Winona Ryder recently disclosed a hidden chapter from her early Hollywood years, revealing that she was deeply in love with Al Pacino when she was in her early twenties. The Stranger Things actress made this admission during an interview with ELLE, where she reflected on her time working with Pacino on the project that became the 1996 documentary Looking for Richard.
Ryder described those years as a unique experience, marked by a close bond and an intense crush on the legendary actor. Their connection began during a workshop for Richard III, where Ryder was around 22, and Pacino was in his mid-50s.
Memories of Their Time Together in New York
In the ELLE interview, Ryder recalled how Pacino’s love for coffee led them on many adventures through the city’s more unusual cafes. She said,
“He was obsessed with coffee, and he would take me all over New York — like, to the weirdest places — to try different coffees.”
The actress then shared a candid moment from their time together when she confessed her feelings:
“Finally, he’s dropping me off wherever I’m staying, and I’m like, ‘I love you, you know. I really am completely in love with you.’ And he was like, ‘Aw, honey, noooo.’”
Life After the Confession and Continuing Friendship
Even though her love was unreturned, Ryder kept her friendship with Pacino alive. She fondly remembers their ongoing relationship, including moments of fun such as playing poker together. She noted,
“I still play poker with him sometimes. It’s the best.”
Their professional paths crossed again in the 2002 film S1m0ne, and they were publicly seen together at the 2007 AFI Life Achievement Award tribute honoring Pacino.
About ten years after her initial crush, Ryder also recalled encountering Pacino’s younger girlfriend at the time, explaining her bold attitude with the words,
“Dude, I’m f—ing throwing myself at you.”
Ryder’s Personal Life Today and Reflections on Love
Winona Ryder now shares her life with long-term partner Scott Mackinlay Hahn, whom she met at the 2010 premiere of Black Swan. She regards Hahn as her husband and confirmed their plans to marry. Reflecting on her journey with love and family, Ryder mentioned that although she once considered having children, she hadn’t found the right person until meeting Hahn.
This disclosure about her past feelings for Al Pacino highlights a tender and humorous side of Ryder’s life, giving fans an intimate look at her early career and enduring friendships. The story also underlines how relationships can evolve, shaping both personal growth and professional connections in unexpected ways.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Al Pacino’s religion?
A. Pacino grew up in 1940s New York with his Italian Catholic parents. His belief was challenged during a 2020 Covid episode. Paramedics revived him during that time. In his 2024 memoir “Sonny Boy,” he wrote about this experience. Pacino said he felt like he faced death. He added that when he came back, it seemed like there was nothing beyond.
