Stars who came to showbiz from sports - 7 stars who came to movies from sports

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Vinnie Jones

Soccer pirate of the XX century was truly a threat to British forwards. His parents could not think that their puny son, who dreamed of conquering the heights of sports, will turn into a giant under two meters tall and will put fear in everyone. After all, it was Vinnie who once imagined the soccer field as a gladiatorial arena with extraordinary ease.

12 red cards for rough play, when disgruntled Axe (so nicknamed fans Jones) went under the stands, long considered a kind of record of the English Premier League. Later this achievement overlapped Roy Keane – captain of Manchester United. True, he lacked the ferocity with which Vinnie fought with the opponent on every scrap of the soccer field. Axe was never ceremonious in his choice of dirty means.

Vinnie Jones

In 1988, a little-known club Wimbledon took the FA Cup. In the final game they defeated the famous Liverpool. A team of desperate guys from the suburbs did not leave any chance to the famous rivals. Of course, in “Wimbledon” “shone” Vinnie Jones, who literally hunted on the field for the star strikers Liverpool.

After the match, the British press broke into angry criticism of the winning team. They said that such scoundrels like Vinnie, disgrace English soccer. Although authoritative experts argued that on this day “Wimbledon” was stronger than “Liverpool” and created a real miracle. “Wimbledon” was even nicknamed “gang of lunatics” for the tough game.

“We were on each other’s backs. If you fight one of us, you fight all of us,” recalls Vinnie Jones’ soccer years.

A few months before the momentous event, February 6, 1988, Vinnie Jones shocked English fans with another “feat”. On the installation of the coach Axe had to home game with “Newcastle” to tutor the rising star of the guests – striker Paul Gascoyne.

Vinny did not put things off. Even at the start of the match he lashed out at the young soccer talent. Axe, almost stepping on the boots Gascoyne, ominously threw in his face: “My name is Vinnie Jones, and I’ll be around the whole game. I don’t play soccer – and neither will you. Do you understand me, fat boy?”

Paul remembered that game for the rest of his life. Each time he gingerly received the ball, fearing Jones would drop it on the ground. But the worst thing happened in the home team’s penalty box. Axe as if unintentionally, defusing the danger at their goal, grabbed Gascoyne for the bottom. Screaming rising star of British soccer heard even in the upper stands.

Soccer bored Vinnie Jones, as well as the fame of a raging hooligan on the field. In addition, made himself aware of his age.

Vinnie Jones

“I saw Vinnie and immediately realized that this is the kind of guy I need. The fierce look, the toughness. A real gangster. If I met him in the alley, I would have thought that he would rob me,” – such were the first impressions of director Guy Ritchie, when he first saw the scandalous soccer player.

At that moment, the master of cinema presented Vinnie in the role of racketeer Big Chris in the cult movie “Cards, Money, Two Guns”. By the way, on the first audition Jones came rather wrinkled. For a fight and debauch in a crowded place Axe sat in the police station for several hours.

There was a strong impression that in this picture, which accompanied the resounding success, Vinnie played himself. Skeptics from among the connoisseurs of the film promised him a short career. But Hollywood held a different opinion.

Subsequent films “Big Kush”, “Eurotour”, “Kostolom”, “Hijack in 60 Seconds” and others were an extra confirmation that Vinnie Jones is considered a sought-after actor at the Dream Factory. One of the last creative works of the former Axe is the picture “Unkillable”, where he played the main role.

Ronda Rousey

At the height of her fame, the beautiful Ronda Rousey threatened to beat the famous boxer Floyd Mayweather and was determined to crush opponents in the cage with her favorite crowning pain technique. She holds a unique record: in three years in the UFC, Ronda made six mixed martial arts title defenses. Unfortunately, Rousey somehow failed to notice that the UFC has changed dramatically. The cage is now filled with new female fighters who have gone through boxing school and possess a powerful, knockout punch.

