Young Rock is an NBC sitcom that’s inspired by the events of Dwayne Johnson’s upbringing, and so it naturally features a number of legendary wrestlers – but what do they look like in real life and who’s in the cast? Co-created by Johnson and Nahnatchka Khan – who created Fresh off the boat and directed Always be my maybe – the sitcom focuses on different chapters in the life of the main character. Starring the future WWE Superstar at different ages, from her childhood to her twenties, Young Rock shines a light on the experiences that made Johnson the man he is today.
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The series also offers a glimpse into the hypothetical future, as part of the show takes place in 2032 with Johnson preparing an offer to become US president. While it’s not clear whether Johnson is serious about his political aspirations, it does serve as a sign that the comedy offers something unique for every potential fan. Young Rock is, at the same time, an age comic tale, a family saga and a window into the mind of one of Hollywood’s most popular celebrities. Johnson, executive producer on the project, will also appear as himself when booking each episode.
Yet given his ties to the entertainment industry and the sports world, Johnson and his family won’t be the only real characters portrayed in Young Rock. The sitcom also includes appearances such as Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, and others. Here’s what these wrestlers look like, compared to the actors who represent them.
Contents
- 1 Adrian Groulx as Dwayne Johnson (10 years old)
- 2 Bradley Constant as Dwayne Johnson (15)
- 3 Uli Latukefu as Dwayne Johnson (18-20)
- 4 Joseph Lee Anderson as Rocky Johnson
- 5 Stacey Leilua as Ata Johnson
- 6 Ana Tuisila by Lia Maivia
- 7 Fasitua Amos as Sika Anoai
- 8 John Tui as Afa Anoa’i
- 9 Nate Jackson as Junkyard Dog
- 10 Adam Ray as Vince McMahon
- 11 Kevin Makely as ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage
- 12 Matthew Willig as Andre the Giant
- 13 Brett Azar as The Iron Sheik
- 14 Young Rock’s supporting cast
Adrian Groulx as Dwayne Johnson (10 years old)
Storming the island of Hawaii and having a tendency to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, Groulx portrays a young version of Johnson. Groulx previously starred in the CBC series The adventures of Napkin Man!, in addition to the Hallmark movie The Christmas cure. He will next be seen in Jason Momoa’s Apple TV + drama. See.
Bradley Constant as Dwayne Johnson (15)
Constant plays Johnson who, at the age of 15, was supposed to be much older than he actually was. Johnson even said he was mistaken for an undercover high school cop, a joke that is catching on Young Rock. Constant has already appeared in the 2018 film Following Phil.
Uli Latukefu as Dwayne Johnson (18-20)
Latukefu portrayed Johnson at a time when he was a freshman at the University of Miami with an interest in football. Latukefu has performed roles on the big and small screen, appearing in Alien: Covenant and the drama series Harrow. He also made his Broadway debut in Peter Pan at the New Victory Theater in New York. The actor will be part of Next Goal Wins, directed by Taika Waititi.
Joseph Lee Anderson as Rocky Johnson
Anderson plays Rocky Johnson, the main character’s father on Young Rock. During his groundbreaking professional wrestling career, Johnson won numerous National Wrestling Alliance titles. He also won the World Tag Team Championship in 1983, along with his partner Tony Atlas, to become the first black champion in WWE history. Anderson has had guest roles on Timeless and American Soul. On the big screen he appeared in Harriet.
Stacey Leilua as Ata Johnson
Leilua plays Ata, Johnson’s mother on Young Rock. Ata, who married Rocky in 1978, has appeared in WWE programming several times in recent years. Leilua is well known for working on a number of New Zealand projects, including the longtime show Shortland Street.
Ana Tuisila by Lia Maivia
Maivia is recognized as one of the first female promoters of professional wrestling. It takes into account Young Rock as the grandmother of the main character of the sitcom. Tuisila, like Leilua, is known for her work in New Zealand films and television series.
Fasitua Amos as Sika Anoai
Amosa plays the role of Sika, better known as half of the Wild Samoans squad with his brother Afa. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. Amosa’s films include Vermilion and Baby done. He also appeared in the Netflix fantasy series The new legend of the monkey.
John Tui as Afa Anoa’i
In addition to being a part of the Wild Samoans, Afa has worked to train the next generation of wrestlers at the Wild Samoan Training Center. Known to represent Bolg in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and Naval Officer Walter Lynch in Battleship, Tui also played a role in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Nate Jackson as Junkyard Dog
Writer and actor, Jackson plays the legendary wrestler Junkyard Dog. With his electric personality and pioneering status, Junkyard Dog becomes an inspiration for Johnson in Young Rock. During his run, Junkyard Dog was among the first black men to escape and pave the way for others in WWE.
Adam Ray as Vince McMahon
A comedian who lent his voice to Cross swords and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Ray plays McMahon in Young Rock. Rising through the ranks of her father’s society, the future WWE President proves to be a great friend and supporter of Lia when the going gets tough for her.
Kevin Makely as ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage
Often cited as one of the best and most influential wrestlers of all time, by Johnson as well, Savage is iconic among fans for his distinct voice and unique outfit. He is also known for his feuds with Hulk Hogan and his memorable slogans. Makely portrayed Savage in Young Rock, and the actor is best known for his role as Justin in the drama series The Cavanaughs.
Matthew Willig as Andre the Giant
Although he is private and does not allow many people to come close to him, André’s friendship with the Johnson family is depicted in Young Rock. This includes his connection to a young Johnson, who idolized the legend. Willig is a former NFL star and Super Bowl winner, with the 1999 St. Louis Rams. He also appeared in Agents of SHIELD and Dexter. His film credits include Birds of prey and We are the millers.
Brett Azar as The Iron Sheik
Azar, who guessed The blacklist and Jessica jones, appears as The Iron Sheik. Despite his villainous wrestling character, Sheik is a good friend to the entire Johnson family outside of the ring. He won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1983.
Young Rock’s supporting cast
Randall Park as himself: Park plays a fictional version of himself on Young Rock, having made the transition to journalism. He enjoys full coverage of Johnson’s presidential campaign, interviewing the candidate throughout the season. Park is known for directing the ABC comedy Fresh off the boat and featured in the romantic comedy film Always be my maybe. He also plays Jimmy Woo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Rosario Dawson as General Monica Jackson: General Jackson is described as an unparalleled force that is becoming an important part of Johnson’s presidential hopes. She is played by Dawson, who has played in everything from The clerks to her recent performance of live-action Ahsoka Tano on The Mandalorian.
Lexie Duncan as Karen: Duncan plays Karen, the main character’s high school sweetheart, who dreams of going to Barbizon beauty school. The character shares scenes with Johnson at 15. Young Rock marks Duncan’s first major role.
Taj Cross as Gabe: Known as Sam in the Hulu Comedy Series PEN15, has the role of Gabe on Young Rock. Gabe is Johnson’s best friend and partner at the age of 15.
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