Al Pacino's illustrious career is marked by numerous iconic performances, yet one film has left him with a sense of regret. Released in 1980, Cruising features Pacino as an undercover cop who infiltrates New York's underground gay scene to apprehend a serial killer. While the role came with a substantial paycheck, Pacino now acknowledges the accompanying discomfort and regret.

Cruising faced heavy criticism from both activists and critics for its portrayal of gay culture, leading to protests that overshadowed its release. Pacino later expressed unease about the film’s depiction of the LGBTQ+ community, calling it a misstep in his professional journey.

In his memoir, Sonny Boy, Pacino revealed a surprising detail about his earnings from Cruising, stating that he donated the entire paycheck to charities, acknowledging the film's negative impact on the LGBTQ+ community