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
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