‘Stranger Things’ Star Shares Details of Her Crush on the ‘Godfather’ Icon and Their Enduring Friendship
Los Angeles, US – July 27, 2025 – In a delightful and candid confession, beloved actress Winona Ryder has revealed that she was once “absolutely in love” with the legendary Al Pacino. The two stars have shared the screen in the 1996 documentary drama Looking For Richard and the 2002 film Simone.
During a recent interview, the Stranger Things actress opened up about a significant crush she harbored for Pacino during their working relationship. “I was absolutely in love with Al Pacino when I was working with him,” Ryder shared, as quoted by People. She painted a charming picture of their time together: “He was obsessed with coffee, and he would take me all over New York — like, to the weirdest places — to try different coffees. I’m 22, or whatever. 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.'”
Ryder went on to recall how Pacino, ever the charmer, playfully turned her down. She also mentioned meeting his girlfriend at the time, who was apparently younger than Ryder herself – seemingly a reference to Argentine actress Lucila Sola, whom Pacino dated between 2008 and 2019, according to the outlet.
A Bond That Lasts: Poker Nights and Support
Despite the lack of romantic reciprocation, Ryder fondly spoke about their continuing friendly connection. “I still play poker with him sometimes. It’s the best,” she added, showing the warmth of their bond. Their mutual respect has been evident over the years; Ryder was notably seen supporting Pacino when he received the prestigious 35th AFI Life Achievement Award in June 2007.
Moving On: Their Current Lives
In her personal life, Winona Ryder has clearly found lasting happiness. She has been in a committed relationship with her partner, Scott Mackinlay Hahn, for 14 years. The couple first met at the premiere of her 2010 film, Black Swan.
Al Pacino, on the other hand, has been linked to several prominent names throughout his career, including Diane Keaton, Beverly D’Angelo, Tuesday Weld, and Jill Clayburgh. He was also reportedly in a relationship with actress Meital Dohan, People stated. Beyond his romantic history, Pacino is a proud father to four children: Julie Marie, with ex-Jan Tarrant; twins Anton and Olivia, with Beverly D’Angelo; and Roman, with Noor Alfallah.
On the professional front, Pacino has recently joined the cast of Bobby Moresco’s film Maserati: The Brothers, as reported by Variety. Meanwhile, Winona Ryder is gearing up to reprise her beloved role as Joyce Byers in the highly anticipated Stranger Things Season 5.