Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

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See Again

© Getty Images/NL Beeld

0 / 29 Fotos

Dave Bautista -

Dave Bautista had a successful career as a professional wrestler. But before he turned 30, Bautista was actually competing as a bodybuilder.

© Getty Images

1 / 29 Fotos

Dave Bautista -

Fast forward a few years and he became a successful actor, best known for his role as Drax the Destroyer in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and other MCU movies.

© NL Beeld

2 / 29 Fotos

Reg Park -

Reg Park is a bodybuilding legend, who is still regarded by many as the greatest of all time. He amassed a number of accolades, including three Mr. Universe titles, and even mentored Arnold Schwarzenegger along the way!

© Getty Images

3 / 29 Fotos

Reg Park -

Park's exceptional physique helped him land the role of Hercules in several movies during the 1960s.

© Getty Images

4 / 29 Fotos

David Prowse -

The British weightlifter and bodybuilder got noticed for his height and imposing physique.

© Getty Images

5 / 29 Fotos

David Prowse -

Prowse starred in several movies, including 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971). But he's best remembered for the iconic role of Darth Vader in the first 'Star Wars' movies.

© Getty Images

6 / 29 Fotos

Steve Reeves -

A legendary bodybuilder, Reeves soon started working in the movie industry. He's known for playing iconic characters such as Hercules, Goliath, and Sandokan.

© Getty Images

7 / 29 Fotos

Steve Reeves -

Reeves paved the way for other bodybuilders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger to get into Hollywood. He was both an icon of the sport and a movie star.

© Getty Images

8 / 29 Fotos

Gordon Scott -

Gordon Scott's impressive physique helped him land his most iconic role: Tarzan.

© Getty Images

9 / 29 Fotos

Gordon Scott -

From 1955 to 1960, the actor played the fictional character in six movies!

© Getty Images

10 / 29 Fotos

Mickey Hargitay -

Hungarian-born Miklós "Mickey" Hargitay was a successful bodybuilder with numerous accolades, including the 1955 Mr. Universe title.

© Getty Images

11 / 29 Fotos

Mickey Hargitay -

He went on to become a movie star, marrying one (Jayne Mansfield) and fathering a very successful actress too: Mariska Hargitay!

© Getty Images

12 / 29 Fotos

Peter Lupus -

With a number of bodybuilding titles under his belt, Lupus (sometimes credited as Rock Stevens) moved into acting.

© Getty Images

13 / 29 Fotos

Peter Lupus -

Peter Lupus is best known for playing Willy Armitage in the original 'Mission: Impossible' TV show (1966-1973).

© NL Beeld

14 / 29 Fotos

Sergio Ciani (aka Alan Steel) -

Sergio Ciani was an Italian bodybuilder who started his career as a stuntman and body double for (the equally muscular) Steve Reeves.

© Getty Images

15 / 29 Fotos

Sergio Ciani (aka Alan Steel) -

Ciani later adopted the stage name Alan Steel and starred in a number of movies, playing Hercules numerous times.

© Getty Images

16 / 29 Fotos

Franco Columbu -

The two-time Mr. Olympia champion and Italian bodybuilder moved to the US with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1960s.

© Getty Images

17 / 29 Fotos

Franco Columbu -

Like his friend, Columbu also pursued an acting career, starring in movies such as 'Conan the Barbarian' (1982) and 'The Terminator' (1984).

© Getty Images

18 / 29 Fotos

Yang Sze (aka Bolo Yeung) -

You probably remember Yeung from playing bad guys in martial arts movies. But you might not know that, in addition to being a martial artist, he was also a competitive bodybuilder, with a Mr. Hong Kong title under his belt.

© Getty Images

19 / 29 Fotos

Yang Sze (aka Bolo Yeung) -

Bolo Yeung got his big break co-starring with Bruce Lee in 'Enter the Dragon' (1973). The actor went on to star in movies such as 'Bloodsport' (1988) and 'Double Impact' (1991) alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme.

© NL Beeld

20 / 29 Fotos

Ralf Moeller -

The German bodybuilding champion started acting in the 1980s, and got his big break in 'Universal Soldier' (1992) alongside Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

© Getty Images

21 / 29 Fotos

Ralf Moeller -

The actor continued to have a successful career and starred in numerous movies, including 'Gladiator' (2000). He's yet another pal of Arnold Schwarzenegger's.

