Al Pacino shares how he nearly died from Covid, reflects on life-threatening experience
The legendary actor opens up about his battle with Covid and how it brought him close to death
At 84 years old, Al Pacino is still a legend in Hollywood, known for his unforgettable roles in movies like The Godfather, Scarface, and Dog Day Afternoon. While his career has spanned decades, it was a recent near-death experience that made him reflect deeply on life, death, and what comes after.
His encounter with Covid-19 in 2020 almost claimed his life, but his survival left him with an interesting perspective on the afterlife — or, more precisely, the lack of it.
In an interview with The New York Times, Pacino shared that he contracted Covid and felt “unusually not good,” suffering from dehydration and a high fever. Things took a sudden turn when he lost all vital signs at home. “I was sitting there in my house, and I was gone. Like that. I didn’t have a pulse,” Pacino recalled, describing how paramedics arrived to find him unresponsive. Fortunately, minutes later, he woke up, surrounded by medical professionals who brought him back to life.
Despite the gravity of the experience, Pacino explained that he didn’t encounter any visions of the afterlife. Unlike others who have reported seeing bright lights or feeling the presence of loved ones in similar situations, Pacino said, “There was nothing there.”
This revelation didn’t leave him shaken, but rather, it cemented his belief that death is simply the end. Quoting Hamlet, Pacino mentioned that death is “no more” and admitted he had never seriously thought about it before.
While some may find this view unsettling, Pacino takes comfort in knowing that his children and the body of work he leaves behind will carry on his legacy. When asked if his brush with death changed how he lives his life, he confidently responded, “Not at all.”
Even after this experience, Pacino continues to thrive in his acting career. He has starred in recent blockbusters like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Irishman. On top of that, at 83, he welcomed his fourth child with Noor Alfallah, proving that life, for him, is far from slowing down.
What do you think about Al Pacino’s views on life and death? Does his experience resonate with you, or do you believe there’s something more beyond the end? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
