Athletes often make big leaps, and some jump straight into Hollywood! Seamlessly transitioning from the arena to the big screen, these stars have dazzled fans with their range and charisma. Discover the top 10 sports icons who traded their uniforms for the spotlight and showcased talents as jaw-dropping as their athletic skills.
Jason Statham
Statham started off as an elite diver who participated for England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. His athleticism translated into films like The Transporter and Crank, where his action-packed performances captivated audiences. With over $1.5 billion in box office earnings, Statham has become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Before “I’ll be back” became iconic, Schwarzenegger was dominating bodybuilding stages. The seven Mr. Olympia titles cemented his legend in sports, while Conan the Barbarian, Terminator, and Predator made him an action movie icon. Beyond acting, he served as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.
Terry Crews
Terry Crews went from playing six seasons in the NFL to making audiences laugh on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Everybody Hates Chris. After retiring in 1997, he gained fame for his comedic roles and flexed his action skills in The Expendables. Crews has also hosted America’s Got Talent.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Transitioning from the WWE ring to Hollywood, Dwayne Johnson became one of the highest-paid actors globally. A former Miami Hurricanes football player, he leveraged his athleticism to rise as a WWE superstar. He debuted in The Mummy Returns and starred in blockbusters like The Scorpion King and the Fast & Furious franchise.
Gina Carano
The mixed martial arts sensation Gina Carano moved to acting with roles in Haywire, Deadpool, and The Mandalorian. She rose to prominence in 2006 and headlined the first major female MMA event against Cris Cyborg. Known for her fight scenes, Carano smoothly brought her MMA skills to the big screen.
Dave Bautista
A WWE alum-turned-actor, he gained fame as “Batista,” where he won multiple championships and headlined major events. Dave made a splash as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy and starred in films like Blade Runner 2049 and Dune. Such diverse roles have earned him critical acclaim.
John Cena
John Cena’s WWE run as a 16-time world champion and catchphrase, “You can’t see me,” made him a household name, but his acting career expanded his fan base. From hilarious roles in Trainwreck to action-packed performances in The Suicide Squad, Cena showcased his comedic timing and versatility.
Jim Brown
Even as a football legend with 12,312 rushing yards and multiple MVPs, Brown had a powerful screen presence that matched his dominance on the field. He starred in classics like The Dirty Dozen and 100 Rifles and became one of the first athletes to achieve undeniable success in Hollywood.
Ronda Rousey
After dominating in the UFC, Rousey brought her fighting skills to Hollywood with action roles in Furious 7 and The Expendables 3. With a combat background, it suited the fast-paced characters she portrayed, and her fierce energy made her stand out in the world of action films.
Carl Weathers
Best known as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series, he was once a professional football player. His roles in Predator and Action Jackson showcased his action-star credentials, keeping him in Hollywood’s spotlight. Weathers also starred in Happy Gilmore and had a notable role in The Mandalorian.