During a recent episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, legendary actor Al Pacino revealed a shocking tidbit about his experience on the set of “The Godfather.” In a candid conversation with Conan, Pacino recounted how he almost lost his role in the iconic film.
Pacino reminisced about the early days of his career, where he worked odd jobs to make ends meet, including delivering papers and being a building superintendent (albeit not a very good one). He shared an anecdote about a man who claimed he was a terrible superintendent, which made Pacino question why someone would say that about him.
The conversation then shifted to Pacino’s casting in “The Godfather.” When director Francis Ford Coppola wanted Pacino for the role of Michael Corleone, the studio had other actors in mind, including Robert Redford. Despite the studio’s reservations, Coppola stuck with his decision to cast Pacino.
Pacino recalled the tension on set, with people doubting his ability to portray the complex character of Michael Corleone. He mentioned hearing giggles and concerns from those working on the film. Little did they know, those scenes they were watching would go on to become iconic moments in cinematic history.
The discussion then turned to the infamous Italian restaurant scene. Pacino revealed that he had hurt his ankle while shooting a previous scene, but he soldiered on, relying on his instinctive acting skills to bring the character to life. Little did he know that this particular scene, which he couldn’t bear to watch, would become one of the most memorable moments in the film.
“The Godfather” was released in 1972 and became a cultural phenomenon. Pacino admitted that he felt uncomfortable with the fame and attention the film brought him, preferring to blend into the background rather than be in the spotlight. He recounted an incident where someone recognized him on the street and addressed him as “Michael,” the character he played in the film. This encounter deeply unsettled Pacino, as he was unaccustomed to being recognized in public.
Throughout the conversation, Pacino expressed his gratitude to Coppola for having faith in him and allowing him to bring Michael Corleone to life. Despite the initial doubts, the film’s success solidified Pacino’s status as one of Hollywood’s greatest icons.
As the interview concluded, Pacino and Conan discussed their mutual love of cinema and the immersive experience that modern television technology, such as Samsung OLED, offers viewers. The conversation veered towards gaming, with Conan teasing an upcoming clueless gamer episode. He encouraged fans to suggest games for the segment via the Team Coco podcast’s Instagram account.
In retrospect, it’s fascinating to hear Pacino’s journey from almost losing his role in “The Godfather” to becoming one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. Through his talent and dedication, Pacino has solidified his place in cinema history, and his story serves as a reminder that success often comes from perseverance and believing in oneself.
