50 Athletes Gave Acting a Shot After Sports
Breaking into pro sports is tough. After retirement, plenty of athletes look for a new challenge, and Hollywood has its appeal. After swapping uniforms for a spot on set, these athletes have landed everything from quick walk-ons to leading roles. You’ll see familiar faces popping up in action flicks, comedies, and even the occasional indie.
Here’s a look at athletes who made their way into the world of film and TV.
Michael Jordan
Credit: IMDb
Space Jam used animation, basketball, and the fame of Michael Jordan, who played himself. After being released in 1996, the movie earned over $250 million globally and remains the highest-grossing basketball movie of all time, per Box Office Mojo. He returned briefly for a tongue-in-cheek cameo in the 2021 sequel.
Ronda Rousey
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A fight scene in Furious 7 got an extra punch from Ronda Rousey as Kara, a security enforcer who goes toe-to-toe with Michelle Rodriguez. Rousey, an Olympic medalist in judo and a former UFC champ, later joined WWE’s SmackDown roster. Her transition to action roles has continued in films and TV.
Terry Bradshaw
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With four Super Bowl wins under his belt, Terry Bradshaw surprised fans by playing the quirky and oversharing dad in Failure to Launch. The romantic comedy, released in 2006, grossed over $130 million worldwide. His sense of humor also made Bradshaw a natural fit on TV as a broadcaster.
Carl Weathers
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Carl Weathers, best remembered as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, had already made the leap from the Oakland Raiders to Hollywood. He also starred in other projects like Predator and Action Jackson. IMDb lists over 75 acting credits, including recent fan-favorite roles in The Mandalorian.
Cam Neely
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You wouldn’t expect an NHL tough guy to end up a comedy cult favorite, but Cam Neely’s role as Sea Bass in Dumb and Dumber sealed it. He returned in both sequels and brought physical comedy and menace to the screen.
John Matuszak
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Behind the Sloth mask in The Goonies was John Matuszak, a former Super Bowl champion with the Oakland Raiders. His role became a fan favorite due to a combination of prosthetics, grunts, and surprising tenderness. He also appeared in TV shows like Miami Vice before his early passing in 1989.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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As co-pilot Roger Murdock in Airplane!, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoofed his own fame while still playing in the NBA. His comedic delivery caught audiences off guard, to the point that AFI even listed his performance as one of the most unexpected celebrity cameos in movie history.
LeBron James
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The romantic comedy Trainwreck featured LeBron James as himself, acting as a surprisingly budget-conscious best friend to Bill Hader. He also took over the leading role in Space Jam: A New Legacy. If you go to his IMDb profile, you’ll see it includes both voice work and feature film appearances.
Jim Brown
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After retiring from the Cleveland Browns, Jim Brown launched a substantial film career that spanned decades. One of his earliest roles was in the 1967 war film The Dirty Dozen. He also appeared in The Running Man and Mars Attacks! and helped pave the way for future athlete-actors in Hollywood.
Bob Uecker
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Bob Uecker brought his baseball chops and signature deadpan humor to the Major League movies as announcer Harry Doyle. His delivery earned cult status among fans. Though a real-life MLB catcher, Uecker’s enduring popularity came more from his sitcom roles, commercials, and work as a broadcaster.
Ray Allen
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Spike Lee cast NBA sharpshooter Ray Allen as Jesus Shuttlesworth in the 1998 drama He Got Game. Starring opposite Denzel Washington, Allen surprised audiences with his poised screen presence. The film tackled recruiting pressures in college basketball and is still celebrated for its strong performances and emotional storytelling.
Shaquille O’Neal
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It’s hard to miss Shaquille O’Neal on screen, especially in roles like the rapping genie in Kazaam and the armored vigilante in Steel. Neither film became a hit, but Shaq built an impressive portfolio. According to IMDb, he has over 150 credits, spanning comedy, animation, sports, and reality TV.
Lynn-Holly Johnson
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A national figure skating champion before heading to Hollywood, Lynn-Holly Johnson starred in the romantic drama Ice Castles, a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She also appeared as Bibi Dahl in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only, using her skating skills to enhance both performances.
Gheorghe Mure șan
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Standing at 7 feet 7 inches, Gheorghe Mureșan was the NBA’s tallest player during his career. His only acting role came in My Giant, a 1998 comedy with Billy Crystal. Though it was a one-time gig, Mureșan’s gentle demeanor and unique presence gave the film plenty of charm.
Brian Bosworth
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After his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, linebacker Brian Bosworth starred in Stone Cold, a 1991 action film. He went on to appear in more than 20 movies and TV shows. He was known for his brash personality in football and brought that same intensity to his roles on screen.
