7 Shocking Secrets And The Untold Legacy Of The Rock's Parents, Rocky And Ata Johnson

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is one of the world's most recognizable figures, a global superstar whose life story is a narrative of relentless ambition, hard work, and unprecedented success. However, as of December 18, 2025, the foundation of his incredible journey rests squarely on the shoulders of his extraordinary parents, Rocky Johnson and Ata Johnson.

The story of The Rock's parents is not just a tale of two people; it is a vital chapter in wrestling history, a saga of cultural heritage, and a recently updated family mystery involving newly discovered siblings. Their lives, marked by pioneering achievements and personal struggles, provide the essential context for understanding the man who became The Great One.

The Complete Biography and Wrestling Lineage

The Rock’s parents, Rocky Johnson and Ata Johnson, were both deeply entrenched in the world of professional wrestling, forming a union that bridged the African-American and Samoan wrestling dynasties.

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Rocky Johnson (Father)

• Birth Name: Wayde Douglas Bowles
• Born: August 24, 1944, in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Died: January 15, 2020, at the age of 75
• Occupation: Professional Wrestler (The Soulman)
• Career Highlights: First Black Georgia Heavyweight Champion; First Black World Tag Team Champion (with Tony Atlas) in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF); WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2008)
• Spouses: Una Sparks (m. 1966; div. 1978); Ata Maivia (m. 1978; div. 2003)

Ata Johnson (Mother)

• Birth Name: Mataniufeagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia
• Born: October 25, 1948, in Hawaii
• Occupation: Former Wrestler, Actress, and Family Matriarch
• Family Lineage: Daughter of wrestling promoter Lia Maivia and the adopted daughter of the legendary Samoan wrestler, "High Chief" Peter Maivia
• Wrestling Connection: Her family is part of the famed Anoa'i wrestling dynasty, which includes Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Yokozuna

The Pioneers: Rocky Johnson's Groundbreaking Career

Rocky Johnson, born in Canada, left home at 16 to pursue his dream in the ring, eventually becoming one of the most charismatic and trailblazing wrestlers of his era.

His ring name, "Soulman," reflected his electrifying charisma and athletic style.

Johnson’s career was a series of firsts that shattered racial barriers in professional wrestling. He was the first African-American to win the World Tag Team Championship in the WWF, achieving the feat alongside his partner, Tony Atlas, in 1983.

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This achievement was a monumental moment, paving the way for future generations of Black wrestlers in the industry.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008, with his son, Dwayne, delivering a heartfelt speech that highlighted his father's perseverance and impact on the sport.

Rocky Johnson was not just a successful wrestler; he was also the man who trained his son, Dwayne, for his own legendary career.

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The Rock has often credited his father's tough-love guidance and support as instrumental in his rise to superstardom, even reflecting on their complicated relationship with regret over not being able to say a final goodbye before his passing in 2020.

Ata Johnson and The Samoan Wrestling Dynasty

While Rocky brought the "Soulman" charisma, Ata Johnson provided the critical link to the world's most famous wrestling bloodline: the Anoa'i family.

Ata is the adopted daughter of "High Chief" Peter Maivia, a Samoan professional wrestler who was a major star in the 1970s and a non-blood relative of the Anoa'i clan.

Her mother, Lia Maivia, was a pioneering female wrestling promoter who ran Polynesian Pro Wrestling after Peter's death, further cementing Ata's deep roots in the business.

This heritage means that The Rock's wrestling persona—from his name to his signature moves—is a direct tribute to both his father’s trailblazing career and his mother's rich Samoan ancestry.

Ata and Rocky met through the wrestling circuit, beginning a secret relationship while Rocky was still married to his first wife, Una Sparks.

They married in 1978 and divorced in 2003, but despite the separation, they remained dedicated to their son.

Today, Ata Johnson is a beloved and frequent presence on Dwayne Johnson's social media, where he often shares moments of gratitude for her sacrifices, including a difficult period when The Rock was 15 and the family lost their apartment.

The Recent DNA Discovery: The Rock's Half-Siblings

In one of the most surprising and recent updates to the Johnson family history, it was revealed that Rocky Johnson fathered several children outside of his two marriages.

A 2022 report confirmed that five individuals—Lisa Purves, Paula Parsons, Trevor Edwards, Adrian Bowles, and Aaron Fowler—discovered through DNA testing that they were the children of Rocky Johnson, making them The Rock's half-siblings.

These five half-siblings, who mostly reside in Canada, were previously strangers to one another but have since connected and formed a bond.

This discovery, which came after Rocky Johnson's death in 2020, has added a fascinating and complex layer to the family's narrative.

One of the newly found half-sisters, Lisa Purves, is currently working on a documentary to tell the story of their complicated relationship with their biological father and their journey to finding one another.

The Rock has two other half-siblings, Wanda and Curtis, from Rocky Johnson's first marriage to Una Sparks, bringing the total number of his paternal half-siblings to seven.

This ongoing story highlights the enduring, and sometimes surprising, legacy of Rocky Johnson and the continued expansion of Dwayne Johnson's family tree.

How Their Legacy Shaped 'The Rock'

The Rock’s parents instilled in him a work ethic and a sense of showmanship that defined his career. His father's athleticism and mic skills, combined with his mother's connection to the Anoa'i dynasty, created the perfect storm for a wrestling phenomenon.

The Rock’s famous "People's Eyebrow" and his ability to command a crowd are direct echoes of his father’s charisma, while his cultural pride often shines through in his Polynesian-inspired tattoos and roles in movies like Moana.

Today, Ata Johnson is often seen accompanying her son to movie premieres and WWE events, serving as a powerful symbol of family loyalty and cultural pride.

Dwayne Johnson's commitment to giving back to his mother, including gifting her several homes and cars, is a public testament to the sacrifices she made for him when they struggled financially.

The lives of Rocky and Ata Johnson are far more than footnotes in a celebrity biography; they are the bedrock of a multi-generational empire, a story of wrestling royalty, cultural pride, and a family legacy that continues to evolve, even after loss.