Sonny Boy: A Memoir

Sonny Boy (2024) is a memoir by American actor Al Pacino. In his book, Pacino offers readers an intimate glimpse into his personal life and his career as an actor. Pacino reflects on his childhood in the Bronx in the 1940s and 50s as the only child of a single mother, revealing how he first became enamored with acting and storytelling at a young age. He remained determined to fulfill his calling of being an actor in spite of the loss and hardship of his early years. Pacino touches on his romances, money troubles, substance dependency, family, and creative triumphs as he traces his journey of how, against all odds, he became one of America’s most notable actors. 

This guide uses the 2024 Penguin Random House Kindle edition of this book.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss substance misuse disorder, mental health issues, assault, and attempted death by suicide.

Summary

Pacino discusses his youth in the Bronx, where he spent much of his free time with his three close friends, playing sports and getting into wild adventures in their neighborhood. Pacino reveals that his single mother was supportive and loving, but also had mental health problems which led them to lean on her parents for support. Pacino recalls how seeing the Chekhov play The Seagull invigorated his love of the arts and storytelling. 

While Pacino was interested in an acting career and began studying at The High School for Performing Arts in Manhattan, he soon dropped out to make money for the family. Pacino then enrolled in the Herbert Berghof Studio and trained with Charlie Laughton, but was unmoored by his mother’s sudden, tragic death. Pacino recounts how he struggled to provide for himself as a young working theater actor in New York City, juggling an array of odd jobs and theater gigs to pay the bills. His dear friend Martin Sheen offered him the chance to be his understudy and paid him out of his own pocket, but this opportunity didn’t pan out well for Pacino. Things improved when he won a lead part in The Indian Wants the Bronx, giving him regular work and positive reviews. He soon landed a lead part in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?, winning a Tony Award for his performance as a troubled drug user.

Pacino recalls his astonishment at being cast by Francis Ford Coppola in his highly anticipated film, The Godfather. Paramount Studios never wanted him in the role, however, and Pacino felt constantly evaluated and stressed on set. When the film came out Pacino was instantly famous, something he felt uncomfortable about. Pacino discusses dealing with his newfound fame and opportunities after The Godfather. He enjoyed critical acclaim and an academy award nomination for his film Serpico, but this made him nervous, and he much preferred his experience of starring as Richard lll on stage. Pacino remembers how he and his friend Charlie Laughton rewrote the script for The Godfather Part ll, and Pacino agreed to reprise his role as Michael Corleone. While shooting the movie Pacino felt melancholy and isolated, and frequently drank or used drugs.

Pacino then reveals how Charlie Laughton encouraged him to face his alcohol dependency. Over time, Pacino successfully quit using alcohol. His career successes continued: He earned another academy award nomination for his role in Dog Day Afternoon, as well as another Tony award for his performance in the play The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel. Pacino reminisces about clashing with studios and directors as he filmed …And Justice for All and Scarface. Pacino recalls quitting film acting and refocusing on theater until his money troubles pulled him back to Hollywood.

Pacino’s Hollywood comeback was bolstered by the success of Sea of Love, and his academy award-winning performance in Scent of a Woman. Pacino reminisces on the success that followed as he starred in Carlito and Heat, and took on directing his own project, Looking for Richard. Pacino also addresses the serious money troubles that resulted from his overspending and trusting a bad accountant. Pacino reveals the measures he had to take to keep himself from going broke, such as taking well-paying roles and working away despite being in his 70s.

Pacino discusses his continued interest in acting and how his roles keep him engaged and curious about life. He is amazed at his success and old age, since he experienced substance misuse disorder and never had a master plan for his career. In the final chapter, Pacino reflects on how his childhood universe in the South Bronx is long gone, and revisits some boyhood memories. He is grateful to New York City for providing inspiration and work in his early years, and credits his mother, grandfather, and Charlie Laughton for his incredible rags-to-riches life.