Rick Fox
Credit: IMDb
Rick Fox, a former NBA star with the Lakers and Celtics, turned to acting after retirement and didn’t look back. His roles include He Got Game, Holes, and popular TV shows like Greenleaf and Ugly Betty. His IMDb credits span dramas, sitcoms, and even reality TV, including appearances as himself.
Mike Tyson
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Audiences didn’t expect heavyweight champion Mike Tyson to be so funny, but his cameo in The Hangover became a sensation. He appeared as himself and stole scenes with a knockout punch and a pet tiger. That single performance reintroduced Tyson to pop culture and led to more film and TV appearances.
Wilt Chamberlain
Credit: Youtube
In Conan the Destroyer, Wilt Chamberlain played the imposing Bombaata alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. It was his only film role, but his height and athleticism made him a perfect fit for the sword-and-sorcery genre. The film grossed over $30 million at the U.S. box office.
Gina Carano
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Mixed martial artist Gina Carano jumped into acting with projects ranging from Haywire to Deadpool. In the latter is where she played the super-strong Angel Dust. Before controversy got her dropped from The Mandalorian, she had become one of the most recognizable female fighters-turned-actresses in action cinema.
Vinnie Jones
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With a reputation for hard fouls and fierce tackles during his soccer career, Vinnie Jones had no trouble shifting into rough, intimidating roles in films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. His gritty persona made him a go-to choice for British crime dramas and action thrillers.
Brett Favre
Credit: Cinemablend
In There’s Something About Mary, NFL quarterback Brett Favre made a humorous cameo by playing himself in pursuit of Mary’s affection. The unexpected role offered a rare glimpse into his playful side. It remains one of the more talked-about athlete cameos in mainstream comedy, especially among football fans and moviegoers.
Alex Karras
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Blazing Saddles featured Alex Karras as Mongo, a dim-witted but endearing strongman who famously punches a horse. After retiring from the Detroit Lions, Karras turned to acting and found success. He also played a lovable adoptive father in the sitcom Webster.
O.J. Simpson
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Before legal issues ended his public career, O.J. Simpson was a familiar face in film and TV. He played the clumsy but lovable Nordberg in all three Naked Gun comedies and also appeared in The Towering Inferno and Roots. His screen image sharply contrasted with his later notoriety off-screen.
Lawrence Taylor
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Any Given Sunday cast Lawrence Taylor as Luther “Shark” Lavay, a veteran linebacker battling the toll of football. Director Oliver Stone aimed for realism, and Taylor—already considered one of the greatest defenders in NFL history—delivered an emotionally raw and believable performance that resonated with both critics and sports fans.
Bubba Smith
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As Moses Hightower in the Police Academy movies, Bubba Smith combined physical strength with gentle comedic charm. He was a former NFL defensive end, and his character became a fan favorite. The film series thrived at the box office during the 1980s.
Fred Williamson
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From the gridiron to blaxploitation fame, Fred Williamson starred in hits like Black Caesar and Hammer. The former AFL player wrote, directed, and produced films. His independent approach helped redefine the role of Black heroes in Hollywood.
Howie Long
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After retiring from the NFL, Howie Long starred in the 1998 action-thriller Firestorm, playing a fearless smokejumper battling both wildfires and criminals. Though the film earned mixed reviews, his athleticism and screen presence stood out. Long later transitioned to TV, where he remains a popular NFL analyst on Fox.
Jim Thorpe
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Olympic gold medalist Jim Thorpe took on small, often uncredited roles in early Hollywood, usually cast for his athletic build. His legacy was later immortalized in the 1951 film Jim Thorpe—All-American, in which Burt Lancaster portrayed him.
Jason Statham
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Before becoming an action star in The Transporter and Fast & Furious, Jason Statham represented England in international diving competitions. His precision, discipline, and physical control from those years translated seamlessly into his intense stunt-heavy roles. Early footage of his diving career adds surprising depth to his on-screen image.
Harold Sakata
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Olympic silver medalist Harold Sakata brought brute strength and memorable silence to the role of Oddjob in Goldfinger, one of the James Bond franchise’s most iconic villains. Sakata’s metal-brimmed hat toss and menacing presence gave Bond one of his most physically formidable enemies to date.
Ed Marinaro
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Ed Marinaro, a standout running back for the Minnesota Vikings, pivoted to acting after football and found steady success. He was best known for his role in Hill Street Blues and later charmed audiences in Blue Mountain State. His mix of athleticism and humor gave him staying power on TV.
Hulk Hogan
Credit: IMDb
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, instantly recognizable by his yellow gear and booming voice, made his Hollywood mark in movies like No Holds Barred and Suburban Commando. Though not critically acclaimed, his family-friendly action roles built a new fan base. Hogan’s IMDb page features over 30 acting credits spanning decades.
