Al Pacino gave up booze and drugs after suffering terrifying "blackouts"

He told PEOPLE: "I started to forget things at a very young age - they called them blackouts, so I got nervous."

Pacino added that he initially tried enrolling in Alcoholics Anonymous, but didn't find the support system helpful so his pal Charlie Laughton acted in a sponsor role for him.

He added: "I went to AA for a while. It's a great place, but it was not for me ... [Being supported by Charlie] that helped me."

Pacino recounts stories from his life in Hollywood in his new memoir 'Sonny Boy' which is released this month, and 'The Godfather' star revealed he wrote the book partly as a record for his four children.

He told the publication: "It was due. I'm in my 85th year. When you get there and you start experiencing age, you understand why they do put things down."

Pacino is dad to Julie, 34, with Jan Tarrant, 23-year-old twins Anton and Olivia with actress Beverly D'Angelo and son Roman, 16 months with film producer Noor Alfallah.

It comes amid reports the actor recently split from girlfriend Alfallah a year after they welcomed their son.

The pair met in 2010 and their relationship deepened during the COVID-19 lockdowns - with Roman arriving in June 2023.

When asked about their relationship by PEOPLE, Pacino insisted he is currently unattached, saying: "No. I have friendship."

A representative for the actor clarified to the outlet that the pair are now platonic, adding: "Al and Noor are very good friends, have been for years, and are co-parents to their son Roman."