Hollywood actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson has dedicated his latest film, The Smashing Machine, to the memory of 15 friends he lost to addiction and suicide over the past two decades.

In an interview with Variety, the 53-year-old actor said the biopic, which portrays the life of legendary UFC fighter Mark Kerr, reflects not only Kerr’s journey but also the struggles of countless people battling mental health issues. “In a way, The Smashing Machine is a love letter to the men and women who struggle, who have made it on the other side, and who didn’t,” Johnson said.

Johnson, who has been open about his own battles with depression, revealed that losing friends over the years deeply influenced the project. “Over the past two decades, I lost exactly 15 friends to addiction and suicide, who just couldn’t handle the pressure,” he added.

The actor also recalled his personal experiences with mental health challenges, including suffering from depression at the age of 23 after failing to qualify for professional football, and witnessing his mother attempt suicide when he was 15. He stressed the importance of support, encouraging people to talk openly about their struggles and reminding them that they are not alone.

Johnson has previously spoken about helping those facing depression. In 2018, he advised on social media to support loved ones by listening and guiding them through difficult times. “Everybody is fighting demons, and a lot of people keep it in. A lot of people don’t talk about it,” he said, reflecting on lessons learned over the years.

The Smashing Machine is set to reach audiences worldwide while Johnson continues to work on upcoming projects, including the live-action Moana, an untitled Jumanji sequel, and Fast X: Part 2.

With inputs from NDTV