Dwayne Johnson
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Dwayne Johnson launched his film career with The Scorpion King, which opened at #1 in 2002 and confirmed his star power beyond the wrestling ring. Known to millions as “The Rock,” he later headlined global franchises and comedies. Forbes ranks him among the highest-paid actors in the world today.
Andre the Giant
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As the gentle giant Fezzik in The Princess Bride, Andre the Giant stole scenes with warmth and humor. His size helped define his character, but his delivery made him one of the film’s most beloved breakout stars.
Roman Reigns
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WWE champion Roman Reigns took on his first film role in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, appearing alongside his cousin Dwayne Johnson. Though he had no speaking lines, his physicality stood out. The performance hinted at future roles, and he’s reportedly exploring more opportunities in film and television.
Rowdy Roddy Piper
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“Rowdy” Roddy Piper headlined John Carpenter’s cult classic They Live in 1988, famously delivering the line, “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass.” The wrestler-turned-actor followed up with numerous low-budget action films.
Bill Goldberg
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Former WCW and WWE champion Bill Goldberg brought brutal charm to the horror-comedy Santa’s Slay, playing a deadly Santa Claus. He also appeared in the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler. His film roles often mirror the physical dominance and intense persona that defined his wrestling legacy.
Kevin Nash
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Standing 6 feet 10 inches, former WWE wrestler Kevin Nash took on roles that emphasized his size and presence. He appeared in both Magic Mike films as Tarzan and in John Wick as a Russian bodyguard. While often typecast as muscle, Nash occasionally reveals unexpected warmth and humor that broadened his appeal.
Steve Austin
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“Stone Cold” Steve Austin moved from the WWE ring to gritty action films like The Condemned and Damage. Though critics were mixed, Austin found loyal fans through intense physical performances and tough-guy charisma.
Kurt Angle
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Olympic gold medalist and WWE legend Kurt Angle transitioned into acting with roles in Pain & Gain and Warrior. His in-ring credibility gave authenticity to gritty fight scenes. While not a household movie name, Angle’s filmography includes over a dozen credits.
John Cena
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John Cena began with lead roles in action films like The Marine before surprising audiences with his comedic range in Blockers and Trainwreck. He later starred in Peacemaker and earned critical acclaim for his timing and depth.
Mark Harmon
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Before becoming the long-running face of NCIS, Mark Harmon played quarterback at UCLA and briefly pursued a pro football career. He transitioned to acting in shows like St. Elsewhere and films including Summer School.
Dave Bautista
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Dave Bautista exploded onto the screen as Drax in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, but the former WWE champ proved he had dramatic range in Blade Runner 2049 and Knock at the Cabin. Critics from IndieWire and Variety praised his evolving emotional depth.
Fred Dryer
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After a strong NFL career, Fred Dryer led the long-running crime drama Hunter, playing no-nonsense detective Rick Hunter for seven seasons. He also had memorable guest spots on Cheers and NCIS. His commanding presence and steely delivery helped him transition smoothly from the field to prime-time television success.
Estella Warren
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Estella Warren began her career as a champion synchronized swimmer. She won three national titles in Canada and competed at the World Aquatic Championships before moving into modeling and acting. She quickly gained attention in Hollywood and landed roles in movies like Planet of the Apes” (2001), Driven, and Kangaroo Jack.
Terry Crews
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Did you know Terry Crews played for several NFL teams before breaking out in Hollywood? He gained fame in White Chicks and Everybody Hates Chris, eventually becoming the beloved host of America’s Got Talent. His comedic timing, muscular build, and infectious energy have made him one of TV’s most versatile personalities today.
Carl Lewis
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Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis ventured into acting with films like Alien Hunter and a handful of made-for-TV features. Though his acting career never matched his sports legacy, he remained visible through commentary, coaching, and motivational speaking. His influence on athletics continues to inspire fans and aspiring Olympians.
Shaun White
Credit: Instagram
Shaun White, the snowboarding phenom, made light-hearted appearances in American Dad and the romantic comedy Friends with Benefits. Though acting wasn’t his main pursuit, his vibrant personality and cultural fame made him a go-to for playful cameos.
Esther Williams
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Esther Williams was a national swimming champion who narrowly missed the Olympics due to World War II canceling the 1940 Games. Her aquatic talents made her the star of MGM’s “aqua musicals” in the 1940s and 1950s, where she performed elaborate synchronized swimming routines in films like Bathing Beauty and Million Dollar Mermaid.
Ernie Hudson
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Before fame in Ghostbusters, Ernie Hudson played football at Wayne State University. His physicality helped him land early roles in action and drama. With over 200 acting credits, he evolved into a veteran character actor, appearing in Oz, The Crow, and Grace and Frankie.