Celebrities Who Became Actors – And Delivered

Many of the most recognizable faces in modern cinema did not start their careers in front of a film camera. These individuals first achieved fame in professional sports or the music industry or as high fashion models. Transitioning from one field of entertainment to another requires a unique set of skills and a significant dedication to the craft. The following list highlights male celebrities who moved from their original professions into acting and proved they had the talent to sustain long careers.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson began his public career as a professional wrestler for the World Wrestling Federation. He made his theatrical film debut as the Scorpion King in ‘The Mummy Returns’. The success of his character led to a spin off film called ‘The Scorpion King’ where he earned a record salary for a first time lead. He eventually secured a place as one of the most profitable actors in the world by joining the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. Johnson remains a dominant force in the industry with leading roles in ‘Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle’ and ‘Black Adam’.

Will Smith

Will Smith first gained national fame as a rapper in the hip hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. He moved into the acting world by starring in the popular sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ for six seasons. Smith transitioned to film with hits like ‘Bad Boys’ and ‘Independence Day’ which established him as a major box office draw. He received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations for his dramatic roles in ‘Ali’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. In 2022 he won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in ‘King Richard’.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg was initially known to the public as the leader of the music group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He transitioned to acting with a supporting role in ‘The Basketball Diaries’ before his breakout performance in ‘Boogie Nights’. Wahlberg earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the crime drama ‘The Departed’. He has since balanced high octane action movies with comedic turns in films like ‘The Other Guys’ and ‘Ted’. His career continues to thrive as a producer and lead actor in major Hollywood productions.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved international fame as a champion bodybuilder and won the Mr. Olympia title seven times. He moved into acting with ‘Hercules in New York’ but found his true breakthrough in the fantasy epic ‘Conan the Barbarian’. Schwarzenegger became a global icon after starring in the science fiction thriller ‘The Terminator’ and its many sequels. He proved his versatility by leading successful comedies such as ‘Twins’ and ‘Kindergarten Cop’. His presence in the film industry defined the action genre throughout the nineteen eighties and nineties.

Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista was a decorated professional wrestler in the WWE before he pursued a full time career in Hollywood. He gained significant attention for his role as Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Bautista has consistently chosen diverse projects including the science fiction sequel ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and the mystery ‘Glass Onion’. Critics have praised his screen presence and his ability to handle both physical and emotional roles. He recently headlined the psychological horror film ‘Knock at the Cabin’ to positive reviews.

John Cena

John Cena rose to prominence as one of the most successful wrestlers in the history of the WWE. He transitioned into film with the action movie ‘The Marine’ and continued to build his resume with diverse roles. Cena earned praise for his comedic timing in ‘Trainwreck’ and ‘Blockers’ which helped expand his audience. He reached a new level of stardom by playing Peacemaker in ‘The Suicide Squad’ and leading his own television series. His performance in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise cemented his status as a major action star.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx started his career as a stand up comedian before joining the cast of the sketch show ‘In Living Color’. He achieved musical success as a singer and pianist while simultaneously building an acting career in television and film. Foxx won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his uncanny portrayal of Ray Charles in the biographical film ‘Ray’. He has since starred in a wide range of acclaimed projects including ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘Just Mercy’. His career is marked by a rare ability to excel in music and comedy and serious drama.

Harry Styles

Harry Styles rose to global fame as a member of the successful boy band One Direction. He made his acting debut in the Christopher Nolan war film ‘Dunkirk’ where he played a young soldier. Styles continued to pursue acting while maintaining a record breaking solo music career. He took on lead roles in the nineteen fifties drama ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the romantic film ‘My Policeman’. His performance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Eros suggests he will continue to be a presence on the big screen.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake became a superstar as a member of NSYNC and later as a solo pop artist. He transitioned into acting with roles in ‘Alpha Dog’ and ‘Black Snake Moan’ to demonstrate his range. His breakthrough dramatic performance came in ‘The Social Network’ where he played the founder of Napster. Timberlake has also found success in the world of animation as the voice of Branch in the ‘Trolls’ movie franchise. He continues to balance a highly successful music career with significant roles in films like ‘Palmer’.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube first gained notoriety as a member of the influential rap group NWA and as a solo artist. He made a powerful acting debut in the gritty urban drama ‘Boyz n the Hood’. He later proved his talent for comedy by writing and starring in the hit film ‘Friday’. Cube went on to lead successful franchises such as ‘Barbershop’ and ‘Ride Along’ which established him as a versatile entertainer. He has also served as a producer on many of his projects including the biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’.

