Dwayne Johnson is one of the biggest actors in Hollywood. Fans couldn't help but notice that even he's slowed down in the midst of the health crisis. Now we have a better understanding of why. Dwayne took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal that he and his entire family had tested positive for COVID-19.
The 48-year-old actor revealed the news in a video. He and his wife, Lauren Hashian, have endured the worst of the illness. Although they were afraid for themselves, the parents were more concerned about their little girls. Both 4-year-old Jasmine and 2-year-old Tiana also tested positive for the virus.
Dwayne wasted no time in getting real about the illness. He explained to fans that it's one of the most difficult things his family has endured. It's also been one of the most challenging things for him, personally. Considering Dwayne's insane diet and exercise routine, seeing the healthy star fall ill is serving as a wake-up call for many.
On Wednesday, Dwayne Johnson shared some very personal information with fans. The 48-year-old actor revealed that he, his wife Lauren Hashian, and their daughters tested positive for COVID-19. It's been a scary ride for the family, who thankfully are pulling through.
Dwayne explained the situation in a video posted to Instagram.
"I wanted to give you guys a little helpful update on things that have been going on on my end for the past two-and-a-half to three weeks now. So the update is this: My wife Lauren as well as my two baby girls and myself, we have all tested positive for COVID-19," he said.
"I could tell you that this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family, and for me, too, personally as well," The Rock continued.
"And I've gone through some doozies in the past. Testing positive for COVID-19 is much different than overcoming nasty injuries, or being evicted, or even being broke, which I have been more than a few times."
Dwayne went on to explain how this hit him differently because it affected his whole family. He explained that as a husband and a father, it's hard "because my No. 1 priority is to always protect my family. And protect my children, my loved ones."
Dwayne also shared that he and his family contracted the virus from a family friend who is "devastated" to learn they unknowingly spread it.
"I wish it was only me who tested positive, but it wasn't, it was my entire family, so this one was a real kick in the gut. But I am happy to tell you guys that we as a family are good."
Thankfully, he could also report that they were all on the mend.
"We're on the other end of it, we're on the other side," he said.
"We're no longer contagious, and we are — thank God — we are healthy."
The Jumanji star said that the battle against the illness looked different for all of them. While the girls "bounced back" from the illness pretty quickly, he and Lauren "had a rough go at it."
He added, "We are counting our blessings right now because we're well aware that it isn't always the case that you get on the other end of COVID-19 stronger and healthier."
Dwayne even shared that he has known people close to him who have lost loved ones to the virus: "I have had some of my best friends have lost their parents, their loved ones, to this virus that is so incredibly relentless and unforgiving, and it is insidious.
"So for our babies, Jazzy and Tia, they had a little sore throat the first couple of days, but other than that, they bounced back and, and it's been life as normal, happy babies running around and playing."
He went on to urge his fans to please exercise caution and do what they can to protect themselves and their own families:
"If you guys are having family and friends over to your house, you know them, you trust them. They can be quarantining just like you guys. You still never know. You never know."
"Don't let your guard down, boost your immunity with antioxidants, vitamins, things of that nature," he recommended.
"The other thing is wear your mask. We have been in quarantine for months; we wear our masks every day. This baffles me that some people out there, including some politicians, will take this idea of wearing a mask and make it a political agenda … politicizing. It has nothing to do in politics."
"Wear your mask. It is a fact, and it is the right thing to do. And it's the responsible thing to do," he continued. He went on to use his own mom as an example, saying that face masks protect people like her with preexisting conditions:
"She has COPD too as well, that never goes away, but she wears a mask every day because it's the best thing for her health and her safety."
"So wear your masks. I'm not a politician. I am a man, though, who cares about my family deeply and will do everything I can to protect them. But I'm also a man who cares about all of you guys," Dwayne told fans.
"I don't care what political party you're affiliated with. I don't care what part of the world you're from. I don't care what your skin color is, what your job is, what your bank account says. I don't care. I do care about all of them. And I do not want you or your entire family to get COVID-19."
"Use me as your example," Dwayne said at the conclusion of the 11-minute-long video. He's truly hoping to educate people from his own experience.
"Remember these takeaways that I shared with you, and stay healthy, my friends, and I'll see you down the road."
Surely, Dwayne and Lauren weren't planning on celebrating their first wedding anniversary, which was in August, battling this illness. Still, they've managed to fight through it with their health and the health of their little girls intact. Dwayne has always been known as a celebrity who gives back and cares deeply for his fans. By delivering this message, he's proven just how committed to that he is.
