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Dwayne Johnson and Jimmy Fallon Just Surprised FAO Schwarz Shoppers—and Paid for Their Gifts

Johnson and Fallon played Santa Claus at New York City's famous toy store, where tourists had hilarious reactions to the actor and wrestler suddenly appearing. 

By Samantha Vincenty

Between the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Christmas tree lighting, and 100 festive things to do, New York City goes big for the holiday season—particularly at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where visitors are already twirling around the ice rink and getting a jump on their gift shopping. On November 13, Dwayne Johnson and Jimmy Fallon gave NYC tourists a double gift: Surprising unsuspecting shoppers, Johnson paid for their gifts, too.

How to Watch

Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC weeknights at 11:35/10:35c and next day on Peacock

"Dwayne, you ready to do this?" the Host asked Johnson as they hid behind a shelf packed with teddy bears. 

"Always ready, Jimmy," Johnson answered; a hilariously action hero-style reply for someone who's about to spread some cheer in a sparkly toy store. 

Johnson and Fallon's first prank: An FAO Schwarz employee showed a couple a giant robot, telling them to "press the button." When they did, Fallon sang and joked into a microphone inside as the customers danced, sang along, and tried on some beanie hats at the "robot"'s command. That's when Johnson emerged to say hi to the shocked pair.

The two adorably surprised some kids—including one little Moana fan—and, of course, played the giant keyboard a la Tom Hanks in Big. And? Johnson put his Acorns card down to pay for shoppers' gifts.

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Dwayne Johnson appears at an event wearing a green shirt.

FAO Schwarz shoppers have amazing reactions to Dwayne Johnson's surprise

"Who is your favorite wrestler turned actor-superstar?" Fallon asked another couple of shoppers through the robot.

"Dwayne Johnson," a woman quickly replied. When the Fallon-bot asked for an introduction to Johnson, she said, "I would love to, but I don't know him!"

"But you know him now," Johnson said, to joyful screams and a hilariously stunned expression from her fellow shopper. 

"I want him to be President of the United States one day," the woman told Fallon—a prospect that Johnson actually commented on during his interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that same day. While he still can't entirely dismiss the idea, you won't see Johnson hitting the campaign trail in 2024, because he's still focused on his two young daughters. 

"“I know what that’s like to have an occupation that takes me away from being a daddy," Johnson told Fallon. "That’s the most important thing to be."

Watch Fallon and Johnson gather a crowd at FAO Schwarz in the clip above. Johnson may not be running for president anytime soon, but he snapped selfies with fans and hugged babies like a champ. 

Where is The Tonight Show filmed?

Dwayne Johnson on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Episode 1874

The talk show tapes in New York City's 30 Rock, in Studio 6B—which just so happens to be in the same building as the iconic FAO Schwarz.