By Mitch Rice
Over the years, there have been several sports stars who have ventured into the glittering world of Hollywood, trying to impress with a very different talent on the big screen. From the NFL to the NBA… and even WWE, these athletes have made the move from the playing field to playing the silver screen.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable examples of sports stars who have made a splash in the movies.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: WWE and NFL
How can we not mention The Rock… who is now equally as famous for his movie portfolio as his sporting achievements?
Before he dominated the world of professional wrestling and later transitioned to a hugely successful acting career, Dwayne Johnson, known to many as “The Rock,” started off playing college football at the University of Miami. However, his big personality and rather impressive physique quickly made him a WWE legend – and he soon translated this popularity into Hollywood.
Some of his most famous films include The Scorpion King, the Fast & Furious franchises, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
LeBron James: NBA
Fans of NBA betting will no doubt be more than familiar with LeBron James, who is often considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. However, he has also made quite a name for himself in the film industry.
LeBron famously starred in the 2021 film Space Jam: A New Legacy, a sequel to the original Space Jam which featured another basketball legend, Michael Jordan. In the movie, LeBron teamed up with all different Looney Tunes characters for a fun basketball adventure… and he showcased his skills on and off the court.
Jim Brown: NFL
Jim Brown, a football icon known for his amazing career with the Cleveland Browns, transitioned into the world of acting in the 1960s. Brown went on to star in films including The Dirty Dozen, 100 Rifles, and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.
He had an on-screen presence that perfectly mirrored his dominance on the football field, – and he was one of the first to pave the way for athletes looking to make it as actors.
Shaquille O’Neal: NBA
Then we have Shaquille O’Neal, another basketball legend with a larger-than-life personality. He has appeared in a number of films throughout his career. Indeed, his filmography includes titles such as Kazaam, where he played a genie, and Blue Chips, a basketball drama.
Shaq’s famous charisma and sense of humour have made him a fan-favourite both on and off the basketball court.
Terry Bradshaw: NFL
Terry Bradshaw, a former NFL quarterback, was one of the big players in the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty of the 1970s – and he ventured into acting after he retired from his footballing career.
He appeared in a number of films, such as Failure to Launch and The Cannonball Run, showing the world a lighter side compared to his tough quarterback persona.
Michael Jordan: NBA
We did mention him earlier up on our list – but he deserves his own spot. While Michael Jordan is generally famed for his basketball skills, he famously starred in the original Space Jam movies – way back in 1996.
The film was hugely popular, combining live-action with animation and featuring Jordan as he teamed up with some of the most iconic Looney Tunes characters. Indeed, Space Jam went on to become a cultural phenomenon, showing that Jordan had a global appeal that went way beyond the basketball court.
Bubba Smith: NFL
Bubba Smith, a powerful defensive end in the NFL, also made a move into acting and even earned recognition for his role as Moses Hightower in the Police Academy series of films. Smith’s physically imposing presence – along with his comedic timing, made him a hugely memorable character in the still-popular comedy franchise.
The move from sports to movies isn’t easy – but there are several who have achieved it with some success. The stars have shown that they have what it takes to entertain fans – both on and off the pitch!
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
