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Sportsmen turned Actors

Jul 27, 2012

By Anealla Safdar, Digital Department, DFI

As the Olympics kicks off today, we take a look at some of the sportsmen who became actors. While compiling the list, it transpired that wrestlers are the most likely to get out of the ring and up on the screen. Perhaps it’s the addiction to showmanship.

Who’s your favourite? Leave a comment below!

The Rock

The Rock
Age: 40

Sport: Wrestling

Top Films: The Scorpion King, Tooth Fairy

Gold medal moment: Might be yet to come. The Rock is rumoured to play Sinbad in a 2013 adaptation of Arabian Nights

Hulk Hogan








Hulk Hogan
Age: 59

Sport: Wrestling

Top Films: Mr Nanny, Spy Hard

Runner up moment: When Hogan’s son Nick was sent to prison following a car accident in 2007

Mr T










Mr T
Age: 60

Sport: Wrestling

Top Films: The A-Team (series), Rocky III

Disqualified moment: Mr T turned down an offer for a cameo role in the 2008 film adaptation of The A Team

Vinnie Jones




Vinnie Jones
Age: 47

Sport: Football

Top Films: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, X Men: The Last Stand

Olympic champion moment: Winning Empire’s Best British New Comer award in 1999 for his role in Lock Stock

Andre the Giant






Andre the Giant
Age: Died aged 46

Sport: Wrestling

Top Films: The Six Million Dollar Man, The Princess Bride

Second place moment: Andre was considered to play Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me

Jason Lee










Jason Lee
Age: 42

Sport: Skateboarding

Top Films: My Name is Earl (series), Vanilla Sky

Silver medal moment: Being nominated for a Golden Globe in 2006 for My Name is Earl

Eric Cantona in 'Looking for Eric'










Eric Cantona
Age: 46

Sport: Football

Top Films: Elizabeth, Looking for Eric

Spectators’ hero moment: Missed by football fans, his name is still chanted by thousands of Manchester United supporters at matches

Michael Jordan in 'Space Jam'








Michael Jordan
Age: 49

Sport: Basketball

Top Films: Space Jam, Almost Live (series)

Personal best moment: In 2010 Forbes Magazine said Jordan was the 20th most powerful celebrity in the world, worth a cool $55 million

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