Fresh Air
Best Of: Al Pacino / Saoirse Ronan
Nov 9, 2024
Al Pacino, an Oscar-winning titan of cinema, reflects on his South Bronx upbringing and nearly passing on The Godfather Part II. He shares personal anecdotes about family and trauma, while promoting his memoir, Sonny Boy. Meanwhile, Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar nominee, dives into her challenging roles in The Outrun and Blitz, including her intense experience of birthing lambs on set. Both guests provide rich insights into the emotional depths of acting and the personal struggles they portray.
48:50
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Quick takeaways
- Al Pacino discusses his challenging upbringing in the South Bronx, crediting his mother for guiding him away from destructive influences.
- Saoirse Ronan emphasizes the importance of portraying nuanced addiction narratives and the emotional complexities of her characters in her latest films.
Deep dives
Al Pacino's Journey and the Impact of His Upbringing
Al Pacino reflects on his formative years growing up in the South Bronx, where he was raised by a single mother with limited financial means. He describes a tough childhood filled with influences from a rough environment, noting that several close friends succumbed to drug-related deaths, illustrating the harsh realities of his neighborhood. Pacino credits his mother for keeping him grounded and steering him away from those destructive paths, emphasizing her crucial role in his life and success. Although his mother passed away before witnessing his rise to fame, Pacino acknowledges her profound influence on his journey, viewing her as the backbone of his achievements.
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