Al Pacino ‘Briefly Died’ from Covid: ‘I was Gone’

Legendary actor Al Pacino recently opened up about a harrowing experience during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic that brought him face-to-face with his own mortality.

Appearing on The New York Times’ podcast The Interview to promote his memoir Sonny Boy, Pacino, now 84, recounted a frightening health scare in 2020 when he contracted Covid and almost lost his life.

Pacino described falling seriously ill at home, battling a high fever, dehydration, and a weak pulse before losing consciousness. “I was sitting there at my house, and I was gone,” he said, snapping his fingers for emphasis. “I didn’t have a pulse.”

Thanks to a quick response from emergency medical personnel, Pacino survived. “In a matter of minutes, they were there,” he recalled. “I had about six paramedics and two doctors in my living room, dressed in outfits that looked like they were from outer space.”

Waking up to find medical staff surrounding him was a surreal experience for the Hollywood icon. “It was kind of shocking… They were saying, ‘He’s back. He’s here,’” Pacino said.

While he came dangerously close to death, Pacino admitted that he didn’t experience any profound revelations or visions during the ordeal. “I didn’t see the white light or anything like that,” he quipped. “You’re just gone. Now, I’ve started thinking about that… what is it when there’s no more?”

Known for his roles in films like The Godfather, Scarface, and Scent of a Woman—for which he won an Academy Award—Pacino’s near-death experience adds another chapter to his storied career and personal life. Just last year, Pacino made headlines when, at 83, he became a father again, welcoming a baby boy named Roman.

Even after decades in Hollywood, Pacino’s resilience—both in life and on screen—continues to captivate his fans.