Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Gives His People's Champion Award To Make-A-Wish Teen

Dec 10, 2021 by apost team

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is one of Hollywood's leading tough guys onscreen. He rose to fame as a professional wrestler for WWE and has spent the last couple of decades perfecting his craft as an actor. From his feature debut in "The Scorpion King" and his role in the "Fast & Furious" franchise to more recent roles in "Moana" and the rebooted "Jumanji" franchise, Johnson is a bonafide Hollywood legend by now. 
He might be known for being brawny onscreen, but off-screen his demeanor is closer to that of a teddy bear than an action hero. That is evident from the many interviews he has given, where his positive attitude shines through, or on his social media, where he's posted photos of his adorable daughters. 

However, The Rock is also known for his extreme generosity and kindness. This time, The Rock was awarded the People's Champion award from Jeff Bezos on Tue. Dec. 7, 2021. However, instead of keeping the award, The Rock decided to gift it to someone he thought was more worthy: a girl named Shushana from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The gesture happened on-stage during the People's Choice Awards event that was actually held for the first time again in person since its virtual program last year. At this year's event, The Rock also won 2021 People's Choice trophies for comedy movie star and male movie star, aside from his People's Champion award. 

Read on to learn more about the kind gesture Dwayne' The Rock' Johnson made and other acts of kindness he's been up to recently. 

On Tue. Dec. 7, 2021, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was awarded the People's Champion award by Jeff Bezos. According to USA Today, the audience was surprised as Bezos walked onto the stage and revealed that this year's People's Champion is someone not only "larger than life," but also "strong, handsome (and) bald." However, as someone who is also bald, Bezos of course had to include the quirky addition, "Hey, it's a good look." Johnson took the award but decided to give it to someone he thought was more worthy instead of keeping it for himself. According to their official website, the Make-A-Wish foundation is non-profit organization dedicated to grant a wish to critically ill children. The website states:

"In the U.S. and its territories, a wish is granted every 34 minutes. A wish can be that spark that helps these children believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses. This one belief guides us and inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve...For children diagnosed with critical illnesses, a wish come true can be a crucial turning point in their lives. A wish can be that spark that helps these children believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses. This impact is why we are driven to make every one of these wishes come true."

For Shushana, her wish came true not only on a stage in front of celebrities but televised as well.

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However, this wasn't the first time The Rock has done something incredibly kind. A video post that the star made on his Instagram in Dec. 2020 confirmed how big Johnson's heart is once again. In it, he's with an old friend of his named Bruno Lauer, who took him in when Johnson was 15 and had nowhere to go. Lauer even bought Johnson his first car, and it's clear from how comfortable they are with each other that these are two very old friends. 

Johnson brought Lauer to the set of "Young Rock," which is a television show based on Johnson's own life. Since Lauer was such an important part of his life, it only made sense to bring him out. Then Johnson surprised his friend with his very own car. He wrote in the video's caption:

"Merry Christmas, Bruno and since you helped me 'buy' my first car — I figured I could return the favor and buy you one ... I love you, brother. Your kindness and heart — helped change my life's trajectory."

Lauer was in complete disbelief when he saw the black Ford F150 truck. Gobsmacked, he could barely mutter a word. Johnson gave him a big hug, and the closeness between the two men was clear to see. When he sat inside the truck, Lauer broke down in tears. He said, "I'll never forget this," and "I love you man." He was quick to point out that he didn't love Johnson for the gift but because of who he is. But that wasn't all. Johnson wrote in his caption:

"And when you're ready to retire from 'the business' you just say the word. I got you covered."

What do you think of The Rock's generosity lately? Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to pass this on to other fans of The Rock you know!