The 1983 Hollywood classic Scarface, starring Al Pacino, is one of the greatest mafia movies ever made. Shaquille O’Neal, who happens to be a huge fan of the movie, once hosted a Scarface-themed birthday renting the same iconic house in Miami where the 1983 classic was shot.
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Although there are several great mafia movies in Hollywood history, few represent the American Dream the way Scarface does. Al Pacino immortalised his character, Tony Montana, whose persona gangsters started to copy.
In his memoir, Shaq Uncut: My Story, the big fella wrote about how he wanted to experience that feeling of being in the iconic movie. He picked his 34th birthday, on March 10, 2006, for the mafia bash. The arrangements were pretty elaborate and meticulous — from white suits to other mafia touches.
Shaq wrote, “For one of my birthdays we had a Scarface party. Everyone had to come dressed in white mafia suits. We rented the house in Miami where the movie was shot and we passed out cigars.”
A celebration so massive attracted a lot of eyeballs too. Shaq revealed that he and his then wife Shaunie were featured in the local papers. The four-time NBA Champion ended up taking over over the city of Miami with one birthday party. After the bash, Shaq was given a new monicker by Alonzo Mourning.
Shaq wrote, “Zo called me ‘the Largest Human Wonder of the World.’”
Talking about birthdays, O’Neal has always celebrated it in a larger-than-life manner.
Shaquille O’Neal’s 50th birthday was a grand event
Shaq likes to celebrate the special day with his loved ones. Two years ago, when he celebrated his 50th, the big fella went all out once again to put on a show. The event was held at the Miami Steakhouse Prime 112. The place was loaded with memorabilia showing some of Shaq’s accomplishments.
Dwyane Wade, Kevin Hart, Kenny Smith, Dr. J, and Ludacris were just some of the names who showed up for the Diesel. Shaq received video messages from some very special people. Charles Barkley said in his message, “You’ve got one of the best hearts of all the guys I have ever worked with.”
Zo outlined Shaq’s love for Krispy Kreme donuts in his message, “I wish I could give you 50 Krispy Kreme donuts, I know that would be the perfect gift for you.”
It must’ve been an unforgettable night for Shaq and his friends. It will be interesting to see if the big fella will be able to top these celebrations on his next big day.
