Many have tried but only a handful of professional athletes are able to make the crossover into a successful acting career. We may not see them walk onto a stage and receive an Emmy or an Oscar but some have become very successful in their second careers and have also turned into some fairly respectable actors.
The criteria I used for this list is they had to have played a sport professionally. For the “order” criteria (which was not easy) I took into consideration their body of work in both their sports career and their acting career. I also considered their acting ability and their overall success as an actor. I am not including any professional bodybuilders or professional wrestlers in this list because stage presence and theatrics are already exhibited in these two sports.
Pro Sports Career: Played Baseball with Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies & Atlanta Braves from 1962-1967
It just seems fitting that Bob Ueker should come in at number 12 but at least he made the cut. After his lackluster baseball career Uecker made the most of it by making fun of himself and describing his experiences on the talk show circuit and then started appearing in several TV shows & movies. His line “Just a bit outside” from the move Major League is still a classic. He later was one of the main characters in the TV series Mr. Belvedere which aired from 1985 to 1990.
Pro Sports Career: Played Basketball with Boston Celtics & Las Angeles Lakers from 1991 to 2004.
It is may be a little too early to tell if Fox will have a really successful acting career but he has shown some real promise appearing in shows like HBOs Oz and in a couple of episodes of Ugly Betty.
Pro Sports Career: Professional skateboarder from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Professional skateboarding is not exactly the sport you might think of when you hear about pro athletes becoming actors. However when you think of the skill level and the athletic ability involved along with the competitiveness I think it deserves to be here with the other sports.
Jason Lee is the youngest on the list and also probably the one with the brightest future as an actor. Lee is just perfect as the character Earl Hickey in the TV series My Name is Earl which started airing in 2005. Lee also recently appeared in the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks and was also the voice of Underdog which was released in 2007.
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Detroit Lions from 1958-1962 & 1964-1970
Who can forget Karras’s great performance as Mongo in Blazing Saddles?
He later proved to be a successful actor as he appeared in more movies and many television shows including Webster in which he was one of the main characters along with his wife Susan Clark.
Pro Sports Career: Played football with Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets & Seattle Seahawks from 1972-1977 Marinaro was also the runner-up for the 1971 Heisman Trophy Award.
Ed Marinaro has appeared in several movies and television shows but is best known for the character Officer Joe Coffey on Hill Street Blues which aired from 1981 to 1987.
Pro Sports Career: Played baseball for the Chicago Cubs & Brooklyn Dodgers from 1949 to 1951. Connors also played basketball for the Boson Celtics from 1946-1948.
When watching old reruns of The Rifleman many people are not aware that Chuck Connors had another life as a professional athlete before his acting career. Although his athletic career was not exactly stellar Connor’s is one of only 12 people who played both pro baseball & pro basketball. Connor’s was also in dozens of movies besides his popular television show which ran for 6 years.
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Los Angeles Rams from 1962-1976 and was known as one of the “The Fearsome Foursome”.
Merlin Olson is best known for his series Father Murphy which lasted from 1981 to 1983. He also appeared in many episodes of Little House on the Prairie as the character Jonathan Garvey from 1974 to 1983.
Pro Sports Career: Was a footballer (Soccer player) from 1984-1999 Football Clubs: Wimbledon, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Chelsea, Queens Park.
Not following English football I was not aware that Jones was a former professional athlete when I saw his solid performance in the movie Swordfish. Later I learned about his impressive soccer career. He seems to have great screen presence and continues to be a very busy actor and is now starring in most of his movies.
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Oakland Raiders & the British Columbia Lions from 1970-1974.
Carl Weathers was perfect in the roll as Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies. He also has proven his acting ability in several TV series including Street Justice which aired from 1991 to 1993.
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the New York Giants & Los Angeles Rams from 1969-1981.
Fred Dryer is best known for his starring roll in the TV series Hunter as Det. Sgt. Rick Hunter which lasted for a very respectable 7 years from 1984-1991. Dryer also directed several of the Hunter episodes. He later produced and starred in another TV series called Land’s End.
Pro Sports Career: Played Football for Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders & Kansas City Chiefs from 1960-1967
Williamson kept busy in movies and TV for over three decades. Although many have criticized him for starring in several movies that are considered black exploitation (blaxploitation) films no one can argue that Williamson has made his mark on the film industry. Williamson also produces, writes & directs. Recently Williamson displayed good comedy instincts playing Captain Dobey in the movie Starsky & Hutch.
