Al Pacino reveals how his children influenced his acting career: 'They have that genius'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Al Pacino is opening up about the challenges of staying active in Hollywood at 85, while also sharing how fatherhood has deeply influenced his life and career.

The Oscar-winning star, who became a father for the fourth time in 2023 at the age of 83, credits his children for bringing fresh energy into both his personal and professional world.

Al Pacino finds filming at 85 a 'struggle' but also a privilege

Despite the physical and mental demands of continuing his acting career, Al Pacino said he still finds joy in being on set.

“I loved it and it was a privilege to have this opportunity,” he told E! News about his latest movie 'The Ritual'.

“You never think that until afterward because it's such a struggle doing films—it’s not easy work. But at the same time, it's great.”

During the interview, the actor said not every production has brought the same joy.

“I looked forward to going in. It's difficult when you don't look forward to going to work. I've had those experiences, yes, but I had [fun] on this one,” Pacino added.

Al Pacino reveals how daughter Julie influenced his 'Scent of a Woman' performance

“A lot of my work had a little improvement because of them,” Al Pacino shared about his children, before explaining how his oldest daughter, Julie Marie Pacino, helped shape one of his most iconic roles. 

Reflecting on his 1992 Oscar-winning role in 'Scent of a Woman', the actor said, “I was playing a blind man and I remember my oldest daughter was at the time 3."

He continued, "I visited blind institutions and they were great to me. I said to my daughter, ‘Hey, Julie, do a blind person. Can you do a blind person for me?’ She did it and I thought, ‘Wow, I can't do this because kids are geniuses.’ They have that genius and she was blind and she just did it, no preparation, nothing."

Pacino shares Julie, now 35, with Jan Tarrant. He also shares twins, Anton and Olivia Pacino, 24, with Beverly D’Angelo, and Roman, two, with Noor Alfallah.

Al Pacino's youngest son Roman gives him energy and purpose

The veteran actor previously talked about how his youngest child Roman has changed his life in his 80s during a BBC interview in October 2024.

“I want to be around for this child. And I hope I am,” Pacino told the outlet. “I hope I stay healthy, and he knows who his dad is, of course."

Even virtual time with Roman makes 'The Godfather' actor light up. "Everything he does is real. Everything he does is interesting to me. So, we talk. I play the harmonica with him on the other video thing, and we have made this kind of contact. So, it’s fun," he shared. 

Pacino’s rep confirmed on June 15, 2023, that the actor and Alfallah had welcomed their son, Roman.

Before the baby arrived, the 'Heat' actor had told a photographer on June 6, “It’s very special. It always has been. I’ve got many kids. But this is really special coming at this time.”