Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Faces Controversy Over Wax Figure Skin Tone
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, renowned actor and former professional wrestler, recently expressed his disappointment with his new wax figure at the Grevin Museum in Paris, France. The figure portrayed him with a lighter skin tone, which contradicts his actual complexion. The actor took to social media to address the issue and shared a video by comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr., who humorously pointed out the discrepancy.
In response, Johnson announced his intention to have his team contact the Grevin Museum in order to update the wax figure. He emphasized the importance of accurately representing his skin color, stating that “important details and improvements” should be made. The museum, known for its lifelike wax figures of celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Nelson Mandela, assigns sculptors to create the replicas using reference photos and videos. Since Johnson and sculptor Stéphane Barret did not meet in person, achieving an accurate portrayal of the actor’s features proved challenging.
The Grevin Museum’s news release highlighted the meticulous process of recreating Johnson’s eyes and ensuring the warmth of the figure’s expression. Additionally, the team went to great lengths to maintain authenticity by accurately depicting Johnson’s Samoan tattoos. CBS News has reached out to the Grevin Museum for comments on the situation.
Standing at an impressive 6’5” and weighing approximately 260 lbs, Johnson made a successful transition from wrestling to acting. Notably, he has appeared in blockbuster action movies such as the “Fast & Furious” franchise. In fact, he has been named Hollywood’s highest-paid actor multiple times. Johnson has also portrayed Pacific Islander characters in his roles, such as Maui in Disney’s “Moana.” In addition to his acting career, he created and starred in the sitcom “Young Rock,” which provided a glimpse into his childhood with his father, Rocky Johnson.
In a 2019 tweet, Johnson clarified his identity, stating that he identifies as both Black and Samoan, rejecting the notion that he was solely marketed as a Samoan wrestler. This statement underscores the significance of ensuring accurate representation in all aspects of his career, including his wax figure at the Grevin Museum.
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