Two heavy defeats of Ronda Rousey from Holly Holm and Amanda Nunez, you could say, put an end to her future career. However, Rosey did not break down and moved to wrestling, where she achieved impressive results. For example, in 2022, she became the champion of the “Battle Royal”.

Ronda Rousey

“When I was a kid, all I did was train. I never went dancing, I never had dates, I never went to any parties. Training was my whole life,” Ronda admitted.

Attractive athlete with a perfect figure and radiant smile, of course, had success with the most famous men. And, hand on heart, was not inferior to the charm of many Hollywood beauties. This fact played a great role in the fate of Rosie.

Patrick Hughes – director of the action movie “Unstoppable-3” – did not doubt his choice when he offered the famous athlete role of a girl bouncer named Luna. This work brought Rhonda Rose a certain fame. Especially since she was lucky enough to work on the set with the star Hollywood actors: Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, Jason Statham, Harrison Ford. Later Rhonda played small but notable roles in the movies “Fast and Furious 7”, “22 Miles”.

Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie almost until his youth lived under the umbrella of fame of his famous father. At the home Olympics in 1948 in London, Laurie Sr. in a hard-fought rowing gold medal. The triumph of the champion was celebrated by the whole country. And it is no wonder that soon and on the son of Ren Laurie began to lay great hopes.

By all accounts, Hugh was to continue the glorious sporting traditions of the family. And he really put a lot of effort to meet the expectations of the British. The young man showed excellent results, and in 1977, the 18-year-old athlete became the strongest junior British athlete in pairs rowing. Hugh Laurie won a ticket to the World Championships, where he took fourth place.

Hugh Laurie

Sadly, but a brilliant career in rowing was interrupted by an illness – infectious mononucleosis. By the way, the cause of this disease medics believe overload, when the training process because of their own ambitions turns into torture. For the impressionable and sensitive Hugh Laurie what happened to him was a real tragedy.

He was saved from depression Cambridge drama club “Rampa”, where he got quite by accident. One day in the bar Hugh met a young woman Alison. They talked and Laurie, as is often the case when meeting with strangers, revealed her soul. Apparently, intuition told Alison that Laurie – a delicate nature and he should try himself in a new hypostasis – an actor.

Perhaps it was a sign of fate. Much later gained experience and skill Hugh Laurie boldly stepped into the world of cinema. On the screens came Dr. House – gloomy, bile, but very charming hero. This popular series with the same name lasted several seasons and brought Hugh Laurie two “Golden Globes”.

For the third time this prestigious award, the star Briton received in 2016 for the role of arms dealer Richard Roper in the Anglo-American series “The Night Administrator”.

Gina Carano

Gina Carano in her youth was teased by her peers as a “bulky”. And in fact, large and full-bodied girl of his article resembled, to put it mildly, on the bouncer. Not even her pretty face and deep eyes did not change the picture. Only later, when Gina Carano got rid of excess weight, she appeared before everyone a real beauty.

In this miraculous transformation played a decisive role in sports. More specifically, Thai boxing. Multiple champion in kickboxing Master Toddy once met with her at one of the trainings and took over her patronage. The experienced mentor did his best to make Gina Carano learn the basics of kickboxing.

Gina Carano

Grueling training, huge loads (Toddy did not spare his mentee!) as if by magic changed the figure of the athlete.

“That’s what he said to me – ‘Oh no, baby, baby, you’re fat, you need to lose weight!’ Nobody else would let themselves say that, and he could. And it was honest and real. And I thought, “You know what? He’s right. Let’s get in shape!” I appreciate honesty,” Gina said.

The slender, perfectly shaped beauty now looked more like a model. Looking ahead, we say that the girl got on the podium later. Kickboxing soon bored Gina. Toddy immediately felt the change in the mood of the girl. And decided to set her up with the famous promoters of MMM, advertising the extraordinary abilities of Gina Carano.

Gina Carano

Gina’s debut in mixed fights took place on June 10, 2006. She knocked out the experienced Leticia Pestova in 38 seconds. A series of brilliant victories in MMM followed, Carano’s sports career was on the rise. However, in a fight with Brazilian Cristiana Justina, the scythe came to a head. Alas, in this fight Gina lost to her opponent by technical knockout.

