Dwayne Johnson makes emotional visit to a children’s hospital during ‘Baywatch’ filming
Dwayne Johnson posts sweet images and messages with kids during hospital visits while shooting “Baywatch.”
Dwayne Johnson's philanthropy took a turn for the emotional on Sunday when he stopped by a children's hospital ward in the middle of filming the "Baywatch" reboot.
When the former WWE star isn't busy playing tough guys on the big screen, posting motivational messages, bickering with his Frenchie or maintaining his physique by lugging around two massive SubZero refrigerators, he reaches out to his fans. This weekend, a few pint-sized patients at Savannah's Pediatric Specialty Ward got a load of the muscle man.
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Johnson & Co. were filming "Baywatch" scenes elsewhere at Georgia's Memorial Health Hospital and the actor thought he'd "pop up to the ward." That's where he met "lil' Aiden" who was enamored of the "San Andreas" and "Furious 7" star.
"Awesome experience and THANK YOU to all the hard working and caring staff who helped make this visit possible," Johnson wrote on Instagram, posting a snapshot fist-bumping Aiden's tiny hand. "To all the kids I met - you guys keep smiling and staying strong. All the mamas and daddy's I met, y'all stay strong too. Gotta tell ya little stuff like this will always be the best part of fame. And good Lord I wish I had Aiden's concentration when I was in my high school math classes. I wouldn't have failed Algebra twice."
Another post showed a patient named Maleak who yelled in delight when Johnson visited his room. Maleak gave him the "hug of all hugs," as seen in the video clip the actor posted.
"I say it often and its true. I'm a lucky lucky dude to be able to do what I do and reactions and meetings like this one with Maleak will always be the best part of fame," Johnson wrote.
And the visits weren't limited to the children's wing. In another emotional -- and quite lengthy -- post, the "Ballers" star recalled his impromptu encounter with a young patient named Christopher, whose mother pleaded with the "Baywatch" production staff that Johnson visit her son in the main hospital to "give him a much needed big surprise."
"We were shooting #BAYWATCH scenes outside of the hospital, but instead of heading back to shoot I called the audible, put production on hold and went upstairs to see this young man," Johnson wrote. "I walked in and his smile lit up the room! And I mean lit that room up!;) We talked for a while about his family, his school and how hard he's working to eventually graduate AND we talked about how COOL all his scars are from his multiple surgeries - from his head to his chest - those scars are badges of honor and the reminder of how beyond tough this kid is.
"Right before I left his mom looked at him and said, 'Christopher I can't give you anything, but I'm so happy I could give you this today...' and she started to breakdown, which was captured in this pic."
Johnson, who welcomed his second child in December, then gave "credit to these parents who would do anything to take their kid's pain away and ANYTHING to bring a smile to their faces."
"As a papa bear I understand. Glad this mom brought a smile to Christopher's face. And glad I got a chance to shake the hand of this very strong and inspiring young man," he continued. "Stay strong Christopher and show them scars with pride. You're the man! ~ DJ"
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The hospital posts come on the heels of Johnson's social media shout-out to a youngster named Pedro Perez Sulbaran, who "is fighting bravely for his life" and wished to meet Johnson.
"Without getting into too much detail, he was only allowed to bring one parent to the US to receive his extensive bone marrow treatment. When I met Pedro and his father - they spoke no english, but his dad had joyful tears welling up and this kid's smile lit up our entire room. Sometimes there are moments in life where no words are needed. This was one of those moments," wrote Johnson, dressed in his iconic red "Baywatch" uniform while posing with Sulbaran. "Stay strong Pedro, much love to you and your family and thank you for visiting me on set. Oh and btw, the pretty actresses I introduced you to said you're very handsome! Your bud ~ DJ #OnSet #BAYWATCH #PedroTheRealChampion
Filming the lifeguard flick has certainly been eventful, considering all the news the cast has generated behind the scenes -- spray tans and chiseled abs, aside. Last week, the former wrestler and football star piggy-backed on costar Zac Efron's good deed of welcoming superfan Ahmed T. to the set of their movie. This after Efron got Ahmed a new smartphone when his broke while chasing down the ripped "High School Musical" alum. More on that here.
"Ladies & Gentlemen the one and only @therock also another cool dude," the Instagram user wrote of Johnson. "I'm grateful for this one in a life opportunity. He ... Acts like any regular human being. My dawg drives a regular car just like any of us."
"Baywatch" hits theaters in May 2017 and we'll be keeping an eye on the film's splashy cast until then. Strictly for reporting purposes, of course.
Follow me on Twitter @NardineSaad.
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