African-American Actors Who Pursued Careers in Other Fields

Many prominent Black actors in Hollywood began their professional lives in vastly different industries. From professional athletes and military service members to world renowned musicians and corporate experts, these individuals brought unique life experiences to their craft. Transitioning into the spotlight often required a complete shift in discipline and focus. This diverse group of performers demonstrates that a successful acting career can be built upon the foundations of entirely different professions.

Will Smith

Will Smith achieved global fame as a hip hop artist before becoming a major film star. He performed under the name The Fresh Prince and won the first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989. This musical success led to his starring role on the sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ where he played a fictionalized version of himself. He eventually transitioned into blockbuster films such as ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Men in Black’ while maintaining a recording career. His dual success in music and acting established him as one of the most versatile entertainers in the industry.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson first gained national attention as a collegiate football player at the University of Miami. He later followed in his father’s footsteps by entering professional wrestling where he became a legendary figure known as The Rock. His charisma in the ring led to opportunities in Hollywood including his debut in ‘The Mummy Returns’ during 2001. He eventually retired from full time wrestling to focus on a prolific acting career featuring hits like ‘Fast Five’ and ‘Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle’. Johnson has since become one of the highest paid actors in the world.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews was a professional athlete in the National Football League before he transitioned into the entertainment industry. He played for several teams including the Los Angeles Rams and the San Diego Chargers throughout the early nineties. After retiring from sports he worked as a security guard and later found success as a performer on the show ‘Battle Dome’. Crews eventually became a household name through his roles in ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. He is also recognized for his work as a television host and advocate.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx began his career as a stand up comedian and a classically trained pianist. He joined the cast of the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’ which provided a platform for his comedic talents. Foxx later starred in his own sitcom and released several successful R and B albums that earned him Grammy Awards. He proved his dramatic range by winning an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the film ‘Ray’. His career remains a blend of high profile acting roles and ongoing musical projects.

Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan spent fifteen seasons as a defensive end for the New York Giants and set the record for most sacks in a single season. After retiring from professional football he transitioned into a career as a media personality and television host. He gained widespread popularity on ‘Live with Kelly and Michael’ and currently serves as a coanchor on ‘Good Morning America’. Strahan has appeared as an actor in projects such as ‘Magic Mike XXL’ and the television series ‘Brothers’. He continues to manage a successful career across sports broadcasting and entertainment.

John David Washington

John David Washington played professional football as a running back for the St. Louis Rams and the United Football League before pursuing acting. He is the son of Denzel Washington but he initially sought to make his own name on the sports field. An injury eventually ended his football career and led him to audition for the series ‘Ballers’ where he played a football player. He later earned critical acclaim for his lead roles in movies like ‘BlacKkKlansman’ and ‘Tenet’. His athletic background often informs the physicality he brings to his onscreen performances.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers was a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and the BC Lions before he became a famous actor. He is perhaps best known for playing Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ film series which began in 1976. Weathers appeared in various action films like ‘Predator’ and later showcased his comedic skills in ‘Happy Gilmore’. He remained active in the industry as both a director and an actor until his passing. His transition from professional sports to cinema is considered one of the most successful in Hollywood history.

Rick Fox

Rick Fox played thirteen seasons in the National Basketball Association for the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. During his time with the Lakers he won three consecutive championships and developed an interest in the film industry. He began taking acting roles while still an active player appearing in the HBO series ‘Oz’. Since retiring from basketball he has maintained a steady career with roles in ‘Greenleaf’ and ‘The Game’. Fox is also a prominent figure in the world of professional esports.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in the history of the National Basketball Association. During his legendary sports career he also explored his interests in music and acting. He starred in the films ‘Blue Chips’ and ‘Kazaam’ while releasing multiple rap albums that achieved commercial success. O’Neal has continued to appear in various television shows and films after his retirement from professional sports. He currently works as a sports analyst and remains a major figure in popular culture.

