Al Pacino was born in East Harlem, New York City, to Italian-American parents Rose Gerardi and Salvatore Pacino. His parents divorced when he was two years old, and he moved to the Bronx to live with his mother and her parents.

Pacino joined the prestigious Actors Studio, where he studied under Lee Strasberg, creator of the Method Approach that would become the trademark of many 1970s-era actors.

Pacino's first starring role was in "The Panic in Needle Park", a film about a young couple struggling with heroin addiction in New York City. This role marked the beginning of his career as a leading actor.

Pacino's breakout role came with "The Godfather", directed by Francis Ford Coppola. His intense performance as Michael Corleone earned him numerous accolades, including his first Oscar nomination.

Pacino solidified his standing as a dynamic star with roles in "Serpico" (1973) and "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975), showcasing his characteristic screen qualities of brooding seriousness and explosive rage.

Pacino returned to high-intensity roles with "Scarface", directed by Brian De Palma. His performance as Tony Montana is among his most unforgettable and ranks as one of his career-defining roles.

Pacino won his first Academy Award for his charismatic performance in "Scent of a Woman", where he played a blind, retired Army lieutenant colonel. This role marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his versatility and range.

Pacino starred in "The Devil's Advocate" and "Donnie Brasco", demonstrating his ability to excel in various genres and roles, from supernatural horror to crime dramas.

Pacino shone in the miniseries "Angels in America", directed by Mike Nichols, which tells a compelling story about the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s.

Pacino played the role of Aldo Gucci in "House of Gucci", a film that marked one of his more recent significant roles.

Al Pacino continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest actors of his generation, with a career spanning over five decades and numerous iconic roles that have left a lasting impact on American cinema.