Acting has long been associated with gentle, calm people who wouldn’t be caught dead on the field. That said, a cultural shift over the years has showcased most athletes as more than their on-field conquests. Here are 10 athletes who went against the grain, showcasing their acting prowess and taking Hollywood by storm.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne Johnson needs no introduction, considering the man was once the highest-paid actor. This is mainly due to his star power, evident during his tenure as a professional wrestler at the WWE. His braggadocious nature transitioned well into his acting career, where he starred in high-grossing films such as the Fast & Furious franchise and Jumanji.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Before his visage became synonymous with the T2 terminator robot from the iconic Terminator 2 film, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a competent bodybuilder. The man featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and took home several trophies as a bodybuilder. His transition to actor has been excellent, with various blockbusters under his belt. Additionally, his charisma and drive helped him clinch the Governor seat of California.
Terry Crews
Many people love Terry Crews thanks to his time as Julius on the hit show Everybody Hates Chris. His performance on the show was so iconic we doubt anyone could fill those shoes if they tried. Interestingly, our man started as an NFL player with a relatively successful stint. Most people don’t even know he was a pro footballer, highlighting how great of an actor he is.
Jason Statham
A while back, videos of Jason Statham competing in diving competitions were trending online, making many wonder if they were real or a product of video editing. Well, we are here to confirm that the action star was indeed a pro-diver and has a bag full of medals in his backyard. These days, Jason focuses solely on acting, and he has made a name for himself thanks to his penchant for doing his stunts.
Gina Carano
Although a women’s MMA trailblazer, she successfully transitioned to acting. With standout performances in “Deadpool” and “The Mandalorian,” Carano’s athletic background and strong presence on screen have made her a force in action cinema, seamlessly merging her fighting skills with acting talent.
John Cena
When John Cena debuted in the WWE, many people could tell there was something there. His charisma and stage presence were one for the books, so it was no surprise that he followed in The Rock’s footsteps. The venture has been quite successful as Mr. Cena has found himself as the leading man in various projects ranging from comedies such as Daddy’s Home to action flicks such as the Fast and Furious franchise.
Ronda Rousey
From the Olympics to the UFC to Hollywood, Ronda Rousey has stamped her authority across various ventures without fail. Her time in the UFC saw her get crowned champion of her division, and during her Olympic stint, she won several medals. This success train followed her to the big screen, where she snagged various roles in films such as The Expendables 3 and Furious 7.
Vinnie Jones
Once a professional footballer, Vinnie Jones has carved out a niche in the film world as a tough-guy actor. Famed for his performance in “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch,” Jones brings authenticity and intensity to his performances, earning a reputation for his compelling portrayal of gritty characters.
Shaquille O’Neal
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has made a name for himself in Hollywood with his larger-than-life personality. This savvy businessman appears in films and TV shows and effortlessly wins over fans with charisma and humor. His ability to entertain beyond basketball has showcased his status as a cultural icon.
Dave Bautista
When Dave Bautista hung up his jockstraps and traded them for the big screen, various people voted him out, but boy, did he prove them wrong. Some might even argue that Dave’s acting career supersedes his time as a professional wrestler. After showcasing his acting range across multiple genres, it’s impressive to see what Mr. Bautista has achieved.