LeBron James

LeBron James is a global icon in the world of basketball and currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He expanded his professional horizons by founding a production company and taking on significant acting roles. James earned praise for his performance in the comedy ‘Trainwreck’ where he played a version of himself. He later starred in and produced ‘Space Jam A New Legacy’ which continued his expansion into the film industry. His influence extends beyond the court through his various business and entertainment ventures.

Jim Brown

Jim Brown is frequently cited as one of the greatest players in the history of the National Football League. He shocked the sports world by retiring at the peak of his career to focus on acting in 1966. Brown became a significant leading man in films such as ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and ‘100 Rifles’. He was one of the first Black athletes to successfully transition into a long lasting career as a Hollywood star. His legacy includes both his legendary athletic feats and his pioneering work in cinema.

Fred Williamson

Fred Williamson earned the nickname The Hammer during his successful career as a defensive back in the National Football League. After his time in sports he became a prominent figure in the blaxploitation film genre of the seventies. He starred in movies like ‘Black Caesar’ and ‘Hell Up in Harlem’ while also producing and directing his own projects. Williamson later appeared in modern films such as ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ and ‘Starsky and Hutch’. He is recognized for his contributions to independent filmmaking and the portrayal of strong Black lead characters.

Ice-T

Ice T served in the United States Army for four years before he became a pioneer of gangsta rap. He achieved major musical success with albums like ‘O.G. Original Gangster’ and founded the heavy metal band Body Count. His acting career began with a role in ‘New Jack City’ and he later joined the long running series ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’. He has played the character Odafin Tutuola for over two decades and is a mainstay of procedural television. Ice T remains active in both the music scene and the television industry.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman served as a radar technician in the United States Air Force before he pursued his dream of acting. He turned down a scholarship for drama to join the military but eventually realized his true passion was on the stage and screen. Freeman spent many years working in theater and on the children’s show ‘The Electric Company’ before finding mainstream success. He eventually became one of the most respected actors in Hollywood with iconic roles in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’. His distinctive voice and commanding presence have made him a cinematic legend.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones was a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps and served as an Army ranger during the Korean War. After completing his military service he moved to New York City to study acting at the American Theatre Wing. He overcame a childhood stutter to develop one of the most recognizable voices in the history of entertainment. Jones provided the voice for Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’ and starred in acclaimed films like ‘Field of Dreams’. He received numerous awards for his work on both the stage and the big screen.

Sinbad

Sinbad served in the United States Air Force as a boom operator on tankers before he became a famous comedian. He often performed stand up routines while he was still in the military to entertain his fellow airmen. After his discharge he rose to prominence on the talent show ‘Star Search’ and later joined the cast of ‘A Different World’. He went on to star in family movies like ‘First Kid’ and ‘Jingle All the Way’ during the nineties. Sinbad continues to perform comedy and make guest appearances in various television projects.

Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe was a highly ranked tennis player in his youth and attended Virginia Commonwealth University on a tennis scholarship. An injury prevented him from pursuing a professional career in the sport and he subsequently moved into modeling. His transition into acting began with a breakout role in the film ‘Brown Sugar’ followed by the series ‘Soul Food’. Kodjoe has since appeared in major franchises such as ‘Resident Evil’ and currently stars in ‘Station 19’. He remains an active performer and producer in the television industry.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali attended Saint Mary’s College of California on a basketball scholarship and played for the school’s Division I team. He eventually grew disillusioned with the athletic world and developed an interest in the performing arts. Ali earned a degree in acting and spent years working in television shows like ‘The 4400’ and ‘House of Cards’. He made history by winning two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his work in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. He is now recognized as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso worked as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch on Wall Street before he decided to pursue a career in acting. He holds a degree in marketing from Howard University and used his business background to navigate the entertainment industry. Alonso has appeared in major films such as ‘Avatar’ and ‘Fast and Furious’ where he played significant roles. He currently stars as Mother’s Milk in the popular series ‘The Boys’ on Amazon Prime Video. His professional journey demonstrates a successful shift from the financial sector to the screen.

Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick was a standout football player at the University of Georgia and briefly signed with the San Diego Chargers. After a career ending injury he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting while working multiple odd jobs. He gained recognition for his work in the series ‘Saved’ and the film ‘For Colored Girls’. Hardwick reached a new level of stardom playing James Ghost St. Patrick in the hit drama series ‘Power’. He is also an accomplished poet and remains active in the television and film community.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker was a talented classical singer and athlete who attended the University of Southern California on a music scholarship. He originally intended to pursue an opera career before he decided to focus on drama and film. His breakout role came in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and he later won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’. Whitaker has also become a respected director and producer through his company Significant Productions. He continues to take on challenging roles in both independent and mainstream cinema.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube began his professional life as a founding member of the influential rap group N.W.A. He wrote many of the group’s most famous lyrics and later launched a successful solo music career. He transitioned into acting with a critically acclaimed performance in the 1991 film ‘Boyz n the Hood’. Ice Cube has since become a major producer and actor in franchises like ‘Friday’ and ‘Barbershop’. He is also the cofounder of the Big3 basketball league which highlights his ongoing interest in sports.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J was one of the first rappers to achieve mainstream pop success with hits like ‘I Need Love’ and ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’. He began his acting career in the eighties and eventually starred in his own sitcom titled ‘In the House’. He became a staple of television drama through his long running role as Sam Hanna on ‘NCIS Los Angeles’. LL Cool J has also hosted several programs including ‘Lip Sync Battle’ and remains a prominent figure in the hip hop community. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his contributions to music.

Ludacris

Ludacris started his career as a radio DJ in Atlanta under the name Chris Lova Lova before becoming a superstar rapper. He released a series of multiplatinum albums that featured his signature humorous and fast paced lyrical style. His acting career took off when he was cast as Tej Parker in the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise. Ludacris has appeared in several installments of the series and earned a Screen Actors Guild Award for his work in ‘Crash’. He balances his time between music production and high profile acting roles.

Common

Common emerged as a respected figure in the underground hip hop scene before achieving commercial success and critical acclaim. He is known for his poetic lyrics and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his musical contributions. Common transitioned into acting with roles in films like ‘Smokin Aces’ and ‘American Gangster’. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for the film ‘Selma’ in which he also appeared. His career continues to span music and film with recent roles in ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ and ‘The Chi’.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover began his career as a writer for the sitcom ’30 Rock’ while he was still a student at New York University. He rose to fame as an actor on the comedy series ‘Community’ and simultaneously launched a music career under the name Childish Gambino. Glover has won multiple Emmy and Grammy Awards for his work on the series ‘Atlanta’ and his musical projects. He has also voiced iconic characters such as Simba in ‘The Lion King’ and played Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo A Star Wars Story’. He is considered one of the most innovative multihyphenate artists working today.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs was a record breaking track athlete at Brown University and a member of the experimental hip hop group Clipping. He achieved massive success on Broadway when he originated the roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in ‘Hamilton’. This performance earned him a Tony Award and a Grammy Award and opened doors in the film industry. Diggs has since starred in the film ‘Blindspotting’ which he also cowrote and the series ‘Snowpiercer’. He remains a prolific creator across music and television and film.

Method Man

Method Man rose to fame as a member of the Wu Tang Clan and released several successful solo hip hop albums. He made a smooth transition into acting with a recurring role on the acclaimed HBO series ‘The Wire’. Since then he has appeared in numerous films and television shows including ‘Garden State’ and ‘Power Book II Ghost’. He is often praised for his natural charisma and his ability to handle both comedic and dramatic material. Method Man continues to balance his legendary rap career with a busy schedule of acting projects.

Yasiin Bey

Mos Def began his career as a child actor before becoming a highly influential figure in alternative hip hop. He released the classic album ‘Black on Both Sides’ and was part of the duo Black Star with Talib Kweli. He returned to acting with significant roles in films like ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’. His performance in the television movie ‘Something the Lord Made’ earned him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. He has since performed under the name Yasiin Bey and remains active in various creative fields.

