15 NBA Players who starred in Hollywood Movies
NBA superstars like Jordan, LeBron and Shaq have shined in Hollywood, showing brilliant screen presence and acting talent beyond the basketball court.
- Rajat Srivastava
- 5 min read
From Michael Jordan’s iconic Space Jam to Juancho Hernangomez’s beautiful role in Hustle, NBA players have brought their swagger to Hollywood. Stars like LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar mixed humor, authenticity and larger than life presence on screen. Whether in comedies, dramas or action hits, these athletes proved their talent of acting, entertaining fans with memorable film performances that showcased their personality and added star power to the movies.
15. Boban Marjanovic
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Boban, even at 7'4’’, is known for his gentle personality. But, through his acting in the John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, a 2019 movie, he surprised everyone. Playing a towering assassin, Boban entertained audiences with his menacing screen presence, proving he could tackle action roles as easily as he does rebounds.
14. Dwight Howard
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Dwight’s appearance in Just Wright, a 2010 romantic movie brought authenticity to the basketball based film. It starred Queen Latifah and Common. Playing himself, the charismatic center helped in setting up the story in the real NBA world, giving fans an exciting crossover of the NBA world and the romantic cinema.
13. Dirk Nowitzki
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Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki gave delightful cameos in movies and shows, including Like Mike released in the year 2002. His lighthearted performances highlighted his easygoing personality. His fun on screen presence despite his stature as NBA superstar, was liked by the basketball fans.
12. Rick Fox
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A three time NBA champion with the Lakers, Rick Fox entry into the acting world seemed very natural. From Blue Chips (1994) to TV series like Oz and One Tree Hill, Fox had a decent Hollywood career post retirement. His good looks along with his lively screen presence made him one of the most successful NBA players who turned actors.
11. Dennis Rodman
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Dennis Rodman who was considered as one of the NBA’s most colorful personalities, starred in action films like Double Team (1997), along with Jean-Claude Van Damme. His unique style and extraordinary energy was clearly visible on the big screen. This made him stand out even in the competitive world of the action movies.
10. Wilt Chamberlain
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Wilt showcased his towering presence in Conan the Destroyer (1984) as the warrior Bombaata, starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. Wilt with his dominating personality, fit naturally into the action fantasy world. His on-screen performance proved that he could command attention just as easily in a film as on the basketball court.
9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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As a basketball legend and cultural icon, Kareem’s role in Airplane (1980) became one of the most memorable moments in film history. Playing the role of co-pilot Roger Murdock, his straight faced humor charmed everyone. The role highlighted his ability to laugh at himself while cementing his place as one of the most entertaining athlete cameos ever in Hollywood.
8. Kevin Garnett
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In Uncut Gems (2019), Kevin didn’t just play himself on screen, he became part of the film’s plot. His intense performance alongside Adam Sandler added a sense of realism to the gambling thriller. Known for his fiery presence on the court, Garnett delivered the same energy on the big screen. He further earned positive reviews for his performance.
7. Kyrie Irving
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Kyrie made his popular Pepsi ad character, Uncle Drew, into a full scale movie in 2018. Playing the role of an elderly basketball legend, he delivered plenty of laughs. Along with other former NBA stars, Kyrie showed he could entertain audiences on and off the court. He effectively used his acting acting skills with his signature NBA flair in the movie.
6. Ray Allen
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A superb player on the court, Ray earned the approval of the critics with his acting debut in He Got Game (1998), which was directed by Spike Lee. Playing high school star Jesus Shuttlesworth opposite Denzel Washington, Allen delivered an emotional performance. His portrayal of a young man facing life changing decisions was well received by the audiences.
5. Shaquille ONeal
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Shaq’s larger than life personality seemed to be tailor made for Hollywood. From Blue Chips (1994) to the family friendly Kazaam (1996) and the superhero film Steel (1997), he brought his usual sense of humor and charm to every role. Whether playing himself or fictional characters, Shaq’s screen presence was brilliant, just like his legendary career on the basketball court.
4. Anthony Edwards
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Known for his swagger and energy on the court, Anthony Edwards brought the similar confidence to the Hustle, the 2022 movie. As an arrogant rival Kermit Wilts, he delivered sharp lines with perfect timing. He was quite effective on screen despite being new to the acting world. His dominating presence made him quite popular and a breakout movie star.
3. LeBron James
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LeBron James showcased his acting skills in Trainwreck (2015) before starring in Space Jam: A New Legacy released in 2021. His humor, confidence and screen presence was just like his dominance on the court. By effectively using his brand value in the entertainment world, LeBron became more than a basketball star as he proved he could connect with the audiences worldwide.
2. Juancho Hernangomez
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In the movie Hustle released in 2022, Juancho impressed as Bo Cruz, an underdog chasing his NBA dream. Playing alongside Adam Sandler, he brought emotional depth and realism to the character, surprising fans with his natural acting. His authentic portrayal was loved by the audiences, showing that even active players can take on starring Hollywood roles and win the hearts of the movie lovers.
1. Michael Jordan
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Basketball’s most iconic legend, Michael Jordan created magic in the classic Space Jam (1996), mixing basketball with the Looney Tunes charm. The film captured his charisma, competitive spirit and global appeal. Jordan’s seamless transition from the basketball court to the big screen showed that his superstar status worked everywhere. Space Jam became a nostalgic memory for generations of basketball and movie fans.