The Economic Times

In 1980, Al Pacino took a controversial role in Cruising; years later, he revealed that he donated his entire paycheck to charity

Al Pacino has revealed in his memoir Sonny Boy that he donated his entire paycheck from the 1980 film Cruising to charity. Pacino recalled that the movie became controversial during production, with protesters appearing at filming locations because of concerns about its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. Although he did not initially view the film as exploitative, he said his perspective changed after seeing the completed movie. Pacino placed his earnings into an irrevocable trust fund and donated the money anonymously, explaining that he wanted something positive to come from the experience. Director William Friedkin also later reflected on the films controversy.