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But money and critical acclaim aside, Johnson said he recently experienced a moment in which he realized he had truly made it as an actor.
In a new profile in Esquire magazine, Johnson says "About three weeks ago, I'm here at the house and I get a letter." It was from Steven Spielberg, and here's what the letter said:
"Been enjoying your movies over the years. Very entertaining. I feel like I've really gotten to know you over the years, most recently after watching you host 'Saturday Night Live.' Great job. You continue to go for it. Proud of your work and look forward to meeting you. Steven Spielberg."
In May, Johnson posted a photo of the letter from a far, and his reaction was priceless.
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He wrote in the post's caption:Grinnin' now like a big ass kid... When I was 8yrs old I sat front row to see a sold out INDIANA JONES in its opening weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina. I walked out of that theater excited and wanted to be "Indy".. cool, funny, charming with the ladies and kickin' ass w/ a smile. But at 8yrs old I was also perfectly content playing w/ my Star Wars figures and sneaking off listening to Richard Pryor concerts. Throughout the years I've credited this man and his movies as being my greatest inspiration in becoming an actor and wanting to always make "his kind" of movies - entertaining, quality and above all else.. heart. Just receiving this personal letter from him and its not only made me incredibly humbled and grateful, but it's also brought me back to being that 8yr old boy again who not only loves movies, but I now get to make the movies I love and enjoy the impact they have on others. THANK YOU STEVEN SPIELBERG for these inspiring and motivating words in your letter and cheers to making sure I'm always listening to that little voice in my gut. #CoolestGiftEver #BigAss8yrOldKid #SpielbergInspiredWhen Esquire asked Johnson if he's ever gone wrong trusting his gut or instincts during his career, the former wrestler responded by quoting Spielberg:
I've never gone wrong trusting my gut. It was really the only thing that I had going into acting. I didn't have the background-Juilliard or performing-arts school or anything like that. You can get great people around you, smart minds and great resources, but it's still from here [points to heart].
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Steven Spielberg has this great quote: "Moviemaking is always about noise. There's so many voices that you've gotta listen to. But you've always got to pay attention to the one voice that's in your gut that always tells you it's still not good enough."
