Actors Who Were Actually Professional Athletes Before Finding Fame

Many of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars did not begin their careers in front of a camera, but rather on a field, in a ring, or on a court. The discipline and physical prowess required for professional sports often translate well to the demands of action films and high-stakes drama. This transition has become a common path for athletes looking to leverage their public profiles into long-term careers in the entertainment industry. From championship-winning football players to international martial artists, these men successfully navigated the move from the stadium to the silver screen.

Dwayne Johnson

Professional career in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders preceded his legendary tenure in professional wrestling. He transitioned to acting with a debut in ‘The Mummy Returns’ after becoming a household name in the WWE. Since then, he has become one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, starring in ‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. His athletic background often informs his physically demanding roles in massive action franchises.

Terry Crews

He spent several years as a defensive end and linebacker in the National Football League for teams like the Los Angeles Rams and the San Diego Chargers. After retiring from football in 1997, he pivoted to the arts and gained fame in the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. He also played a memorable role in the comedy ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and showcased his strength in ‘The Expendables’ franchise. His transition from the gridiron to the screen has been marked by both comedic and action-heavy roles.

Carl Weathers

He played professional football as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders in the NFL and the BC Lions in the CFL. He eventually left the sport to pursue a degree in drama, leading to his iconic role as Apollo Creed in ‘Rocky’. Weathers continued his success with starring roles in ‘Predator’ and the action-comedy ‘Action Jackson’. Most recently, he earned acclaim for his performance and directing work in the television series ‘The Mandalorian’.

Vinnie Jones

Known for his aggressive persona on the soccer field, he played professionally for top-tier clubs like Wimbledon, Leeds United, and Chelsea. He was a key member of the “Crazy Gang” that famously won the FA Cup in 1988. Following his sports career, he made a successful acting debut in ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’. He has since appeared in numerous films, including the heist movie ‘Snatch’ and ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

He rose to international prominence as a professional bodybuilder, winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia title seven times. His physical stature led to his casting in ‘Conan the Barbarian’, which launched his career as a global action star. He is most famous for his role in ‘The Terminator’ series and the science-fiction thriller ‘Predator’. Aside from acting, he served as the Governor of California while remaining a fixture in the entertainment industry.

John Cena

He built a massive following as a professional wrestler in the WWE, where he earned 16 world championships. He transitioned into the film industry with the action movie ‘The Marine’ before expanding into more diverse roles. Cena eventually found success in comedies like ‘Trainwreck’ and high-profile blockbusters such as ‘The Suicide Squad’. He currently stars as the title character in the television series ‘Peacemaker’.

Dave Bautista

He competed at the highest level of professional wrestling in the WWE and also had a brief stint in mixed martial arts. He broke into the mainstream film industry with his role as Drax the Destroyer in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. His filmography includes appearances in acclaimed movies like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Bautista is often praised for his range and his move toward serious character acting.

Kurt Russell

He played professional baseball in the minor leagues for the California Angels organization during the early 1970s. A shoulder injury ended his athletic career prematurely, prompting him to return to acting as his primary focus. He became a staple of 1980s action cinema with ‘Escape from New York’ and the horror classic ‘The Thing’. Russell has maintained a prolific career for decades, appearing in ‘The Hateful Eight’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’.

Jason Lee

He established himself as a professional skateboarder during the late 1980s and is credited with influencing the sport’s technical style. He co-founded Stereo Skateboards before moving into the world of independent film and television. Lee gained recognition for his work with director Kevin Smith in ‘Mallrats’ and ‘Chasing Amy’. He is also widely known for playing the lead role in the long-running sitcom ‘My Name Is Earl’.

Jim Brown

Regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL, he played for the Cleveland Browns for nine seasons. He retired at the peak of his career to focus on acting, making his debut in ‘Rio Conchos’. Brown became a leading man in landmark films like ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and ‘100 Rifles’. His transition paved the way for many other professional athletes to pursue serious careers in Hollywood.

Rick Fox

He played thirteen seasons in the NBA and won three consecutive championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. While still an active player, he began taking roles in television, appearing in the gritty HBO series ‘Oz’. He later transitioned to full-time acting with roles in ‘One Tree Hill’ and the drama ‘Greenleaf’. Fox has also remained active in the entertainment world as an esports entrepreneur and producer.

Chuck Norris

Before becoming a martial arts film icon, he was a highly successful professional karate champion. He held the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title for six consecutive years and founded his own martial arts school. His fighting skills led to a legendary on-screen encounter with Bruce Lee in ‘Way of the Dragon’. Norris later starred in ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ for eight seasons, becoming a global cultural phenomenon.

Bubba Smith

He was a dominant force in the NFL, playing as a defensive end for the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Oilers. He achieved significant success on the field, including a Super Bowl victory and multiple Pro Bowl selections. After retiring from football, he began a successful acting career, most notably playing Hightower in the ‘Police Academy’ series. His imposing height and comedic timing made him a fan favorite throughout the 1980s.

Fred Dryer

He enjoyed a 13-year career in the NFL as a defensive end, primarily with the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants. Dryer holds the unique league record for being the only player to record two safeties in a single game. Following his retirement, he transitioned to television and starred in the long-running crime drama ‘Hunter’. He played the title character, Sergeant Rick Hunter, for seven seasons during the 1980s.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he spent 20 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. While dominating the court, he famously appeared alongside Bruce Lee in the martial arts film ‘Game of Death’. He later showcased his comedic skills in the disaster spoof ‘Airplane!’, playing the character Roger Murdock. Abdul-Jabbar has since appeared in various television roles and remains a prominent cultural commentator.

Howie Long

He spent thirteen seasons as a defensive end for the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders in the NFL. During his tenure, he achieved eight Pro Bowl selections and won a Super Bowl championship in 1984. Long utilized his athletic fame to transition into acting, most notably starring in the action film ‘Broken Arrow’. He also appeared in the thriller ‘Firestorm’ and the musical comedy ‘That Thing You Do!’.

O. J. Simpson

Before his highly publicized legal issues, he was a legendary running back in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. He won the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1973 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. During and after his football career, he became a successful actor, most notably appearing in ‘The Towering Inferno’. He also played Detective Nordberg in the popular comedy film series ‘The Naked Gun’.

Tell us which of these athlete-turned-actors surprised you the most by sharing your thoughts in the comments.