Ludacris

Ludacris established himself as a multi platinum rapper before he began taking roles in film. He earned critical respect for his performance in the ensemble drama ‘Crash’ which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Ludacris became a household name in the film world by playing Tej Parker in the ‘Fast & Furious’ series. He has remained a consistent part of the franchise while also appearing in television projects like ‘Law & Order Special Victims Unit’. His longevity in both music and film highlights his broad appeal.

Common

Common began his career as a respected hip hop artist before expanding into the world of acting. He appeared in action films like ‘Smokin’ Aces’ and ‘Wanted’ before taking on more dramatic work. Common earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song for ‘Selma’ in which he also appeared as a civil rights leader. He has played notable roles in the ‘John Wick’ series and the television drama ‘Hell on Wheels’. His career is characterized by a commitment to meaningful storytelling across different mediums.

Mos Def

Mos Def gained early fame as a rapper known for his socially conscious lyrics and his work in Black Star. He transitioned into acting with acclaimed performances in ‘The Woodsman’ and ‘Monster’s Ball’. He received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Vivien Thomas in the television movie ‘Something the Lord Made’. Mos Def also appeared in major films such as ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ and ‘Be Kind Rewind’. He is often cited as one of the most naturally talented musicians to make the jump to the screen.

André 3000

Andre 3000 became an icon of the music world as one half of the duo Outkast. He began acting under his birth name Andre Benjamin in films like ‘Four Brothers’ and ‘Idlewild’. His most notable performance came in the biographical film ‘Jimi All Is by My Side’ where he portrayed Jimi Hendrix. Critics praised his dedication to the role and his ability to capture the essence of the legendary guitarist. He continues to take selective and unique acting roles in projects like the science fiction film ‘High Life’.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto first entered the public eye as a television actor in the series ‘My So Called Life’. He simultaneously fronted the successful rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars while building a film career. Leto won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his transformative performance in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’. He is known for his method acting approach in films such as ‘Requiem for a Dream’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. Leto has successfully balanced his time as a rock star and a high profile character actor.

David Bowie

David Bowie was a legendary musician who constantly reinvented his persona throughout his decades long career. He made a significant impact in film by starring in the science fiction cult classic ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’. Bowie delivered a memorable performance as Jareth the Goblin King in the fantasy film ‘Labyrinth’. He also appeared in critically acclaimed works such as ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ and ‘The Prestige’. His cinematic contributions are remembered for their unique style and artistic depth.

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra was one of the most popular singers of the twentieth century before he revitalized his career through acting. He proved his dramatic talent by winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in ‘From Here to Eternity’. Sinatra became a major movie star with roles in ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ and the original ‘Ocean’s 11’. He was known for his charisma and his ability to transition seamlessly between musical films and gritty dramas. His legacy remains influential in both the recording studio and on the silver screen.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was already the King of Rock and Roll when he began his career as a leading man in Hollywood. He starred in over thirty films including ‘Love Me Tender’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’. While many of his films were musical comedies designed to promote his songs he showed genuine acting potential in ‘King Creole’. His movies were consistent box office successes and helped define the era of the teenage pop idol. Presley remains one of the most famous examples of a celebrity successfully crossing over into film.

Vinnie Jones

Vinnie Jones was a professional footballer known for his aggressive playing style in the English Premier League. He made a surprising and successful transition to acting in the Guy Ritchie film ‘Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’. Jones built a career playing tough characters in movies like ‘Snatch’ and ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’. He also portrayed the villain Juggernaut in ‘X Men The Last Stand’ which introduced him to a wider audience. His unique background as an athlete provided him with a distinct and recognizable screen presence.