© Getty Images

22 / 29 Fotos

Dwayne Johnson -

Besides acting, you probably remember The Rock for his wrestling career, but he's been into bodybuilding all his life, and even married (and divorced) a bodybuilder.

© Getty Images

23 / 29 Fotos

Dwayne Johnson -

And while Dwayne Johnson hasn't stepped onto the stage as a pro bodybuilder, he does work out, eat, and look like one! What's more, The Rock is currently one of the most successful actors in Hollywood.

© NL Beeld

24 / 29 Fotos

Lou Ferrigno -

Ferrigno was an accomplished bodybuilder whose competitive rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger was documented in the documenary 'Pumping Iron' (1977). Like his Mr. Olympia rival, Ferrigno also transitioned into acting.

© Getty Images

25 / 29 Fotos

Lou Ferrigno -

Lou Ferrigno is mostly known for his role in the TV series 'The Incredible Hulk' (1977-1982).

© Getty Images

26 / 29 Fotos

Arnold Schwarzenegger -

And, of course, we have Arnold Schwarzenegger. The man who dominated bodybuilding scene from the late '60s to 1980, Arnie amassed seven Mr. Olympia titles, among many others, throughout his successful career as a pro bodybuilder.

© Getty Images

27 / 29 Fotos

Arnold Schwarzenegger -

In 1982, Schwarzenegger scored his breakthrough role with 'Conan the Barbarian,' and the rest is history. Arnold Schwarzenegger remains one of the most successful bodybuilders and actors of all time.

Sources: (TheRichest) (IMDd) (Bodybuilding.com)

© NL Beeld

28 / 29 Fotos

© Getty Images/NL Beeld

0 / 29 Fotos

Dave Bautista -

Dave Bautista had a successful career as a professional wrestler. But before he turned 30, Bautista was actually competing as a bodybuilder.

© Getty Images

1 / 29 Fotos

Dave Bautista -

Fast forward a few years and he became a successful actor, best known for his role as Drax the Destroyer in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and other MCU movies.

©

NL Beeld

2 / 29 Fotos

Reg Park -

Reg Park is a bodybuilding legend, who is still regarded by many as the greatest of all time. He amassed a number of accolades, including three Mr. Universe titles, and even mentored Arnold Schwarzenegger along the way!

©

Getty Images

3 / 29 Fotos

Reg Park -

Park's exceptional physique helped him land the role of Hercules in several movies during the 1960s.

©

Getty Images

4 / 29 Fotos

David Prowse -

The British weightlifter and bodybuilder got noticed for his height and imposing physique.

©

Getty Images

5 / 29 Fotos

David Prowse -

Prowse starred in several movies, including 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971). But he's best remembered for the iconic role of Darth Vader in the first 'Star Wars' movies.

©

Getty Images

6 / 29 Fotos

Steve Reeves -

A legendary bodybuilder, Reeves soon started working in the movie industry. He's known for playing iconic characters such as Hercules, Goliath, and Sandokan.

©

Getty Images

7 / 29 Fotos

Steve Reeves -

Reeves paved the way for other bodybuilders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger to get into Hollywood. He was both an icon of the sport and a movie star.

©

Getty Images

8 / 29 Fotos

Gordon Scott -

Gordon Scott's impressive physique helped him land his most iconic role: Tarzan.

©

Getty Images

9 / 29 Fotos

Gordon Scott -

From 1955 to 1960, the actor played the fictional character in six movies!

©

Getty Images

10 / 29 Fotos

Mickey Hargitay -

Hungarian-born Miklós "Mickey" Hargitay was a successful bodybuilder with numerous accolades, including the 1955 Mr. Universe title.

©

Getty Images

11 / 29 Fotos

Mickey Hargitay -

He went on to become a movie star, marrying one (Jayne Mansfield) and fathering a very successful actress too: Mariska Hargitay!

©

Getty Images

12 / 29 Fotos

Peter Lupus -

With a number of bodybuilding titles under his belt, Lupus (sometimes credited as Rock Stevens) moved into acting.

