Al Pacino Calls Fatherhood a ‘Mini-Miracle,’ Says Raising a Baby at 84 Feels ‘the Same’ as It Did Before (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Al Pacino and his son Roman.Photo:Arturo Holmes/Getty; Courtesy Al Pacino

Arturo Holmes/Getty; Courtesy Al Pacino

Al Pacinohas had many iconic roles over the course of his career — Michael Corleone inThe Godfather, Tony Montana inScarfaceand Frank Serpico inSerpico, to name a few.Being a dad, however, is perhaps his most rewarding role of all. In his new memoirSonny Boy(out Oct. 15 from Penguin Press) Pacino, 84, writes lovingly about his four children Julie, 34 (with acting coach Jan Tarrant), 23-year-old twins Anton and Olivia (with actressBeverly D’Angelo) and Roman, 16 months (with producer Noor Alfallah).And in an interview with PEOPLE for a story in this week’s print issue, the Oscar-winningScent of a Womanactor expanded on the affection he has for his kids.“It’s just so wonderful to have children. For me, I loved it," he says. “It changed me for, if you want to say, the better. It changed me for life. And the idea that you’re throwing your focus on other humans who happen to be your children … there’s the love.”Al Pacino in 2020 with his three oldest children: Anton, Olivia and Julie.Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media/GettyPacino welcomed his youngest son in June 2023. Asked how fatherhood feels different this time around, he says. “Well, it’s always the same. It’s always the same. It’s a mini miracle. That’s all I can say.”For more on Al Pacino andSonny Boy, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribehere.“I love it, I’m very happy that I see my children. It’s great,” he adds.Al Pacino’s memoir ‘Sonny Boy.'.Penguin PressIn arecent interview withThe New York Times, Pacino said Roman has “come into the world a little more now. He’s learning things.“Asked if Roman was behind his decision to write his memoir, Pacino told theTimes, “That’s one of the reasons, of course. And that has been a campaign for me to stick around a little longer, if it’s possible.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer , from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.InSonny Boy, Pacino tracks his incredible trajectory, from living with his mom and grandparents in a tenement apartment in the South Bronx to his rise as one of his generation’s most celebrated actors.In his signature wry style, he shares behind-the-scenes stories from the sets of movies includingThe Godfather,CruisingandDog Day Afternoon, among others.“I never thought that I would do it, but it was due,” Pacino tells PEOPLE of writing his life story. “I’m in my 85th year. When you get there and you start experiencing age, you understand why they do put things down.”Sonny Boycomes out Oct. 15 from Penguin Press and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.

Al Pacinohas had many iconic roles over the course of his career — Michael Corleone inThe Godfather, Tony Montana inScarfaceand Frank Serpico inSerpico, to name a few.

Being a dad, however, is perhaps his most rewarding role of all. In his new memoirSonny Boy(out Oct. 15 from Penguin Press) Pacino, 84, writes lovingly about his four children Julie, 34 (with acting coach Jan Tarrant), 23-year-old twins Anton and Olivia (with actressBeverly D’Angelo) and Roman, 16 months (with producer Noor Alfallah).

And in an interview with PEOPLE for a story in this week’s print issue, the Oscar-winningScent of a Womanactor expanded on the affection he has for his kids.

“It’s just so wonderful to have children. For me, I loved it,” he says. “It changed me for, if you want to say, the better. It changed me for life. And the idea that you’re throwing your focus on other humans who happen to be your children … there’s the love.”

Al Pacino in 2020 with his three oldest children: Anton, Olivia and Julie.Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media/Getty

Pacino welcomed his youngest son in June 2023. Asked how fatherhood feels different this time around, he says. “Well, it’s always the same. It’s always the same. It’s a mini miracle. That’s all I can say.”

For more on Al Pacino andSonny Boy, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribehere.

“I love it, I’m very happy that I see my children. It’s great,” he adds.

Al Pacino’s memoir ‘Sonny Boy.'.Penguin Press

Penguin Press

In arecent interview withThe New York Times, Pacino said Roman has “come into the world a little more now. He’s learning things.”

Asked if Roman was behind his decision to write his memoir, Pacino told theTimes, “That’s one of the reasons, of course. And that has been a campaign for me to stick around a little longer, if it’s possible.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer , from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

InSonny Boy, Pacino tracks his incredible trajectory, from living with his mom and grandparents in a tenement apartment in the South Bronx to his rise as one of his generation’s most celebrated actors.

In his signature wry style, he shares behind-the-scenes stories from the sets of movies includingThe Godfather,CruisingandDog Day Afternoon, among others.

“I never thought that I would do it, but it was due,” Pacino tells PEOPLE of writing his life story. “I’m in my 85th year. When you get there and you start experiencing age, you understand why they do put things down.”

Sonny Boycomes out Oct. 15 from Penguin Press and is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.

source: people.com