He made his feature film debut in the 1969 film Me, Natalie in a minor supporting role, before playing the leading role in the 1971 drama The Panic in Needle Park. During his teenage years ‘Sonny’, as he was known to his friends, aimed to become a baseball player, though he was also nicknamed ‘The Actor’. He worked at a string of low-paying jobs, including messenger boy, busboy, janitor, and postal clerk, in order to finance his acting studies. Pacino then joined the Herbert Berghof Studio (HB Studio), where he met acting teacher Charlie Laughton, who became his mentor and best friend. The following year, his grandfather, James Gerardi, one of the most influential people in his life, also died. He had such a great understanding. They went on to have a five-year romance and moved together back to New York City.
Al Pacino honoured at White House ceremony Al Pacino honoured at the White House for his contribution to the arts and humanities Al Pacino was among a host of honourees awarded the 2011 Nationa… [link]
