Photos of a Young Al Pacino in the 1970s

Al Pacino’s career in the ‘70s was set to new heights after his role as a heroin addict in The Panic in Needle Park (1971) caught the eye of Francis Ford Coppola, who cast him as Michael Corleone in the crime film The Godfather (1972), the role and the movie that brought Pacino to stardom. Within this decade, Pacino earned four consecutive Academy Award acting nominations for The Godfather (1972), Serpico (1973), The Godfather Part II (1974), and Dog Day Afternoon (1975), won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for Scarecrow (1973), and one Tony Award for Best Leading Actor for The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel (1977).

At the 46th Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 1974. (Michael Montfort)

However, in a recent interview with the Daily Beast, Pacino admitted that he had no recollection of the ‘70s, as he was struggling with the dazzling fame during his younger years. “I am very grateful that I was around, especially in the 70s, which were kind of a renaissance,” said Pacino. “But man, I have no memory of the 70s! You have to understand, I was in another world! I didn’t know what was going on. But I am glad it worked out.”

Below are 24 photographs of a young Pacino during the 1970s:

1970s. (Roy Jones)

New York, 1970s. (Art Zelin)

With Diane Keaton on the set of 'The Godfather,' 1972. (Steve Schapiro)

'The Godfather,' 1972.

Play rehearsal, 1972. (Dirck Halstead)

New York, 1972. (Tom Wargacki)

1973. (Tony Korody)

1973. (Tony Korody)

Showing a photo of himself in 'The Godfather,' 1973.

'Serpico,' 1973.

'Serpico,' 1973.

After performance of 'A Moon of the Misbegotten,' 1974. (Ron Galella)

With Robert De Niro in 'The Godfather Part II,' 1974. (Steve Schapiro)

London, 1974. (Steve Wood)

London, 1974. (Steve Wood)

New York City, 1977. (Robin Platzer)

With his Tony Award for Best Actor with Diana Ross, New York, 1977.

On the dance floor after wrapping up his latest movie, 1978. (Richard Corkery)

Actor's Studio 'Struttin'' Masked Ball at The Roseland in New York City, 1978. (Ron Galella)

Broadway's 'Richard III,' 1979. (Jack Mitchell)

Broadway's 'Richard III,' 1979.

On the set of 'Cruising,' 1979. (Michael Norcia)

With Christine Lahti at the premiere party for 'And Justice For All' in New York City, 1979. (Ron Galella)