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965.
Sure it would be nice to see Jim Brown take on more versatile roles but when you consider he was one of the greatest football players ever along with his very successful movie career it is hard to deny him first place on this list. Everyone remembers his performance in The Dirty Dozen which launched his movie career. Since then he has starred in over 30 movies and also produces and directs.
Contributor: Blogball
I didn’t know Jason Lee was a pro skateborder.
Shouldnt the rock be here? xD not that he is a good actor..
Hate to say it but O.J Simpson was great in all the naked gun movies!
I used to love watching Hunter late at night! And I did not know Jason Lee was a skater. Too cool. Great list, Blogball.
Terry Bradshaw and Mike Ditka are coming along nicely with their acting careers now, also. I think we’re gonna see a lot more since everyone seems to cross over in between whatever their main talent is these days.
I had no idea Jason Lee was a skateboarder. He is definitely the best actor on this list. Great job on the List Blogball. I am anxious to see where Jesse the “Mind/Body” Ventura would be if you included wrestlers.
I’m not from USA, but how about OJ and Kareem?
Only one non-USA on the list? Eric Cantona in “Elizabeth”?
No 9 – Lions, not Lyons. No 5 – presence, not presents.
I wonder why so many football players? Author’s bias or some other reason?
Great Topic and List.
True about OJ – he did many, many films, TV and adverts.
Based on the stated criteria, he should have made the cut…
What? No Johnny Weissmuller?!?
I can’t understand why the Juice didn’t make the list. . . . maybe it was because he made his wife into a Pez dispenser. He was better at being a murderous thug than acting. I’ve gotta say though, every time I see the opening of the Naked Gun, I still laugh my ass off at that homicidal maniac.
And I hated Mallrats the first time I saw it, but I like it more every time I see it. The reason is because of Jason Lee. And because I’m a grizzled old bastard, I’m going to insert my rant in here about skateboarding not being a sport. Anything you can do after a night of blazing the Cambodian Hippie Lettuce shouldn’t be a sport. Downing a six of Dew and a bag of FunYuns after sparking up a blunt isn’t ‘training.’
Now that I read that two last sentences over again, I guess I’d have to eliminate the NBA.
Jason Lee’s first “acting” gig was in the Sonic Youth video for “100%,” as a skater. Take a look on You Tube for it.
And Carl Weathers was great as “Carl Weathers” on Arrested Development.
AnotherEngine- I just watched that episode getting ready for work this morning! It was great… you know that bone would make a great stew!
I definately agree that Johnny Weissmuller should have made the cut. He won five gold medals and starring in six films as Tarzan during the 30′s. He was the first to do Tarzan’s distinctive ululating yell.
No Eric Cantona? SHENANIGANS!
what about Arnie? *g* is bodybuilding a sport? well, if not, he should at least be mentioned for his life-long wrestling match with the English language
Wow I didnt know that about Jason Lee, I love his show. Jim Brown is so Cool!
Great list again! Not sure I agree with the order but the omission of OJ made my day. Weissmuller deserves to be here whereas Karem is a mannequin, Ditka and Bradshaw fair but not top 12 worthy. Fun read!
btw, comment #1, if you wanted to be first comment you succeeded but you should have taken the time to read the intro.
how about the amazing performance given by Dan Marino in Ace Ventura:Pet Detective and Little Nicky, ha just kidding, I believe he just does a horrible job of playing himself in movies.
This list should be re-named Top 12 Indulgent, Greedy Bastards.
Vinnie Jones is an actor?
Jason Lee is great as Earl Hickey! Man I wish Stereo Skateboards was still around…
romerozombie……not my beloved Bob Ueker , say it ain’t so!
Rename this list as Top 11 American Player turned actors and remove the only foreign entry. C’mon dude, wake up, world exists outside America too.
Nice list… I’m not a sports person so I recognized maybe 3 people on here though.
#12 “His line “Just a bit outside” from the move Major League is still a classic.” Should be movie, not move.
Where’s Juice, Reggie Theus, and Dan Dierdorf. Some of these people from the turn of the century that most people have never heard of because they hadn’t even been born could’ve been excluded.
