By Sara Bright
Some people are born with multiple talents. They can excel in sports and also shine on the big screen. These 11 athletes-turned-actors prove that they have what it takes to be successful in both fields. From Olympic champions to WWE superstars, these performers have made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio.
Dwayne Johnson
He is known as The Rock, and he rocks the box office. Dwayne Johnson started his career as a professional wrestler, winning several titles and championships. He made his acting debut in The Mummy Returns (2001) and later starred in its spin-off, The Scorpion King (2002). Since then, he has become one of the highest-paid and most popular actors in Hollywood, appearing in blockbuster franchises such as Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and G.I. Joe. He also produces and hosts his own shows, such as The Titan Games and Young Rock.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
He is the Terminator, the Governator, and the ultimate action hero. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a bodybuilding legend, winning seven Mr. Olympia and five Mr. Universe titles. He moved to the US from Austria and pursued his dream of becoming a movie star. He achieved fame and fortune with films such as Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Terminator (1984), Predator (1987), and Total Recall (1990). He also ventured into politics, serving as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011. He continues to act and produce films, as well as advocate for environmental and social causes.
Ronda Rousey
She is a fighter, a trailblazer, and a badass. Ronda Rousey is a former judo Olympian, who won a bronze medal in Beijing in 2008. She then switched to mixed martial arts, becoming the first female fighter to sign with the UFC and the first woman to headline a pay-per-view event. She dominated the sport, winning 12 consecutive fights and six title defenses. She also made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, appearing in films such as The Expendables 3 (2014), Furious 7 (2015), and Mile 22 (2018). She also joined the WWE in 2018, becoming the first woman to win both a UFC and a WWE championship.
Jason Statham
He is a master of martial arts, stunts, and thrillers. Jason Statham was a competitive diver, representing Great Britain in the 1990 Commonwealth Games. He was also a model and a street seller, before being discovered by director Guy Ritchie, who cast him in his crime films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000). Statham then became a leading man in action movies, such as The Transporter (2002), Crank (2006), The Expendables (2010), and The Meg (2018). He is also known for his collaborations with Dwayne Johnson in the Fast & Furious franchise and their spin-off, Hobbs & Shaw (2019).
Terry Crews
He is a comedian, a host, and a force of nature. Terry Crews was a football player, who played in the NFL for six seasons with teams such as the Los Angeles Rams, the San Diego Chargers, and the Washington Redskins. He retired from the sport in 1997 and pursued an acting career. He is best known for his comedic roles in films such as White Chicks (2004), Idiocracy (2006), and The Expendables (2010). He also stars in the popular sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, as well as hosts the reality show America’s Got Talent. He is also an activist, a painter, and a musician.
Gina Carano
She is a pioneer, a rebel, and a star. Gina Carano was one of the first female mixed martial artists, who competed in organizations such as Strikeforce and EliteXC. She was dubbed as the “face of women’s MMA” and was ranked as one of the top female fighters in the world. She retired from the sport in 2009 and focused on her acting career. She starred in films such as Haywire (2011), Fast & Furious 6 (2013), and Deadpool (2016). She also played a fan-favorite character in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, until she was fired in 2021 for controversial social media posts.
Michael Jordan
He is the greatest basketball player of all time, and a cultural icon. Michael Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA, winning six championships, five MVP awards, and 14 All-Star selections. He is widely regarded as the best player ever, and his influence on the sport and the culture is unparalleled. He also starred in the live-action/animated film Space Jam (1996), which was a huge hit and a cult classic. He also appeared in other films and TV shows, such as He Got Game (1998) and The Last Dance (2020), a documentary series about his final season with the Chicago Bulls.
Vinnie Jones
He is a hard man, a villain, and a legend. Vinnie Jones was a footballer, who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Wimbledon, Leeds United, and Chelsea. He was known for his aggressive and physical style of play, earning him a reputation as one of the toughest players in the game. He also played for the Wales national team, despite being born in England. He retired from football in 1999 and became an actor. He often played antagonists and thugs in films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Snatch (2000), and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).
Esther Williams
She was a swimmer, a starlet, and a sensation. Esther Williams was a competitive swimmer, who was on track to compete in the 1940 Olympics, but they were cancelled due to World War II. She then became a movie star, signing a contract with MGM and starring in a series of musical films that showcased her swimming skills and glamour. She was dubbed as the “Million Dollar Mermaid” and was one of the most popular and profitable actresses of the 1940s and 1950s. She also designed her own line of swimwear and was a successful businesswoman.
Carl Weathers
He is a boxer, a hero, and a mentor. Carl Weathers was a football player, who played as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and the BC Lions. He retired from the sport in 1974 and pursued an acting career. He is best known for his role as Apollo Creed, the rival and friend of Rocky Balboa, in the Rocky film series. He also starred in other films such as Predator (1987), Action Jackson (1988), and Happy Gilmore (1996). He also played a parody of himself in the comedy series Arrested Development, and a bounty hunter in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian.
Johnny Weissmuller
He was a swimmer, a Tarzan, and a legend. Johnny Weissmuller was one of the greatest swimmers of all time, winning five Olympic gold medals and setting 67 world records. He was also a model and a actor, who became famous for playing Tarzan, the jungle hero, in 12 films from 1932 to 1948. He was the first actor to portray Tarzan on the big screen, and his iconic yell and physique became synonymous with the character. He also starred in other films such as Jungle Jim (1948) and Swamp Fire (1946). He retired from acting in 1955 and lived in Florida until his death in 1984.
