Dwayne The Rock Johnson Says That Steroids Don't Work

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson appears to have sealed the deal as heir-apparent to Arnold Schwarzenegger as Hollywood's next hyper-muscular action super star. That may likely be an understatement given that Johnson's movies in 2013 alone, with $1.3 billion in box office sales, have already grossed almost as much as all four movies in Schwarzenegger's successful Terminator franchise.

At 6-foot 5 and 252 pounds, Johnson's impressive bodybuilder-type physique isn't the only area where Johnson is following in Schwarzenegger's footsteps. The Rock has taken the lead from Schwarzenegger in how he should address questions about anabolic steroids. 

Both Johnson and Schwarzenegger have only admitted using anabolic steroids a long, long time ago – and never to prepare for movie roles. And both have claimed that steroids really didn't make a big difference anyway.

Schwarzenegger acknowledged that he used anabolic steroids just like all the other competitive bodybuilders during his former career as a competitive bodybuilder and multiple Mr. Olympia title-holder. However, the Terminator only claimed to use steroids during the few weeks prior to a competition. We are left with the impression that once he retired from competitive bodybuilding, his steroid use also came to an end.

Johnson has, on many occasions, revealed that he dabbled with steroids with some friends when he was 18 years old. That was after he received a full-scholarship to play defensive tackle for the 1991 NCAA Division I-A national champion Miami Hurricanes. 

Neither Schwarzenegger or Johnson dared to admit using steroids to prepare for any movie action roles that required they appear in top physical condition. Johnson has never admitted using steroids during his many years as a professional wrestler with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) either.

In Schwarzenegger's recent autobiography, he claimed that steroids only made as much difference in his physique as a “suntan” would.

Similarly, Johnson has decided to repeat the same refrain by saying that steroids don't work – at least not for him. In an interview with Stephen Galloway for The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson shared the results of his steroid experience from his college days.

"I tried them when I was 18, me and my football buddies,” Johnson said. “Nothing happened."

It is unfortunate that A-list Hollywood celebrities who have a platform and substantial clout in the industry continue to shy away from being completely honest about anabolic steroids.

Nonetheless, it is understandable that they would want to avoid the stigma of steroid use as much as possible. Even if they are currently using steroids, human growth hormone, clenbuterol and/or a variety other drugs to enhance their physical appearance, it's simply not good PR to advertise the fact. 

But is it necessary to take it a step further by saying that steroids don't work very well or, as Johnson claimed, not at all? Anyone who takes this approach loses all credibility and passes up a golden opportunity to make a real difference in the dialogue involving steroid use in America.

Source:

Galloway, S. (June 18, 2014). The Drive (and Despair) of The Rock: Dwayne Johnson on His Depression, Decision to Fire Agents and Paul Walker's Death. Retrieved from //www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/drive-despair-rock-dwayne-johnson-712689