Top-level sports are part of the entertainment industry, so it should not be surprising to discover several prominent sports stars have transitioned to acting. The best actors show charisma, dedication, and often physical prowess, three attributes that make up an elite athlete. We are about to explore the fascinating journeys of six sports stars who successfully leaped into Hollywood. From basketball courts to boxing rings, these athletes shone on the silver screen and were at the top of their game in their chosen profession.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – From WWE Champion to Hollywood Star
Dwayne Johnson is famously known as “The Rock” from his days competing in professional wrestling. Johnson was one of the biggest stars in the WWE, winning multiple championships and capturing the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide. Standing at 6ft 5in tall and having a chiseled physique weighing 260 pounds, Johnson is a mountain of a man.
While wrestling fans flocked to sportsbooks california to back their hero in the ring, Johnson had plans to make a name for himself in Hollywood. His massive frame, athleticism, and larger-than-life personality make him a natural fit for action-packed movies.
Johnson enjoyed his acting breakthrough in “The Mummy Returns” (2001), where he played The Scorpion King. A year later, Johnson was given his first leading Hollywood role in the spin-off movie “The Scorpion King” (2002). Since then, Johnson has appeared in more than four dozen films, and his popularity means he commands massive fees. Between 2016-2022, Johnson was paid over $500 million for his various roles!
In a twist of events, rumors continue circulating that Johnson will play the iconic Jack Sparrow in the yet-to-be-shot “Pirates of the Caribbean 6”. Johnny Depp has stated he has no intention of returning to the franchise, leading movie buffs to believe Johnson is the man to take over from Depp.
LeBron James – The Biggest Name in Basketball
LeBron James is one of basketball’s biggest-ever stars, who has won everything there is to win in the NBA; James is also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Being such an iconic figure in the sport, James has been featured in dozens of documentaries, advertisements and has had cameo appearances in several television shows, but in 2015, he appeared as a fictionalized version of himself in “Trainwreck.” James received plenty of plaudits for his acting skills and began receiving offers to star in other Hollywood projects.
“Space Jam: A New Legacy” (2021) is the film James is best known for. Just as Michael Jordan had done before, James took to the silver screen alongside beloved Looney Tune characters and blended his acting abilities with his basketball prowess.
Muhammad Ali – Boxing’s True Legend
Muhammad Ali is the greatest heavyweight boxer to have ever stepped into the ring, and there is no doubt about that. Ali held the Ring magazine heavyweight title from 1964 to 1970 and was the undisputed champion from 1974 to 1978. Ali was involved in some incredible fights during his long and illustrious career, including The Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman in 1974, watched by an estimated one billion people worldwide.
In 1962, just as Ali’s boxing career was taking off, he played himself in the boxing movie “Requiem for a Heavyweight.” Then known as Cassius Clay, audiences caught a glimpse of Ali’s versatility beyond the boxing ring.
Shaquille O’Neal – Slam Dunked His Way Into Hollywood
Shaquille O’Neal was an iconic figure in the NBA, not least because he is a giant of a man. O’Neal weighs 325 pounds and stands 7ft 1in tall, making him a nightmare to play against on the basketball court. Despite his vast size, O’Neal’s acting roles have mostly seen him play a funnyman.
In 1995, O’Neal played Neon Boudeaux in the basketball movie “Blue Chips.” The Golden Raspberry Awards nominated O’Neal in the Worst New Star category. Three years later, he appeared in the comedy “Steel,” portraying a weapons designer turned superhero. Again, he was nominated for the Worst Actor award. Although O’Neal’s movies have been dire for want of a better word, we should applaud O’Neal for his willingness to take on unconventional roles and for putting himself out there in the firing line.
Terry Crews – Tough-Tackler Turns Funny Man
Terry Crews gained a reputation for being a tough-tackling defensive end and linebacker in the NFL, playing for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins. Still, he always wanted to become an actor. After retiring from professional football in 1997, Crews moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
Crews has appeared in over 30 television shows, including 88 episodes of “Everybody Hates Chris” and 73 episodes of “Are We There Yet?” Crews was also the host of the American version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and currently hosts “America’s Got Talent.” Of course, Crews was the main character in the TV hit “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” from 2013-2021.
Since the year 2000, Crews has featured in almost 50 Hollywood movies, including “White Chicks,” “The Longest Yard,” “Terminator Salvation,” and “The Expendables” series.
Mike Tyson – Boxing’s Bad Boy Turns Actor
Mike Tyson was an incredible boxer whose out-of-the-ring problems plagued his career. One of his sports most prominent stars, Tyson regularly featured in advertisements during his career and again once he hung up his gloves for the last time.
When people think of Tyson and his acting career, they automatically think of “The Hangover” (2009). Here, Tyson played a fictionalized version of himself. Although it was essentially a cameo role, Tyson is involved in a memorable scene, which includes a tiger (yes, really), and the fact he was willing to poke fun at himself endeared him to audiences.
Conclusion
The crossover between sports and Hollywood has always been there and will continue for years to come. Athletes are part of the massive entertainment industry; they love putting on a show for fans, and those loyal fans will flock to movies that their heroes star in; it is a win-win situation for all involved.
Johnson is easily the most successful athlete-turned-actor, but other sports stars have done themselves proud on the big screen. Who is your favorite sports-loving Hollywood actor?