©

Getty Images

13 / 29 Fotos

Peter Lupus -

Peter Lupus is best known for playing Willy Armitage in the original 'Mission: Impossible' TV show (1966-1973).

©

NL Beeld

14 / 29 Fotos

Sergio Ciani (aka Alan Steel) -

Sergio Ciani was an Italian bodybuilder who started his career as a stuntman and body double for (the equally muscular) Steve Reeves.

©

Getty Images

15 / 29 Fotos

Sergio Ciani (aka Alan Steel) -

Ciani later adopted the stage name Alan Steel and starred in a number of movies, playing Hercules numerous times.

©

Getty Images

16 / 29 Fotos

Franco Columbu -

The two-time Mr. Olympia champion and Italian bodybuilder moved to the US with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1960s.

©

Getty Images

17 / 29 Fotos

Franco Columbu -

Like his friend, Columbu also pursued an acting career, starring in movies such as 'Conan the Barbarian' (1982) and 'The Terminator' (1984).

©

Getty Images

18 / 29 Fotos

Yang Sze (aka Bolo Yeung) -

You probably remember Yeung from playing bad guys in martial arts movies. But you might not know that, in addition to being a martial artist, he was also a competitive bodybuilder, with a Mr. Hong Kong title under his belt.

©

Getty Images

19 / 29 Fotos

Yang Sze (aka Bolo Yeung) -

Bolo Yeung got his big break co-starring with Bruce Lee in 'Enter the Dragon' (1973). The actor went on to star in movies such as 'Bloodsport' (1988) and 'Double Impact' (1991) alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme.

©

NL Beeld

20 / 29 Fotos

Ralf Moeller -

The German bodybuilding champion started acting in the 1980s, and got his big break in 'Universal Soldier' (1992) alongside Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

©

Getty Images

21 / 29 Fotos

Ralf Moeller -

The actor continued to have a successful career and starred in numerous movies, including 'Gladiator' (2000). He's yet another pal of Arnold Schwarzenegger's.

©

Getty Images

22 / 29 Fotos

Dwayne Johnson -

Besides acting, you probably remember The Rock for his wrestling career, but he's been into bodybuilding all his life, and even married (and divorced) a bodybuilder.

©

Getty Images

23 / 29 Fotos

Dwayne Johnson -

And while Dwayne Johnson hasn't stepped onto the stage as a pro bodybuilder, he does work out, eat, and look like one! What's more, The Rock is currently one of the most successful actors in Hollywood.

© NL Beeld

24 / 29 Fotos

Lou Ferrigno -

Ferrigno was an accomplished bodybuilder whose competitive rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger was documented in the documenary 'Pumping Iron' (1977). Like his Mr. Olympia rival, Ferrigno also transitioned into acting.

©

Getty Images

25 / 29 Fotos

Lou Ferrigno -

Lou Ferrigno is mostly known for his role in the TV series 'The Incredible Hulk' (1977-1982).

©

Getty Images

26 / 29 Fotos

Arnold Schwarzenegger -

And, of course, we have Arnold Schwarzenegger. The man who dominated bodybuilding scene from the late '60s to 1980, Arnie amassed seven Mr. Olympia titles, among many others, throughout his successful career as a pro bodybuilder.

©

Getty Images

27 / 29 Fotos

Arnold Schwarzenegger -

In 1982, Schwarzenegger scored his breakthrough role with 'Conan the Barbarian,' and the rest is history. Arnold Schwarzenegger remains one of the most successful bodybuilders and actors of all time.

Sources: (TheRichest) (IMDd) (Bodybuilding.com)

© NL Beeld

28 / 29 Fotos

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

From the gym to Hollywood

Bodybuilders who became successful actors

© Getty Images/NL Beeld

02/09/24 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Fit

Can you imagine a small, skinny Hercules or Hulk? Indeed, some roles have specific physical requirements that not all actors possess. And while nowadays it's easier than ever for actors to transform their bodies to play specific roles, this has not always been the case. Thankfully, we had bodybuilders with acting skills who transitioned into Hollywood and gave those characters the bodies they deserved.

Browse through the following gallery and check out the bodybuilders who became successful actors.

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