E-Paper
Nobody wanted me to play Michael Corleone in The Godfather: Al Pacino
Al Pacino reveals he used to sleep ib a store front in his younger days and was often unemployed. The Godfather actor also reveals that there is no rivalry between him and Robert De Niro.
In a candid interview, Hollywood superstar Al Pacino has revealed that nobody other than director Francis Ford Coppola had faith that he could carry off Michael Corleone's role in The Godfather.
Pacino said, "Michael Corleone in The Godfather was and still is the most difficult role I’ve played. I didn’t see him as a gangster; I felt his power was his enigmatic quality. Unfortunately the studio couldn’t see that at first and were thinking of firing me. It was during my early career, a major movie with Marlon Brando, and no one other than Francis [Ford Coppola] wanted me for the part."
Talking about his 'legendary' rivalry with Robert De Niro, the Scarface actor said it was in people's minds. "People think there is rivalry between me and Robert De Niro. I know Bobby pretty well. He’s a friend and he and I have gone through similar things. I love what he does with comedy; it’s pure genius," he said in an interview to Guardian.
He said money has never been his prerogative as he is not materialistic. "There were times when I was young when I could have used money: after college I was often unemployed and at one time I slept in a storefront for a few days. But I've never been materialistic. Except that I am, of course, because my lifestyle makes me a spender!" he said.
The Godfather star said his grandfather James Gerardi taught him the importance of a work. "He was a plasterer and work – any kind of work – was the joy of his life. So I grew up wanting to – it's what I've always chased. The joy of work is what keeps me going," he added.
