A US Navy veteran who was gifted a customised truck by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has spoken of his gratitude and amazement at the generosity of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Oscar Rodriguez wrote an article for Newsweek about how he was asked to a day out at a screening of Rocky’s new film Red Notice and was amazed when his name was called out by Johnson himself.
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He thought he was travelling there to be a special guest at the screening, but he had no idea how much of a special guest he was to become.
Oscar and his mate were whisked through security and taken to wait for the star to emerge, and after a short speech to the gathered fans, Johnson called him up to the front.
Rodriguez explained: “I walked to the front of the theater and gave him a handshake and a huge hug. It was so good to hug him that I didn't want to let go!
“The Rock talked about the work I have done in the community and I said a few words then I went back to my seat, thinking that was the highlight of the day. I was so over the moon.
“Then The Rock told everyone to enjoy the show and left out the back of the theater with his crew. Except one of them came up to me and said that ‘DJ’ wanted to talk to me.”
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He continued: “I was thinking that he would want to have a bit more of a private moment. But it wasn't private at all! The minute I walked out, I saw cameras and photographers and a gift bag.
“I was wondering what was going on, and felt like maybe I was being ‘Punk'd’. But it was actually the opposite!”
After receiving a gift bag with loads of The Rock’s gear, as well as a gift card for $1,000, the real surprise arrived.
Oscar explained: “The Rock told me he'd written me a special card and it was in the front seat of his pickup truck. I went up to the front seat and saw a card with my name on it. I grabbed it and opened it up.
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"It said: ‘Oscar, Thank you for your service brother and enjoy your new truck, DJ.’
“They asked me to read it aloud but I couldn't even say the word truck, I just collapsed. My heart was so full; I couldn't believe what was happening.
“At first I had thought it was The Rock's truck, but when he told me to ‘enjoy (my) new truck’, I thought it must be a new truck.
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“Then The Rock explained it was his personal customized truck. I realized I would get to ride the truck that The Rock has driven around. I was so blown away, I had to call my girlfriend, which you can see on social media.
“Then I was wondering how The Rock was going to get home. I actually asked him if he needed a ride!
“There was something in particular he said to me that was very impactful.
“He told me that every time I drive the truck I should think about all the good I have done, all the good I'm doing and to keep doing it. That was perfect.”
Now, he keeps the truck at his house to remind him of exactly that.
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He concluded: “I feel honored and blessed to have this truck from someone super successful who has impacted so many lives.
“I could never afford a truck like this at this stage of my life.
“The Rock inspires me to work hard, be kind to people, and to always be authentic.
“Through him, I feel like God is looking down on me and saying: ‘Great job, keep it going.’”
Featured Image Credit: InstagramTopics: Dwayne Johnson, Celebrity, TV and Film