Almost every actor has a favorite role, and it might not be the movie fans expect. Despite the number of films they have starred in, there is always one that holds a special place in their hearts. Some actors choose a role based on its impact on their careers, while others pick one that challenged them in a way no other role did.
From Arnold Schwarzenegger, who loved his role in Kindergarten Cop, to Robert De Niro, whose favorite role is the one he played in Everybody’s Fine. Al Pacino has also joined the conversation, the Hollywood veteran, known for his roles in The Godfather and Heat, recently revealed his all-time favorite show.
Al Pacino reveals his favorite role
Pacino made this revelation during a special 50th-anniversary screening of Dog Day Afternoon, held at the American Cinematheque Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, California. The event was a celebration of the 1975 classic, a film that earned him an Academy Award nomination. During a Q&A session at the screening, Pacino talked about his decades-long career and the many characters he has portrayed.
When asked about his all-time favorite role, Fans expected him to mention Michael Corleone from The Godfather trilogy or perhaps Frank Serpico from Serpico. However, he had a different answer: Tony Montana from Scarface. Pacino spoke with enthusiasm as he recalled how much the role meant to him. He described Tony Montana as one of the most intense and rewarding characters he had ever played. Pacino told the audience that Scarface was more than just a role. It was something he fought for and felt deeply connected with.
Al Pacino loved ‘Scarface’ before he acted in it
Pacino’s love for Scarface is personal. Before the 1983 remake, he had watched the original Scarface from 1931, directed by Howard Hawks and starring Paul Muni. Seeing that film for the first time left a lasting impression on him.
Determined to make the story his own, Pacino reached out to producer Marty Bregman and convinced him to take on the project. The 1983 adaptation followed Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises through the ranks of Miami’s drug trade, only to be destroyed by his own ambition. The film was controversial upon release but later became a cult classic, with Pacino’s performance at the center of its legacy.