20 Times Athletes Starred in Movies (and How That Went)
A look at athletes who stepped off the field and onto the big screen, with results ranging from legendary performances to forgettable flops.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Some athletes shine under stadium lights, but how do they fare under Hollywood’s spotlight? Many have taken the leap into acting, with mixed results. Here is a rundown of 20 athletes who traded jerseys for scripts and how their movie stints turned out.
1. Dwayne Johnson Became Hollywood’s Box Office King
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After dominating WWE, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson built a Hollywood empire with action-packed hits. His charisma and work ethic turned him into a global superstar. Now, his name alone guarantees a blockbuster opening.
2. Michael Jordan in “Space Jam”
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Michael Jordan may be a basketball legend, but his film debut in “Space Jam” made him a pop culture icon. The mix of live-action and animation was a slam dunk for fans, and decades later, it remains a nostalgic favorite.
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger Muscled His Way into Hollywood
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Before becoming an action hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a bodybuilding champion. His role in “Conan the Barbarian” launched a legendary film career. From “Terminator” to politics, he proved reinvention is possible.
4. Shaquille O’Neal’s Magical (but Cringeworthy) “Kazaam”
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Shaq dominated the court but struggled in front of the camera. “Kazaam” was a box office flop, proving not every athlete-turned-actor finds success. Despite this, his larger-than-life personality remains a fan favorite.
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Comedic Surprise in “Airplane!”
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Known for his dominance in basketball, Kareem shocked audiences with his comedic timing in “Airplane!” His deadpan humor became a cult favorite, proving that even sports legends could deliver laughs.
6. Ronda Rousey Brought the Action in “Furious 7”
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Ronda Rousey went from dominating MMA to throwing punches in Hollywood. Her role in “Furious 7” showcased her fighting skills in a fast-paced action sequence. While acting is not her main strength, her presence added intensity to the film.
7. Terry Crews Became a Comedy Powerhouse
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A former NFL player, Terry Crews found fame in comedy. His roles in “White Chicks” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” turned him into a fan favorite. His larger-than-life personality keeps audiences entertained.
8. Hulk Hogan’s Awkward Acting Attempt in “Suburban Commando”
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Hulk Hogan was a legend in the wrestling ring, but his movie career was another story. “Suburban Commando” failed to capture audiences, proving not every wrestler can be an action star. Still, his larger-than-life persona made him a pop culture icon.
9. LeBron James Played Himself in “Space Jam: A New Legacy
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Following in Michael Jordan’s footsteps, LeBron James starred in the sequel to “Space Jam.” While his basketball skills are undeniable, his acting left audiences divided. The film may not have been a slam dunk, but it kept him in the Hollywood spotlight.
10. Dave Bautista Became a Sci-Fi Icon in “Guardians of the Galaxy”
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A former WWE star, Dave Bautista proved he had serious acting chops. His role as Drax in “Guardians of the Galaxy” turned him into a beloved character. With humor and action skills, he became one of Hollywood’s go-to tough guys.
11. John Cena’s Unexpected Comedy Gold in “Blockers”
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John Cena transitioned from wrestling to acting, but comedy set him apart. His performance in “Blockers” showed he could be more than just an action star. Now, he balances intense roles with laugh-out-loud moments.
12. Mike Tyson’s Surprise Cameo in “The Hangover”
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Boxing legend Mike Tyson shocked audiences with his hilarious cameo in “The Hangover.” Playing himself, he delivered one of the movie’s most memorable scenes. It proved even the toughest athletes could have a sense of humor.
13. Ice Cube’s Iconic Role in “Friday”
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Ice Cube made a name for himself in hip-hop, but his role in the cult classic “Friday” cemented his place in Hollywood. His portrayal of Craig became a defining part of 90s comedy, making him a beloved figure in music and film.
14. Caitlyn Jenner in “I Am Cait”
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While known for her Olympic gold, Caitlyn Jenner’s transition into reality television and film showcased her courage. “I Am Cait” gave audiences a personal look at her journey, making her an icon beyond athletics.
15. Bo Jackson in “The Ghosts of Mars”
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As one of the greatest athletes to ever play baseball and football, Bo Jackson’s acting debut in “The Ghosts of Mars” was unexpected. Though his film career never took off, his dual-sport legacy remains legendary.
16. Yao Ming in “The Dunk Contest”
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NBA legend Yao Ming might not have had a long career in acting, but his cameo in “The Dunk Contest” showcased his signature style. Even in a brief appearance, his towering presence made an impression on fans.
17. Oscar De La Hoya in “The Mark of Zorro”
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Boxer Oscar De La Hoya brought his athleticism to the screen in “The Mark of Zorro,” where he played a supporting role in a swashbuckling adventure. His film career was short-lived, but his charisma shone through.
18. Kevin Garnett in “Uncut Gems”
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NBA star Kevin Garnett took a surprising turn in acting with his gripping role in “Uncut Gems.” His intensity and natural presence proved he had more to offer beyond the basketball court, adding depth to the film.
19. Tony Hawk in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
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Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk made a cameo in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” offering a glimpse of his iconic skills. Though not a main role, his presence added authenticity to the film’s skateboarding scenes.
20. Sylvester Stallone’s Wrestling Cameo in “Rocky III”
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Before becoming the face of “Rocky,” Sylvester Stallone took a unique twist in his career, incorporating wrestling into his filmography. His appearance in “Rocky III” alongside Hulk Hogan showcased his versatility, blending sports and entertainment in an unforgettable way.