50 Cent

50 Cent was a prominent underground rapper before his debut album ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ made him a global superstar. He successfully transitioned into the business world with investments in companies like Vitaminwater and later entered the film industry. He starred in the semi autobiographical film ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and the series ‘Power’ which he also executive produced. 50 Cent has built a massive television empire with multiple spin offs and new projects across several networks. He is recognized as a savvy entrepreneur and a significant figure in modern entertainment.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg became an icon of West Coast rap in the early nineties through his collaborations with Dr. Dre. He has released dozens of albums and developed a unique public persona that transcends the music industry. His acting career includes roles in films like ‘Training Day’ and ‘Starsky and Hutch’ as well as many cameo appearances. Snoop Dogg has also ventured into reality television and sports broadcasting and various business enterprises. He remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in global popular culture.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson first gained fame as a singer and model after appearing in a memorable Coca Cola commercial. He released several successful R and B albums before landing his first major acting role in the film ‘Baby Boy’. Gibson became a central cast member in both the ‘Fast and Furious’ and ‘Transformers’ franchises. He has also authored books and continued to release music throughout his decades long career in Hollywood. His transition from music to action cinema has made him a consistent presence at the box office.

André 3000

Andre 3000 is best known as one half of the legendary hip hop duo Outkast which revolutionized the genre in the nineties. He is celebrated for his eccentric style and lyrical skill and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his music. His acting career includes roles in ‘Four Brothers’ and the Jimi Hendrix biopic ‘Jimi All Is by My Side’. He has also appeared in the series ‘Dispatches from Elsewhere’ and the film ‘White Noise’. Andre 3000 remains a respected artist who carefully chooses his creative projects in both music and film.

Gregory Hines

Gregory Hines was a world renowned tap dancer who began performing with his brother at a very young age. He is credited with revitalizing the art of tap dance and bringing it to a modern audience through his performances. Hines successfully transitioned into acting with roles in ‘The Cotton Club’ and ‘White Nights’ alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov. He also starred in his own television show and won a Tony Award for his work on Broadway. His legacy lives on through the many dancers and actors he inspired throughout his career.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul Jabbar is the second all time leading scorer in the National Basketball Association and a six time champion. Beyond his legendary sports career he has pursued interests in writing and social activism and acting. He made a memorable appearance in the Bruce Lee film ‘Game of Death’ and showcased his comedic timing in ‘Airplane’. Abdul Jabbar has also written numerous books and serves as a cultural critic for various publications. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to American culture and sports.

Ray Allen

Ray Allen is a retired professional basketball player who is known as one of the best three point shooters in NBA history. He won two championships during his career and was a multi time All Star for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics. While still an active player he starred as Jesus Shuttlesworth in the Spike Lee film ‘He Got Game’. This role earned him critical praise and established him as a talented performer outside of the basketball court. Allen has continued to make occasional appearances in media and remains active in charitable work.

Bubba Smith

Bubba Smith was a formidable defensive end in the National Football League and won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Colts. After retiring from sports he became a popular actor known for his comedic roles in television and film. He is most famous for playing Moses Hightower in the ‘Police Academy’ movie franchise which began in 1984. Smith appeared in numerous commercials and television shows throughout the eighties and nineties. He is remembered for his physical presence and his ability to transition from a tough athlete to a beloved comic actor.

Nnamdi Asomugha

Nnamdi Asomugha was an All Pro cornerback in the National Football League who played for the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles. After retiring from professional football he turned his focus toward acting and producing in the entertainment industry. He earned critical acclaim for his performance in the film ‘Crown Heights’ and starred in the Broadway play ‘A Soldiers Play’. Asomugha also produced the movie ‘The Banker’ and continues to take on complex roles in independent cinema. He is recognized for his commitment to his craft and his successful second career in Hollywood.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac spent many years working as a stand up comedian in Chicago before he achieved national fame. He was a member of The Original Kings of Comedy tour which solidified his status as a major comedic talent. This success led to ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ which ran for five seasons and won several awards. He also appeared in major films such as ‘Oceans Eleven’ and ‘Transformers’ before his untimely passing. Mac is remembered for his unique comedic voice and his transition from the stage to the screen.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer began his career as a stand up comedian and a host of ‘ComicView’ on BET. He gained widespread popularity as a member of The Original Kings of Comedy and later starred on ‘The Steve Harvey Show’. His film career includes roles in hits like ‘Barbershop’ and ‘Madagascar’ where he provided the voice for Maurice. He currently stars in and executive produces the sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’ on CBS. Cedric continues to be a prominent figure in both the comedy world and the television industry.

Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey started his professional journey as a stand up comedian and worked various jobs including a brief stint as a boxer. He became a household name through ‘The Steve Harvey Show’ and his work as one of The Original Kings of Comedy. Harvey has since become a major television host for programs such as ‘Family Feud’ and his own talk show. He has also authored several best selling books and maintains a successful radio program. His career transition from stand up to a multifaceted media mogul is widely recognized.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart began his career performing at comedy clubs in Philadelphia before becoming one of the biggest stars in the world. He released several highly successful stand up specials that led to major roles in Hollywood films. Hart has starred in blockbuster hits such as ‘Ride Along’ and the ‘Jumanji’ sequels alongside Dwayne Johnson. He also founded his own media company called Laugh Out Loud to support other comedic talents. His relentless work ethic has made him a dominant force in both the film industry and the comedy circuit.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock rose to prominence as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the early nineties. He established himself as one of the greatest stand up comedians of all time with a series of acclaimed HBO specials. Rock has written and directed several films including ‘Top Five’ and voiced the character Marty in the ‘Madagascar’ franchise. He also appeared in dramatic roles in the series ‘Fargo’ and the film ‘Spiral’. His career continues to evolve as he explores new opportunities in acting and producing and directing.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy became a superstar as a teenager on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and changed the landscape of sketch comedy. He transitioned into film with massive hits like ’48 Hrs’ and ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ during the early eighties. Murphy also had a successful music career with the hit single Party All the Time. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in ‘Dreamgirls’ and won an Emmy for his return to ‘Saturday Night Live’. He remains one of the most influential figures in the history of comedy and film.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby served in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman before he pursued a career in entertainment. He started as a stand up comedian and became the first Black actor to star in a dramatic television series with ‘I Spy’. He later created and starred in ‘The Cosby Show’ which was the number one program in America for several years. Cosby also had a significant impact on children’s television with the creation of ‘Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids’. His career spanned decades across multiple platforms including records and books and film.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown studied economics at Stanford University and originally planned to enter the business world. He discovered his passion for acting during his undergraduate years and decided to pursue a graduate degree in fine arts. Brown worked steadily in television for many years before his breakout role as Christopher Darden in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’. He won multiple Emmy Awards for his performance in the hit drama series ‘This Is Us’. His background in academics and theater has helped him become one of the most respected dramatic actors today.

Mykelti Williamson

Mykelti Williamson was a member of a band called The Toads and pursued a career in music before fully committing to acting. He gained early experience as a dancer and singer on various television specials and variety shows. Williamson is best known for his iconic role as Bubba in the 1994 film ‘Forrest Gump’. He has maintained a long and successful career with roles in ‘Heat’ and the series ‘Justified’. His musical background occasionally intersects with his acting work in various theatrical and film productions.

Bernie Casey

Bernie Casey was a star wide receiver in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. After retiring from sports he pursued his interests in both painting and acting. He appeared in numerous films such as ‘Boxcar Bertha’ and played the character Felix Leiter in the James Bond movie ‘Never Say Never Again’. Casey was also a published poet and a respected artist whose work was exhibited in galleries. He successfully balanced his passion for the arts with a prolific career in Hollywood.

Woody Strode

Woody Strode was a professional football player and a professional wrestler before he became a pioneering Black actor. He played for the Los Angeles Rams and was one of the first African Americans to play in the NFL in the post war era. Strode later became a favorite of director John Ford and appeared in films like ‘Sergeant Rutledge’ and ‘Spartacus’. He received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in ‘Spartacus’ and worked in the industry for many decades. His athletic strength and screen presence paved the way for future generations of Black actors.

Please share your thoughts on which of these career transitions surprised you the most in the comments.