How synchronization changed technology forever
The famous wrestler has starred in numerous movies and TV shows over the years.
The Swedish actor might have become famous for playing the Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in 'Rocky IV' (1985), but he is a former Kyokushin karate European champion (1980–81).
You probably remember the legendary NBA player in the comedy 'Airplane!' (1980).
Not only is Shaq a former NBA star, but he's also a successful actor. He started his acting career in 1994 with 'Blue Chips' and hasn't stopped since then.
Before becoming Hightower in the 'Police Academy' franchise, Bubba Smith played nine seasons in the NFL.
The football player can be seen in movies such as 'Any Given Sunday' (1999), 'The Waterboy' (1998), and 'In Hell' (2003).
Who can forget the great Michael Jordan in 'Space Jam' (1996)?
You can catch a glimpse of Ferrigno's bodybuilding career in the 1977 documentary 'Pumping Iron.' Shortly after, he became known for his role in 'The Incredible Hulk' (1977-1982).
You probably remember him from numerous movies and TV show such as 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' but Crews used to be a NFL player.
Talking about British bad boys, before Jones became one on the big screen, he practiced it extensively on the pitch. No wonder he's so believable!
Arnold is not the only athlete-turned-actor-turned-politician in this list. Former actor and US president Ronald Reagan did the same. He used to be a football player.
Before he became the action star we all came to know and love, Norris was a karate champion. He won the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title in 1968 and held it for six years.
This former bodybuilding champion needs no introduction. He won numerous titles in the sport and went on to become an accomplished actor (and later, a politician).
The 'Modern Family' actor used to be a football player. He managed to combine both passions in the 1994 movie 'Little Giants.'
Before becoming an actor, the 'My Name is Earl' star was a professional skateboarder.
You might remember him for playing 'Superman' on the TV show 'Lois & Clark,' but before he became an actor, Cain was a football player.
You might think the 'How I Met Your Mother' star is tall enough to be a basketball player, and you're absolutely right. He was indeed one in high school.
Not only is Mark Harmon a former football quarterback, his father was also a famous football player—Tom Harmon. Though you probably know Mark best from shows such as 'NCIS.'
Another 'Rocky' franchise alumnus, you probably remember him best as Apollo Creed, but his background is actually not in boxing. Carl Weathers was in fact a linebacker.
The former Florida State University football player went on to become a famous actor, starring in movies such as 'Smokey and the Bandit' (1977) and 'Boogie Nights' (1997).
The former NFL defensive lineman became known for his acting in movies such as 'The Goonies' (1985).
Sources: (The Hollywood Reporter) (Men's Journal)
See also: The 50 best athletes of the 21st century
The actor started his career as a football player at University of Washington, though reportedly not a very good one. He probably made the right decision in becoming an actor instead.
Lee Jun-fan, commonly known as Bruce Lee, started acting at a young age, though he became a martial artist before pursuing a career in Hollywood. Lee opened his own martial arts school and called it the Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute.
Before starring in the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise, among others, Bautista was a very successful wrestler.
The British tough guy and star of 'Transporter,' among other action movies, was actually a professional diver! He even competed for England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
The Frenchman started his career as a professional wrestler and became famous as both an athlete and as an actor.
NBA superstar LeBron James has taken on a few small acting roles over the years, but his starring role in the 2021 'Space Jam' reboot was a major score for the basketball player. 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' saw James take on a similar role to that of Michael Jordan in the original. He gets trapped in digital space and teams up with Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes to take on the villains in a high-stakes basketball game. James delivered a far better performance than his predecessor!
We've written before about the many celebrities who were student athletes before they became famous, but there are also many actors who started out in professional sports before venturing into Hollywood. Indeed, some of them actually made it big in both sports and acting.
From wrestlers to karate champions, and everything in between, in this gallery you'll get to know the famous actors who started out as athletes. Check it out.
Famous actors who started out as athletes
Stars who elevated their game
CELEBRITY Athletes-turned-actors
We've written before about the many celebrities who were student athletes before they became famous, but there are also many actors who started out in professional sports before venturing into Hollywood. Indeed, some of them actually made it big in both sports and acting.
From wrestlers to karate champions, and everything in between, in this gallery you'll get to know the famous actors who started out as athletes. Check it out.