Al Pacino opens up on his near-death experience during Covid-19, says he 'didn't have a pulse'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Al Pacino has revealed harrowing details about a near-death experience he faced while battling Covid-19.
The 84-year-old actor shared how his pulse stopped and paramedics raced against time to revive him.
Al Pacino recalls sudden collapse
Describing the moment he lost consciousness, Al Pacino recalled, "I was sitting there in my house, and I was gone."
The situation quickly escalated as an ambulance arrived at the actor's home within minutes with a team of six paramedics and two doctors working urgently to save his life.
"I didn’t have a pulse. They had these outfits on that looked like they were from outer space or something," he told The New York Times.
Despite the chaotic scene, Pacino credits the quick response from medical professionals for bringing him back from the brink.
The 'Godfather' star described how he first began feeling unusually unwell, suffering from a fever and dehydration.
One of Pacino's employees arranged for a nurse to check on him, but before they could act, he collapsed, slipping into unconsciousness.
"I didn’t see the white light or anything. There’s nothing there," he said.
Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Pacino wryly noted, "It sounds good to say I died once. But what is it when there’s no more?"
Al Pacino's new perspective on death
Despite the near-death experience, Al Pacino seems unfazed by the prospect of death.
He explained that as he has aged, his views on mortality have shifted, brushing it off as part of life.
"It’s just the way it is. I didn’t ask for it. It just comes, like a lot of things just come," he said.
Pacino's three children, including his youngest daughter born in June 2023, gave him a sense of comfort and continuity, along with his extensive body of work.
Al Pacino's financial struggles
In the interview, Al Pacino reflected on a light-hearted moment when asked which of his films he would recommend to his youngest child.
Surprisingly, he pointed to the 2011 comedy film 'Jack and Jill' featuring Adam Sandler.
“It’s funny,” the 'Insomnia' actor explained, adding that it came at a time when he desperately needed a project due to his financial difficulties.
He opened up on how his former financial advisor, Kenneth Starr, defrauded him and other clients, taking $33 million to fund his lavish lifestyle.
Pacino was left owing $188,000 in back taxes to the IRS, and the situation forced the actor to take on roles he might not have otherwise considered.
In 2010, Starr later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for his crimes.
