Al Pacino, 84, Revealed He Had ‘No Pulse’ During Near-Death Experience — What Happened?

Throughout his decades-long career, Al Pacino has seen his fair share of highs and lows. Rising to fame in the 1970s with unforgettable roles in “The Godfather” and “Dog Day Afternoon,” Pacino became a household name. But behind the success, he has faced many struggles, including battles with addiction and moments when his career faltered.

Now, Pacino has opened up about one of the most frightening experiences of his life when he had a brush with death. His story offers a rare glimpse into a deeply personal moment when, for a few terrifying seconds, everything seemed to stand still.

A Star on the Rise in the 1970s

Pacino’s rise to fame began in the 1970s, a decade that saw him deliver some of the most iconic performances in film history. His role as Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” trilogy cemented his status as a Hollywood legend.

It was followed by unforgettable portrayals in films like “Serpico,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” and “Scarface.” His intense, method acting style captivated audiences, making him one of the most influential actors of his generation. Despite this incredible success, Pacino has admitted that the whirlwind of fame during the ’70s was a blur to him.

Reflecting on that period, he once said, “You don’t think of those parts as achievements.” He explained that it was a fast-paced time, and he didn’t fully realize what he was accomplishing. Though he could have rested on his laurels, Pacino has always pushed himself to keep working, never fully satisfied with past successes.

Despite this period of success, challenges loomed on the horizon. As the 1980s approached, Pacino would face a series of personal and professional struggles that would test his resilience.

Personal Struggles and the 1980s Career Decline

As Pacino’s fame grew in the 1970s, the pressures of his rising stardom began to take a toll on his personal life. He turned to alcohol to cope with the stress, a habit that quickly spiraled out of control. His addiction not only affected his well-being but also began to impact his career.

Pacino has candidly described this period as “a bit of madness” where his drinking left him out of work more often than in it. Eventually, he decided to stop drinking, smoking, and using drugs, which helped him regain focus on his career and personal life. However, the 1980s marked a difficult time for Pacino’s professional life.

After the commercial and critical failure of “Revolution” in 1985, Pacino took a four-year break from filmmaking. This period of silence was a stark contrast to the vibrant success of the previous decade, but Pacino found solace in his love for the stage.

He continued performing in theater productions, including “Richard III” and “Salome,” which helped him stay connected to his craft. Despite his efforts to keep moving forward, Pacino’s financial situation deteriorated in the years that followed.

By 2011, he was faced with a $188,000 tax bill due to mismanagement by his business manager, Kenneth Starr, who was later convicted for his role in a Ponzi scheme. Pacino promptly settled the debt, even poking fun at his financial troubles by playing a humorous role in the 2011 film “Jack and Jill.”

Family Life and His Battle with COVID-19

Even as Pacino worked through these professional and financial challenges, his personal life continued to evolve. Pacino is the father of four children. His first daughter, Julie Marie, was born in 1989 with acting coach Jan Tarrant.

Later, in 2001, he welcomed twins, Anton and Olivia Pacino, with actress Beverly D’Angelo. Most recently, in 2023, Pacino welcomed his youngest son, Roman, with Noor Alfallah, at 83. Over the years, Pacino has been romantically linked to several of his co-stars.

These include a two-decade-long on-off relationship with “Godfather” co-star Diane Keaton. Despite these relationships, Pacino has remained unmarried but has always emphasized the importance of fatherhood and his close bond with his children.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacino faced a serious health scare. He contracted a severe case of the virus before vaccines were available, and his condition quickly worsened. His pulse disappeared, prompting his assistant, Michael Quinn, to call paramedics.

When Pacino regained consciousness, he was surrounded by paramedics in protective suits. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “I thought I experienced death. I might not have. I don’t think I have, really. I know I made it. Everybody thought I was dead. How could I be dead? If I was dead, I fainted.”

Reflections on Mortality

Despite the seriousness of his near-death experience, Pacino has remained remarkably philosophical about it. In typical fashion, he has mixed humor with contemplation when discussing the incident. He recalled that after the paramedics revived him, he didn’t see the “white light” that people often associate with such moments.

Instead, he said, “There’s nothing there. As Shakespeare in ‘Hamlet’ says, ‘No more. To be, or not to be.’ And then he says, ‘No more.’ It was no more. You’re gone” Although the experience was profound, Pacino has said it didn’t significantly change the way he lives his life.

When asked if the health scare had altered his outlook, he responded simply, “Not at all.” He continues to find joy in his work, mentioning that while aging presents its challenges, it hasn’t dampened his passion for acting.

Al Pacino’s Legacy

Pacino’s near-death experience during the pandemic is just one chapter in a long and storied life. Over five decades, he has faced professional ups and downs, personal struggles, and health challenges, yet he has always returned to the spotlight.

From his breakthrough role to his more recent projects, Pacino’s ability to reinvent himself has kept him relevant across generations. Despite the brushes with mortality and the challenges of aging, Pacino remains active in the industry he loves.

Al Pacino’s reflections on his experiences show his resilience and passion for life. His legacy, built on decades of memorable performances, is a testament to his talent and determination.