CANMORE – Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson wasn’t taking the mountains for granite while here in the valley filming scenes for Jumanji’s sequel.
The actor made his way from Calgary to Kananaskis Country earlier this month for the film shoot with costars Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Nick Jonas.
But Johnson also spent time in Canmore to both stay in shape and maintain his fitness-worthy meal plan.
Local gym LifesWork, owned and operated by Neil Fox with the help of his wife Jessie, was able to host the famous former wrestler-turned actor at their facility.
“I knew he was coming, his team contacted me about a month ago,” Jessie told the Outlook.
“They wanted to know what we offer and the general operations of the gym. After that, they called me asking for photos of the gym, but they didn’t say who he was, I don’t think they were allowed. Just told me an actors coming down.”
Jessie said she and Neil didn’t ask who it was because they wanted to respect the privacy, but neither had any idea the Rock would be lifting weights inside the walls of their establishment.
“It was like a dream come true for some clients to see him, he’s a real inspiration,” said Jessie.
Meanwhile, Canmore Organic Chef George Bayne posted on his Facebook page that he prepared the Rocks meals.
“Now the hype has piped down it’s gotta be said – ‘what the Rock is cooking!’ This time it’s us,” he wrote.
“Gratitude to the Rock. I’m definitely inspired by your seven bucks story. On a personal note, I’ve been there, done that. Glad you enjoyed being back in the area with your food my style. To the most ultimate fitness meal plan I have ever cooked!”
Both local community businesses were surprised and delighted to cater to the needs of the Rock.
“I didn’t know his name, I just know he’s the Rock. My husband showed me [who he is] and I was like ‘oh my gosh,’ ” Jessie said with a laugh.
“You try to be as cool as you can, but it’s exciting.”
Staying true to his reputation as just a really nice guy, Jessie said the Rock was an absolute pleasure to host and wanted no special treatment inside the facility.
“The whole experience we had with him, he is so nice. He’d say hi to us and shake our hands,” she said, adding he was very kind to her four-year-old son who wanted to give the Rock a homemade gift.
“I was like holy, he was so friendly. He made me feel really comfortable.”
Rumour has it the Rock has left the valley now after a few days of filming, however not without leaving a lasting mark on a very excited small town.