Jason Statham

Jason Statham was a competitive diver for the British national team and a fashion model before he entered the film industry. He was discovered by director Guy Ritchie and cast in ‘Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’. Statham quickly became a leading action star after starring in ‘The Transporter’ and its sequels. He is now a staple of major franchises including ‘The Expendables’ and the ‘Fast & Furious’ series. His athletic background allows him to perform many of his own stunts which adds authenticity to his roles.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews played professional football in the NFL for several years before retiring to pursue a career in entertainment. He first gained fame as an actor for his comedic role in ‘White Chicks’ and his portrayal of Julius Rock in ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Crews became a beloved figure in television through his long running role as Terry Jeffords in ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. He has also appeared in action films like ‘The Expendables’ alongside other legendary stars. His transition from the football field to Hollywood has been marked by consistent success in both comedy and action.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers played for the Oakland Raiders in the NFL before he decided to focus on his acting career. He achieved lasting fame by portraying Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ film series. Weathers also starred in the action classic ‘Predator’ and the sports comedy ‘Happy Gilmore’. In recent years he gained new fans for his role as Greef Karga in the television series ‘The Mandalorian’. He also directed episodes of the series which proved his multifaceted talent in the industry.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the NBA. He ventured into acting during his playing career with a memorable role in the Bruce Lee film ‘Game of Death’. His most famous comedic performance came in the disaster film parody ‘Airplane’ where he poked fun at his own celebrity. Abdul-Jabbar has made numerous television appearances and has also become a successful writer and producer. His ability to deliver a deadpan performance in ‘Airplane’ remains a highlight of his entertainment career.

Rick Fox

Rick Fox won three NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers before transitioning to a full time acting career. He began taking roles while still playing professional basketball including a recurring part in the series ‘Oz’. After his retirement from sports he appeared in television shows such as ‘Dirt’ and ‘The Game’. Fox has worked steadily in film and television and has also become an executive in the world of professional gaming. His successful move into acting has made him a familiar face to television audiences.

Method Man

Method Man gained international fame as a core member of the hip hop group Wu Tang Clan. He started his acting career with appearances in ‘Belly’ and the comedy ‘How High’ where he starred alongside Redman. He earned critical acclaim for his recurring role as Cheese in the legendary television series ‘The Wire’. Method Man has continued to work in major films like ‘Garden State’ and recent series such as ‘Power Book II Ghost’. He is recognized for his natural charisma and his ability to transition from music to complex dramatic roles.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J was a pioneer of the hip hop genre before he established himself as a successful actor. He starred in several films during the nineties including the action thriller ‘Deep Blue Sea’ and ‘Any Given Sunday’. He achieved long term success on television by starring as Sam Hanna in ‘NCIS Los Angeles’ for fourteen seasons. His career transformation from a teenage rapper to a leading television star is one of the most successful in entertainment history. He continues to be a prominent figure in the industry as both a performer and a host.

50 Cent

Curtis 50 Cent Jackson rose to fame as a multi platinum rapper with his debut album ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’. He later starred in a film of the same name which was loosely based on his life story. Jackson expanded his reach in the industry by becoming a producer and actor in the hit television series ‘Power’. He has appeared in numerous action films such as ‘Southpaw’ and ‘Den of Thieves’. His business savvy and acting work have made him a powerful figure in modern television production.

Eminem

Eminem became a global rap phenomenon before making his acting debut in the semi biographical film ‘8 Mile’. The film was both a critical and commercial success and earned him praise for his realistic performance. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for ‘Lose Yourself’ which was featured in the movie. Although he has focused primarily on his music career he has made several cameos and small appearances in films like ‘The Interview’. His work in ‘8 Mile’ remains one of the most celebrated acting debuts by a musician.

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw is one of the most successful country music artists of all time with dozens of number one singles. He began his acting career with a small role in ‘Friday Night Lights’ before taking on a larger part in ‘Flicka’. McGraw received widespread acclaim for his performance as Sean Tuohy in the Academy Award winning film ‘The Blind Side’. He recently starred in the television series ‘1883’ which is a prequel to the popular show ‘Yellowstone’. His move into acting has allowed him to showcase a dramatic depth that complements his musical career.

Dwight Yoakam

Dwight Yoakam is a country music legend known for his pioneering honky tonk style. He surprised critics with his chilling performance as the villainous Doyle Hargraves in ‘Sling Blade’. Yoakam has since appeared in a variety of films including ‘Panic Room’ and ‘Wedding Crashers’. He also played a recurring role in the television series ‘Goliath’ and the western ‘Cry Macho’. His acting career is noted for his ability to play intense and often dark characters with great effectiveness.

Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson was a Rhodes Scholar and a highly influential songwriter before he became a leading man in Hollywood. He won a Golden Globe for his performance in the 1976 version of ‘A Star Is Born’. Kristofferson starred in numerous westerns and dramas including the epic ‘Heaven’s Gate’ and the ‘Blade’ film trilogy. He was known for his rugged screen presence and his ability to portray world weary characters. His dual success as a songwriter and an actor made him a significant figure in American culture.

Tom Waits

Tom Waits is an avant garde musician known for his gravelly voice and unique songwriting style. He has had a long and fruitful acting career frequently collaborating with directors like Jim Jarmusch and Francis Ford Coppola. Waits delivered memorable performances in ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ and the anthology film ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’. He also appeared in the crime drama ‘Seven Psychopaths’ and provided voice work for ‘The Book of Eli’. His idiosyncratic style as a performer translates effectively to his eccentric character roles.

Flea

Flea is best known as the high energy bassist for the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has maintained a steady acting career with small but memorable roles in films like ‘Back to the Future Part II’ and ‘The Big Lebowski’. Flea provided the voice for Donnie in the animated series ‘The Wild Thornberrys’ which ran for several seasons. He recently appeared in the film ‘Babylon’ and the television series ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’. His distinctive appearance and personality make him a popular choice for unique supporting characters.

Henry Rollins

Henry Rollins gained fame as the lead singer of the hardcore punk band Black Flag and later the Rollins Band. He transitioned into acting with roles in ‘Johnny Mnemonic’ and the thriller ‘Lost Highway’. Rollins is well known for his recurring role as the antagonist AJ Weston in the series ‘Sons of Anarchy’. He has also worked extensively as a voice actor in animation and video games. His intense energy and discipline as a musician have served him well in his dramatic and vocal roles.

Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf was a theatrical rock star whose album ‘Bat Out of Hell’ remains one of the best selling records in history. He had a significant acting career that began with his role as Eddie in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. Meat Loaf delivered an emotional and memorable performance as Robert Paulsen in ‘Fight Club’. He continued to act in films like ‘Wayne’s World’ and numerous television shows until his passing. His ability to play both comedic and deeply tragic roles earned him respect in the acting community.

Sting

Sting achieved international stardom as the frontman of The Police before launching a successful solo career. He made his acting debut in the film ‘Quadrophenia’ and played a prominent role in the science fiction epic ‘Dune’. Sting also starred in the drama ‘Bring on the Night’ and the heist film ‘Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’. He has appeared on Broadway and in several television projects often playing versions of himself or mysterious characters. His refined screen presence has made him a consistent choice for sophisticated roles.

Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger is the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones and one of the most famous rock stars in history. He ventured into acting early in his career with the cult classic ‘Performance’ and the western ‘Ned Kelly’. Jagger played the role of Victor Vacendak in the science fiction thriller ‘Freejack’ and appeared in ‘The Man from Elysian Fields’. He later founded his own film production company called Jagged Films to produce projects like ‘Enigma’. While music remains his primary focus his occasional film roles have always drawn significant attention.

Travis Fimmel

Travis Fimmel was a high profile fashion model before he decided to pursue acting as a serious career. He gained international recognition for his lead role as Ragnar Lothbrok in the historical drama series ‘Vikings’. Fimmel starred in the big budget film ‘Warcraft’ based on the popular video game franchise. He also headlined the science fiction series ‘Raised by Wolves’ produced by Ridley Scott. His transition from modeling to acting has been successful due to his intense screen presence and physical performance.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher began his career as a fashion model before landing his breakout role in the sitcom ‘That 70s Show’. He transitioned to film with comedies like ‘Dude Where’s My Car’ and later moved into production. Kutcher took on more dramatic roles in films such as ‘The Butterfly Effect’ and the biographical ‘Jobs’ where he played Steve Jobs. He eventually returned to television to star in ‘Two and a Half Men’ and ‘The Ranch’. His career has demonstrated a successful balance between acting and significant investments in technology companies.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum was a model and a professional dancer before he broke into acting with the film ‘Step Up’. He became a major star by appearing in action films like ‘G.I. Joe The Rise of Cobra’ and the drama ‘Magic Mike’. Tatum earned critical praise for his comedic roles in ’21 Jump Street’ and its sequel. He also demonstrated his dramatic range in the Academy Award nominated film ‘Foxcatcher’. His ability to combine physical comedy with athletic performance has made him a versatile leading man.

