Legendary actor Al Pacino has revealed a terrifying chapter in his life during a recent interview. In 2020, the Oscar winner almost lost his life to COVID-19, a moment he now speaks about for the first time. His candid account sheds light on the severity of his illness and the profound experience he endured.
By Julian James
A Close Call with Death
During an interview with The New York Times, Pacino shared details about his harrowing encounter with COVID-19. The 84-year-old actor described feeling severely unwell, suffering from dehydration and a high fever. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he requested medical help to receive fluids. But before assistance could arrive, Pacino lost consciousness, recalling, “I was sitting in my house, and suddenly I was gone. I had no pulse.”
A Life-Saving Intervention
Thankfully, emergency responders arrived within minutes, with several paramedics and doctors rushing to his aid. Pacino vividly remembers waking up to find medical staff surrounding him in full protective gear. He recalls the relief in the room as they confirmed, “He’s back. He’s here.” It was a pivotal moment that marked the start of his recovery from a near-death experience.
A Unique Near-Death Experience
Many people who survive close brushes with death recount seeing bright lights or having spiritual visions. However, Pacino had a very different experience. “I didn’t see any white light or anything like that. There was nothing,” he admitted. His frank admission stands in contrast to common narratives of near-death encounters, offering a grounded perspective on the fragility of life.
A Changed Outlook on Life and Death
Despite the traumatic experience, Pacino approaches the subject of death with calm acceptance. He explained that aging has given him a different outlook on mortality. “It’s natural to have a changed view of death as you get older,” he reflected. While he didn’t wish for such an experience, Pacino now sees it as part of life’s inevitable journey.
Al Pacino’s account of surviving COVID-19 offers a sobering reminder of the virus’s impact and his personal resilience in the face of near tragedy.
Based on information from www.prosieben.de and own research.