friendships, and the people who shaped his journey, bringing an emotional depth that is incredibly relatable. His passion for acting radiates through the pages, reminding us why we love him in the first place.
Sonny Boy is a treasure trove of life lessons, humour, and inspiration. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer of his work, this memoir is a five-star must-read that will entertain and enlighten you. Bravo, Al!
From the outset, Pacino's voice leaps off the page - If you get the audiobook, you get Al himself reading it, and it's so engaging. He mixes his experiences with humour and candid, disarming, yet captivating honesty. Behind the glitz and glamour are real struggles, and he doesn’t shy away from exposing the vulnerabilities that many don’t see.
His anecdotes from the filming of classics like The Godfather and Scarface are laced with wit and charm, making the reader feel like they’re sitting in on a lively conversation with an old friend.
Moreover, Pacino reflects on his family, friendships, and the people who shaped his journey, bringing an emotional depth that is incredibly relatable. His passion for acting radiates through the pages, reminding us why we love him in the first place.
Sonny Boy is a treasure trove of life lessons, humour, and inspiration. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer of his work, this memoir is a five-star must-read that will entertain and enlighten you. Bravo, Al!
November 10, 2024
I remember when and where I was each time I first watched an Al Pacino movie. I have followed and obsessed over his movies, tracked his career. He is one of the great influences that has shaped my outlook on creativity. I’ve praised the good, defended the bad, and forgiven the ugly.
This memoir is like a gift. When I saw that he narrates his audiobook, I didn’t think twice. He recounts his life as if he is sitting across from you. He is self-aware, humble, but also willing to show a lot of pride in his accomplishments.
I loved every bit of it. One of my all-time favorite actors, speaking genuinely and frankly about his life, at his personal and relatable best.
Now it’s time for a movie marathon.
This memoir is like a gift. When I saw that he narrates his audiobook, I didn’t think twice. He recounts his life as if he is sitting across from you. He is self-aware, humble, but also willing to show a lot of pride in his accomplishments.
I loved every bit of it. One of my all-time favorite actors, speaking genuinely and frankly about his life, at his personal and relatable best.
Now it’s time for a movie marathon.
November 21, 2024
An enjoyable memoir, especially as read by Pacino himself. What a career the man has had, after a rough childhood and a slow start that took off like a bottle rocket when he was almost 30 and made The Panic in Needle Park, followed by his iconic role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather movies. Pacino comes across as generally decent guy who’s open about his foibles, and I enjoyed being reminded of his many great movies and learning about some of his many stage roles.
November 13, 2024
Enjoy this one on audiobook - listening to Pacino tell his story is like you’ve cozied into a corner booth in a dark, wood paneled classic bar with your eccentric uncle sharing all his stories. He’s candid and reflective and funny. 5 stars.
November 9, 2024
What makes this book so enjoyable besides the endless tidbits behind Pacino’s classic roles, is the fact that it’s so unhinged. It very much so is an 84 year old man having stream of conscious mid thought/stories.
November 9, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
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October 25, 2024that tweet that’s like ‘i wish i could hold my friends as babies’ but for al pacino
November 21, 2024
Oh gosh I loved this book. I've always enjoyed his movie acting but never realized he had such a successful and enduring Broadway and stage career as well. And now after reading this, I understand appreciate him so much more for how he came into his craft, his upbringing, life influences, and his character. He writes with authenticity, grace, humor, and humility. It's not the self-congratulatory litany sometimes found in fame memoirs. It is an honest reflection back of how he came into acting, his process of self-discovery, his very non-linear and somewhat uncomfortable propulsion into fame, and the relationships and people who loved him and who he loved. It's honest, well-written, and heartfelt. I think I fell in love a little. What a great book. Thanks Al Pacino for sharing your story of Sonny Boy. Bravo!
October 22, 2024
I loved reading Al Pacino's autobiography. He is one of my favorite actors of all time and is truly talented. He focuses on his early life sharing an apartment with Martin Sheen and talks about his addiction and how he overcame it.
He highlights his famous movie roles such as "The Godfather", "Serpico", "Scent of a Woman", "The Devil's Advocate" etc. and he explains how he landed those roles. His passion for the industry comes out of his voice in his audiobook which makes me feel passion also. He speaks very often of Marlon Brando and Shakespeare roles he loved. I thought this was very well written and hearing it directly from Al Pacino was a real treat.
He highlights his famous movie roles such as "The Godfather", "Serpico", "Scent of a Woman", "The Devil's Advocate" etc. and he explains how he landed those roles. His passion for the industry comes out of his voice in his audiobook which makes me feel passion also. He speaks very often of Marlon Brando and Shakespeare roles he loved. I thought this was very well written and hearing it directly from Al Pacino was a real treat.
November 4, 2024
4.25 stars
A really good, in depth memoir from one of the greats!
Al Pacino tells his story from the very beginning throughout his amazing career, until present times.
From Godfather to Scarface to Heat and everything in between Al covers it.
Read the f’n book it’s Al F’n Pacino!
A really good, in depth memoir from one of the greats!
Al Pacino tells his story from the very beginning throughout his amazing career, until present times.
From Godfather to Scarface to Heat and everything in between Al covers it.
Read the f’n book it’s Al F’n Pacino!
November 11, 2024
I listened to the audio book of "Sonny Boy", narrated by the author himself. It was like having Al Pacino sitting beside me and telling me the stories of his life. He chronicles his early life in the south Bronx, his love of the movies, his stage work and his work on some of the blockbuster movies we all know: Dog Day Afternoon, The Godfather, Panic in Needle Park and so many more. He also talks about his failures, his battle with alcohol and drugs, his love of the stage, his children, and his childhood friends.
I truly enjoyed listening to this. The end was very moving.
I truly enjoyed listening to this. The end was very moving.
November 6, 2024
PHENOMENAL audiobook book, read by the author. I had no idea of Al Pacino’s upbringing or personal life. Fascinating.
November 17, 2024
Que sorte a nossa poder ver um pedaço da vida pelos olhos de um artista. Al Pacino narra com graça e - parece - bastante sinceridade suas lembranças pelos universos dos palcos, de Hollywood e da infância no Bronx. É uma chance de compreendermos um pouco a mente de um ator e mergulharmos nos bastidores de alguns dos nossos filmes e peças favoritos. Al Pacino também esbanja talento em passagens de grande força poética e mostra que a arte, além de nos entreter, é capaz de salvar vidas.
October 22, 2024
I listened to the audiobook of this and can I say- I LOVED it so much!! Al Pacino reads it and did a phenomenal job with it. When he was reading it, it was like you were sitting with an old friend and just talking about his life. I’m a HUGE Al Pacino 🤩 fan and love everything about him including his memoir. It gave you great insight into his life, how he got into acting, and his career. If you love autobiographies or just a Pacino fan, I highly recommend this audiobook. You will not regret it ❤️
October 30, 2024
Written by actor Al Pacino, this autobiography guides readers through the life of actor Al Pacino. The audiobook, to which I listened, is narrated by actor Al Pacino.
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