Jamie Dornan

Jamie Dornan was a successful fashion model for major brands before he transitioned to acting in films like ‘Marie Antoinette’. He gained widespread fame for his lead role in the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ film trilogy. Dornan received critical acclaim for his portrayal of a serial killer in the crime series ‘The Fall’. He further proved his talent with a praised performance in the drama ‘Belfast’ and the thriller series ‘The Tourist’. His career has evolved from high fashion to respected dramatic acting in both film and television.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson started his career as a singer and a model before making his film debut in ‘Baby Boy’. He became a staple of the action genre after joining the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise as Roman Pearce. Gibson also starred in the ‘Transformers’ film series and the action thriller ‘Four Brothers’. He has successfully balanced his music career with consistent work in blockbuster films. His charismatic performances have made him a fan favorite in several long running movie franchises.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover began his career as a writer for the sitcom ’30 Rock’ and a stand up comedian. He gained fame as an actor for his role as Troy Barnes in the comedy series ‘Community’. Glover achieved massive success in music under the name Childish Gambino while creating and starring in the series ‘Atlanta’. He played Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo A Star Wars Story’ and provided the voice for Simba in ‘The Lion King’. His multifaceted career makes him one of the most versatile entertainers of his generation.

Ice-T

Ice-T was a pioneer of gangster rap before he transitioned into a career in film and television. He made his acting debut in the crime drama ‘New Jack City’ and starred in the action film ‘Surviving the Game’. He is best known for his long running role as Odafin Tutuola on ‘Law & Order Special Victims Unit’ which he has played since the year 2000. His performance on the series has made him one of the longest serving actors on a primetime drama. He remains an influential figure in both hip hop culture and the television industry.

Joey Bada$$

Joey Bada$$ is a critically acclaimed rapper and a founding member of the hip hop collective Pro Era. He made a successful acting debut in the television series ‘Mr. Robot’ where he played the character Leon. He went on to star in the short film ‘Two Distant Strangers’ which won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. Joey has also appeared in the series ‘Power Book III Raising Kanan’ as a series regular. His transition into acting has been marked by a selection of high quality and impactful projects.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs was a rapper in the experimental group Clipping before achieving fame on Broadway in the musical ‘Hamilton’. He won a Tony Award for his dual roles as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. Diggs transitioned to film and television by starring in the movie ‘Blindspotting’ which he also co wrote. He leads the cast of the science fiction series ‘Snowpiercer’ and voiced characters in ‘Soul’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’. His career highlights a successful bridge between independent music and mainstream screen acting.

Usher

Usher is a global R&B superstar who has sold millions of albums and won numerous Grammy Awards. He began acting with roles in ‘The Faculty’ and ‘She’s All That’ during the late nineties. Usher portrayed the boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard in the biographical film ‘Hands of Stone’. He has appeared on Broadway in ‘Chicago’ and has taken guest roles in various television series. His performance in ‘Hands of Stone’ demonstrated his commitment to physical transformation and dramatic storytelling.

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz is a multi talented musician known for his retro style and many hit records. He moved into acting with a supporting role in the acclaimed drama ‘Precious’ directed by Lee Daniels. Kravitz gained wider recognition for his role as Cinna in ‘The Hunger Games’ and its first sequel. He also appeared in ‘The Butler’ and the television series ‘Star’ which allowed him to utilize his musical background. His screen presence is often described as effortless and natural by film critics.

Jim Brown

Jim Brown is considered one of the greatest football players to ever play in the NFL. He retired at the peak of his athletic career to pursue a life in the film industry. Brown starred in the classic war film ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and the western ‘100 Rifles’. He was one of the first major African American action stars and broke many barriers in Hollywood. His transition from the football field to the big screen paved the way for many athletes who followed him.

Howie Long

Howie Long was a Hall of Fame defensive end for the Oakland Raiders before he began his career in entertainment. He transitioned into acting by starring in the action film ‘Firestorm’ and the thriller ‘Broken Arrow’. Long also appeared in the musical comedy ‘That Thing You Do’ directed by Tom Hanks. He eventually found long term success as a prominent sports analyst for television broadcasts. His work in action movies during the nineties proved he could translate his physical intensity into a cinematic career.

Share which of these famous transitions surprised you the most in the comments.