Not that he’s been in anything else really, but Ray Allen (Boston Celtics, formerly Milwaukee Bucks and Seattle Sonics) had a pretty notable performance alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s ‘He Got Game’ as (surprise!!) a basketball player. I think I remember an article saying that he’s interested in acting in the future once his playing days are done and that Lee thought he was a lot better than most athletes who try to cross over and took it seriously. Shaq should be noted for his hilarious attempts at acting (Steel, Kazaam anyone?)
And I demand that Kurt Thomas be put on the list for his role in “Gymkata.” What about Shaq in “Steel” and “Kazzam?”
Dr. J in “The Fish That Saved Pittsburg.”
Mr. T was in pro rasslin, give him a nod too. And speaking of Rocky alums, Hulk Hogan was brilliant in a Love Boat episode.
re: #8 Vanamonde & Weissmuller!
(slap myself upside the head)
True, true.
uh, pankhudi, Vinnie Jones isn’t a yank. And after we take over the world, your last statement won’t matter.
Bucslim,
I must take exception with your stereotype of professional skateboarders. It is most definately a sport that requires a great deal of athletic ability, agility and dedication. I am on the Board of an East Coast Surfing Foundation that runs into this type of mindset far too often. You don’t get to the top if you’re wasted all the time. What you are thinking of are what we call the 5%’ers. The spicolis and stoners. They are in the sport but are in a deep minority now. To say there is no skill involved is ludicrous. Sorry, but ya hit a nerve there. Ever tried either sport?
Robeywan: I did -_-
Not for nothing but Ed Marinaro’s “professional” career was considered largely unsuccessful and short by NFL standards. The recognition of his athleticism is based more on his non-professional career as a College football player. Using that standard, I’d add Burt Reynolds to this list who had a largely stressful pre-professional football career.
OJ is one of the finest actors of all time. After all, he acted like he didn’t kill two people and apparently, many people found his performance quite convincing. Plus, he’s been playing the same recurring role as an amatuer golfer/private investigator for well over a decade.
OJ Dingo 4 life!
Warningdont, okay, my bad, but wasn’t (isn’t?)The Rock a pro wrassler?
David Prowse? Weightlifting is a sport right?
Elsa,
I take exception to your exception of my stereotype -ilizing. I’d like to point out that I’m on the Board of the Old Fat Bald White Males Foundation (Midwest Chapter) who enjoy more traditional definition of sports and athletics and we like to make fun and ridicule things we don’t understand or think of as trivial. We generally drink beer, light our farts and try to depants each other while watching ESPN classic. We have it in our by-laws to poke fun at extreme sports whenever possible. I wasn’t trying to offend, I just have to keep up appearances so the fellas won’t think I’m a nancy-boy.
BishopWhiteT, yes, so true! (still leave him off though)
bucslim, why do so many veteran commenters miss the intro? I did once, got corrected, and then realized the intro was an important part of the list. avoids a lot of silly arguments
rick fox is way too early to put him ahead of one of the best character roles in film for harry doyle (bob uecker) in major league, who by the way should be higher.
carl weathers in arrested development is brilliant.
Lucille #2 – do you like ham?
Carl – No….I love it
Tobias Fünke: Do you see me more as the respected dramatic actor or more of the beloved comic actor?
Carl Weathers: Whoa, whoa, whoa. There’s still plenty of meat on that bone. Now you take this home, throw it in a pot, add some broth, a potato. Baby, you’ve got a stew going.
Tobias Fünke: Yes, that’s fine, but I would like to focus on my acting, Mr. Weathers. I did give you my last $1, 100.
Carl Weathers: Let me tell you a little story about acting. I was doing this Showtime movie, Hot Ice with Anne Archer, never once touched my per diem. I’d go to Craft Service, get some raw veggies, bacon, Cup-A-Soup… baby, I got a stew going.
Tobias Fünke: [pause] I think I’d like my money back.
Robeywan – I carefully read every word of the introduction and then start to contemplate how I can be an enormous pain in everyone’s ass. Whether by my pithy comments or by writing something that’s obviously already ommitted in the introductory paragraph. It takes a lot of wit and overt sarcasm to deliver the flow from my brain stem. Then I sit back and watch the carnage enfold.
Oh and they forgot Rowdy Roddy Piper in “Them!”
Former college standout, NFL player, activist, and actor Paul Robeson…wow…that’s a biggie not being on the list.
