Check Out These Former Athletes Who Became Prominent Actors in the Hollywood Industry

FameJuly 3, 2019

Whenever we think of prominent public figures, the first thing that comes to mind is actors and actresses. These personalities dominated the showbiz industry and played a vital role in shaping and influencing our lives. We become motivated to reach our dreams thanks to the inspiring characters they portrayed.

However, did you know that some people look up to these celebrities because they’re inspired to follow their footsteps in becoming professional athletes? Let’s check out these celebrities who excel not only in the showbiz industry but also in the sports world.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews inked his name into the showbiz industry by portraying either action star roles or comedic characters while showing off his great physique.

Before becoming a prominent actor, he played as a linebacker and defensive end for Los Angeles Rams, the Washington Redkins, as well as the San Diego Chargers before ending his athletic career with the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Crews was once a professional football player before he became a famous action star.

Aside from being a prominent star, Crews advocates for women’s rights against abuse and violence. According to him, he never wants other families to experience the horrors they endured with their violent father when they were still young.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

The Fast and the Furious superstar charms millions of his fans worldwide with his superb acting and witty lines. Before the world recognizes him as a renowned actor, the fans already love him as a seasoned professional wrestler. The WWE organization also hails him as the greatest wrestler of all time.

He also played football during his high school days and became a part of the University of Miami’s team – which was the best football group in the country during his time. There are no denying Sports is running on his veins!

Jason Lee

The fans may remember Lee for landing the titular role of Earl in My Name is Earl where his character spent more than four years to make up for his sins and horrible deeds in the series, but Lee contributed to shaping up the skateboard industry. He became a professional skateboarder between 1980-1990s.

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Lee helped popularize skateboarding’s iconic moves and tricks like kickflips.

He also popularized some of the sport’s signature moves like shove-its, kickflips, where most modern skateboarders still deploy today. It seems his love for this sport knows no end as he also co-founded Stereo Skateboards shop in 1992.

Tommy Lee Jones

Jones stars in numerous notable roles like Agent K in the film series Men in Black, Colonel Chester Phillips in Marvel’s Captain America: The First Avenger, as well as Thaddeus Stevens in Lincoln. Aside from his immense success in acting and filmmaking, Jones also excels in studies.

He graduated as a cum laude at Harvard University where he also became part of the school’s football team. He also made it into varsity in 1968 and made notable contributions as the team went undefeated during his reign. What’s more? He makes sure to retain his lean and fit varsity athlete body no matter how busy his schedule gets.

Jason Statham

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Statham became famous with his death-gripping driving skills both in movies and real life.

If there’s one actor who’s a professional when it comes to driving getaway cars or chasing vehicle scenes, it’d be Jason Statham. Statham’s superb driving skills stems from a decade of being a member of Britain’s National Driving Team.

He entered his first driving competition in Commonwealth Games in the 1990s. Aside from driving, he also ventured the world of fashion modeling and became a brand ambassador of French Connection UK.

Tom Selleck

Selleck’s notable roles include playing Thomas Magnum in the hit television series, Magnum P.I in the 1980s as well as NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods.

He appeared playing a character clad in a blue uniform in over 50 films since his debut role in Magnum P.I. Selleck graduated in Business Administration thanks to the basketball scholarship he received at the University of Southern California.