9 Milestones in the Evolution of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson

The Game Plan (2007)

After testing the boundaries of offensiveness in Be Cool, The Rock explored his G-rated side with appearances on two Disney series (Hannah Montana and Cory in the House) and a starring role in The Game Plan. As an Elvis-loving NFL quarterback who chooses fatherhood over career, The Rock proved that his appeal extends to children. The Game Plan opened in first place at the box office, grossed over $100 million and gave the actor the more professional credit of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Well done.

Get Smart (2008)

Johnson flexed his comedy muscles yet again in Get Smart, Peter Segal's spy-fi blockbuster starring Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway. Playing a Russian double agent (spoiler), Johnson was uncharacteristically given desk duty the first half of the film before being released to complete a fatal plane and train stunt. His serviceable acting ability made a crucial plot point in an otherwise serviceable film seem credible.

Get Smart - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Clip by EastDust

Tooth Fairy (2010)

Perhaps it wasn't until one of Johnson's most recent roles in the critically-reviled Tooth Fairy when audiences realized why they enjoy watching this professional wrestler-turned-actor deliver lines. Because in spite of the stereotypes we have about athletes and musclebound actors being thick-skulled, Johnson is always charming. So charming that we don't care when he plays a ruthless hockey player who crushes children's dreams and knocks out grown men's teeth. Tooth Fairy grossed over $100 million.

The Other Guys (2010)

Johnson returned to the summer multiplex with last year's Adam McKay cop comedy The Other Guys. As one half of the best (but ill-fated) team on the police squad, Johnson was tough and reliably funny -- even next to Will Ferrell. He may always be the most hulking actor on set physically but to moviegoers he is no longer The Rock, a WWE performer acting -- but legitimate action and comedy star Dwayne Johnson.

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