Tony Hawk, probably a better skateboarder than Lee.
And if you are looking for actors from the Asia-Pacific rim what about Aussie Ian Roberts? Rugby player and well you know the rest of the story. Jet Li, martial arts champion turned actor from China.
Who can forget Michael Jordan and his critically acclaimed role in the animated masterpiece, “Space Jam?”
I was hoping Vinnie Jones would be on here but to see Jason Lee was awesome!!! I absolutely loved his performance as Buddy/Syndrome in THe Incredibles not to mention all the Kevin Smith movies.
bucslim, you midwest boys are too bad. I was born in Michigan, luckily for me my family escaped, eventually finding our way to New England where no one acknowledges your presence, they all drive like maniacs, distrust everyone, cheat, lie, steal and let their dogs poop in your yard. I have found my home.
Earl Hickey was a pro skater?!?
No, seriously, I had no idea Jason Lee could even skate!
The first person I thought of after reading the list title was OJ Simpson (and his misfortunes in the Naked Gun movies), but I guess his acting career wasn’t all that successful.
Howie Long?
Bucslim,
Gotcha
bucslim, do not try to drag me down to your level.
I thought Carlton Fisk and Herschel Walker gave award winning performances in their Skoal chewing tobacco adds. Who could forget diminutive Herschel shyly asking the girl on the beach “wanna play some touch?”
How about Paul Newman? Um…no, wait, he was an actor turned Professional athlete (Racecar Driver). Hey, that would be a great list!
Elsa: I wouldn’t take too seriously the opinion of skateboarding from doddering ESPN-loving geezers who are probably afraid they’ll break their hip just from going out for a walk…
Robeywan: Was, not he just makes some ***** movies for disney.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar was unforgettable in Airplane!
I agree with SoCalJeff, Paul Robson was a glaring miss for this list. Maybe because he isn’t a person of recent memory. He was multi talented, an excellent actor and also had an unbelievable singing voice. If he was born later he’d be number 1 on this list.
Thanks for the comments everybody. Writing what is considered to be a subjective list is much harder because obviously you can’t please everybody. I wanted to include newer and up and coming actors as well as the ones that have already established their acting career.
Don’t forget to read the intro. I am not including any pro wrestlers or body builders.
I think it was Vanamonde & kowzilla who mentioned. Johnny Weissmuller. I also mentioned they had to have played pro sports. Weissmuller was an Olympian and that is not considered professional.
As far as not including OJ. I never thought he was anywhere near a decent actor from the movie Capricorn One to the Naked Gun series . I considered him more in the Rosey Grier category. (Sorry Rosey)
Plus who knows maybe I was influenced a bit from his post sports career behavior.
Pankhudi, I would have loved to include more people from countries besides the US.
What athletes turned actors did you have in mind?
SoCalJeff, yes I agree about Paul Robeson. Thank you for mentioning him.
JFrater, thank you for posting lhe list.
And here’s a delightful lady for the list.
Sonja Henie, Norway.
Who’d you rather have opposite you at an intimate table, guys, Sonja (at her lovliest) or Vinnie ‘Bites yer leg’ (at his lovliest)?
But was she a professional ice skater? If not, at least Wikipedia (i just checked) says at the height of her screen career she was one of the top-paid actresses in Hollywood.
Come on folks, think. There’s got to be other ladies in the frame: swimmers, at least. Or were any just amateurs?
O.K. Open the category to amateurs, or do another list for amateurs turned actors.
Anything that Marty McFly can do isn’t a sport.
I have to say it. I HAVE to say it. Ed Marinaro was runner-up for the Heisman in 1971 to (insert drum roll about here) PAT SULLIVAN of Auburn.
No connection whatsoever to the list, but I HAVE to say it.
Yes, Mr. Bucslim. (Everyone agree with him or he’ll start cursing our generation while hitting us on the head with his cane!)
great list, but shouldn’t Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson be on here?
the rock?
Katarina Witt (East) Germany to U.S.A.
Amateur turned pro ice-skater
‘Carmen on Ice’. ‘Jerry MaGuire’.
Limited acting career but one big prizewinning role that eclipses many of the others above.
Wikipedia ackmowledged.
Another preferred dinner guest to dear old Vinnie too.
Anyone insults me and I’ll clobber them with my Zimmer frame (and a litle help from Vinnie). O.K.?