Hollywood legend Al Pacino has revealed he nearly died from Covid-19 in 2020, experiencing a harrowing moment when he lost consciousness and had no pulse.
The 84-year-old actor – known for his iconic roles in The Godfather and Scarface – recounted the terrifying ordeal in a recent interview.
He told The New York Times and People magazine: “I didn’t have a pulse. In a matter of minutes [the paramedics] were there – the ambulance in front of my house.
“I had about six paramedics in that living room, and there were two doctors.”
Pacino described the surreal scene as he regained consciousness and added: “They had these outfits on that looked like they were from outer space or something.”
The actor had been suffering from a high fever and severe dehydration. “I was sitting there in my house, and I was gone. Like that,” Pacino said.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Oscar winner maintained his sense of humour. “I didn’t see the white light or anything.
“There’s nothing there. I’d never thought about it in my life. But you know actors: It sounds good to say I died once.”
The near-death experience prompted Pacino to reflect on mortality and ageing, noting to the New York Times: “You get a different view of death as you get older.
“It’s just the way it is. I didn’t ask for it. Just comes, like a lot of things just come.”
Despite the ordeal, Pacino remains unafraid of death and views his long career and family as sources of comfort.
“My 50 years of work was a consolation, and having children is a consolation,” he told the publication.
“It’s natural to have a different view of death as you get older,” Pacino mused, contemplating the fragility of existence through Shakespeare’s words: “To be, or not to be.”
Pacino’s brush with death has not fundamentally altered his approach to life, and when asked by People if the experience changed how he lives, he replied: “Not at all.”
The actor recently welcomed his fourth child, Roman, with girlfriend Noor Alfallah, 30.
He expressed that his children are a key reason he’d like to “stick around a little longer if it’s possible.”
Professionally, Pacino’s latest film – Modì – premiered at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival last week.
He is also set to release his memoir – Sonny Boy – later this month, which details his rise to fame and upbringing in the South Bronx.
