Asked what he’s learned from his success as both entertainer and entrepreneur, Johnson told PEOPLE “gratitude” is what guides him
Dwayne Johnson is celebrating a 52nd turn around the sun!
As the actor-wrestler, formerly known as The Rock, turns 52 on Thursday, May 2, he’s continuing to keep a remarkable number of plates spinning — as an entertainer, entrepreneur, patriarch and all-around public figure.
The Sexiest Man Alive of 2016 recently joined an all-star line-up on the cover of PEOPLE’s special 50th anniversary issue. Asked what he’s learned from achieving success in so many different areas, Johnson said “gratitude” is what guides him.
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That’s true of managing businesses including his production company (Seven Bucks), small-batch tequila (Teremana) and new skincare line (Papatui). In March, Johnson spoke to PEOPLE exclusively about Papatui’s launch, saying, “I am passionate about trying to do my best to take care of myself inside and out.”
In all endeavors, Johnson honors his roots and family every chance he gets. The name Papatui refers to his being a “proud girl dad” or Papa, as he told PEOPLE, while Tui was his Samoan grandfather’s nickname for him. “My favorite role is being a dad,” he said. “And then I started to realize [the brand] is all coming together in a kismet way. Papa in Samoan means ‘rock.’ ”
The Black Adam star continues to be a loving family man with wife of four years Lauren Hashian, 39, and their daughters Jasmine, 8, and Tiana, 6, as well as eldest daughter Simone, 22 (who he shares with ex-wife Dany Garcia).
Among Johnson’s friends are Jungle Cruise costar Emily Blunt, Jumanji costar Kevin Hart and country music star Chris Janson. In April, Janson, 38, invited Johnson to join him in the music video for “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get.” But the singer told PEOPLE, “The value of this friendship means more to me than music videos. It means more to me than business. It means more to me than anything.”
Meanwhile, Johnson’s entertainment career continues to thrive. Following last year’s conclusion of NBC’s three-season Young Rock, his autobiographical sitcom, he has returned to appearing in the WWE, where it all began.
And on the big screen, Johnson’s schedule as both actor and producer includes several sequels in the works: bringing back Hobbs for Fast X: Part 2, Frank for Jungle Cruise 2 and the voice of demigod Maui in Moana 2.
The latter animated film is due in theaters Nov. 27 (while Johnson will also reprise Maui in a live-action Moana set for 2026). To tease the movie musical sequel, Johnson made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon on April 11, joining Polynesian dancers onstage and sharing that the Disney franchise “has been one of the most life-changing experiences.”
Johnson will next star opposite fellow Sexiest Man Alive Chris Evans in holiday action-comedy Red One, then play UFC champion Mark Kerr in 2025’s The Smashing Machine costarring Blunt.
While it’s not yet clear how Johnson is celebrating turning 52, if it’s half as heartfelt as his honoring his mother Ata’s 75th birthday last October, he’s in for a special day.
