The Rock Raises $100,000 for TN Children's Charity
March 17, 2004


Dwayne Johnson, the man most know as "The Rock," was in Knoxville Tuesday night for a special movie premiere to benefit a local charity.

He was here four years ago on the pro-wrestling circuit. Now, his fans treated him as a bona fide movie star.

"The Rock" walked the red carpet to greet some 700 fans who paid $50 each to see the star of MGM's remake of the movie Walking Tall. "That's what I remember about Knoxville, lots of energy. I love it," said Johnson.



Fans cheered Johnson at the special screening at Regal Cinemas inside West Town Mall. "Without a doubt, the most electrifying actor and wrestling entertainer there is today," said fan Joe Pickle.

Johnson plays Chris Vaughn, a retired soldier who returns to his hometown to make a new life for himself but finds the place where he grew up has become overrun with crime and violence.

Similar to the original film about Buford Pusser's life, the star gets elected sheriff and tries to clean up the town. Although this film is not set in the South like the original, it's expected to do well at the box office since East Tennessee is a hotbed for professional wrestling.

"The Rock" told media members that the film sends a message that sometimes it's important for everyone to take a stand and walk tall. "To make a stand like that, and to put a lot of things in jeopardy including his life, is admirable," said Johnson.

Johnny Knoxville's parents, Phil and Lemoyne Clapp of South Knoxville, came to see their son in the premiere. "Oh, I've never been to anything like this, this is something. And on top of everything, we came down here in two limos and we forgot the ticket," said Phil Clapp.

"The Rock" says he drew on his own hard times for his performance. "I literally lived in a seedy motel in Murfreesboro, near Nashville. That's when I first started and I was making $40 a night," said Johnson.

Johnson's visit raised nearly $100,000 for Variety, the children's charity of Eastern Tennessee. A spokesperson for Regal Cinemas says all that money stays here to help local kids with their medical needs.