However, the beautiful Gina did not grieve for long. She decided to leave the sport and go to the movies. The magic of this art was much closer to the delicate and impressionable soul of Carano. Especially since Hollywood directors have long wanted to see her in their movies. Sexy Gina received the role of Mallory Kane in the movie “Knockout”. Critics approved of the acting game of Carano. Subsequent pictures “Fast and Furious”, “Deadpool” with the participation of Gina consolidated her success in Hollywood.

Dwayne Johnson

He took an unusual sports nickname – The Rock. And under this name, Dwayne Johnson became a legend of world wrestling. True, the path to this stellar peak was hard, exhausting and not without bitter mistakes. Even in his youth, Dwayne learned what is real poverty. His parents were not even able to pay the rent. As a result, the family was on the street.

Johnson, you could say, was born in professional wrestling. His father, Rocky Johnson, was a successful wrestler, as was his maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia. Johnson Sr. was on the road all the time, but the money from the competitions was still not enough. One day upon returning home, the family saw a lock on the door of the house and an eviction notice.

“My mom got out of the car with glassy eyes and just walked to the road. Not paying attention to the other cars. It was a defining moment. I remember thinking at the age of 14: I will never, ever put my parents through that again,” Dwayne recalls bitterly.

Dwayne Johnson

Constantly moving around the country forced him to change four schools. Dwayne, naturally, did not receive a proper education. And in the memory of a tall sturdy young man (the result of constant training with a barbell) remained only resentment of teachers. And on his peers, with whom he always fought. The street, figuratively speaking, opened its arms to him. Dwayne Johnson joined a gang that robbed stores.

Parents were not delighted with this “choice” and tried in every way to put their son on the path of truth. According to Duane, he would definitely go to jail. The young man was saved from such an unenviable fate by an American soccer coach. Athletic data of the guy could only be envied. The coach saw in him the potential of an athlete.

At first, American soccer inspired Dwayne with its prospects. He broke off relations with the street gang and all his free time devoted to training. Unfortunately, the long silence on the part of famous clubs, unwilling to pay attention to the gifted athlete, led him to depression. The situation was also aggravated by the fact that Johnson suffered a back injury. However, fate still went his way.

Dwayne Johnson

Johnson made his debut in WWE (the world’s largest wrestling federation) in 1996. The very first performance in this sport started Dwayne’s brilliant victories. The Rock won almost all the titles in world wrestling. Then he decided to take a break. Johnson was preparing to realize a long cherished dream: to leave the sport and get into Hollywood.

Secretly from all Dwayne attended acting classes and little by little gaining experience. He waited for his star hour. Fortune smiled on the famous athlete. Hollywood directors noticed this Hercules with a memorable appearance. Johnson debuted in 2001 in the blockbuster “The Mummy Returns.” Then he got the main role in the movie “The Scorpion King”, which brought him world fame.

Now in the creative arsenal of Dwayne Johnson several dozen paintings of various genres. And he, without any exaggeration – a recognized star of Hollywood. To date to the status of billionaire Dwayne lacks $ 200 million. At the same time, the athlete is considered one of the most generous stars. He gives expensive gifts not only to relatives, but also to stuntmen who perform stunts for him, housekeepers, making his home look neat. And also actively engaged in charity.

Jason Statham

The son of a boxer and a dressmaker glorified his name in world cinema. He became one of the highest paid Hollywood actors. In his youth, Jason became interested in diving and dreamed of achieving high results in this sport.

“I was mesmerized by the spectacle, I didn’t really understand why. I looked at the jumps and could not tear myself away,” Statham later recalled. For 12 years, he was always part of the British national team, but, alas, he never won a championship.

Diving was a thing of the past, because he had to earn a piece of bread street trading and advertising jeans as a model. The latter occupation by an unexpected whim of fate gave Jason a great chance to get into a big movie.

Jason Statham

The fact is that one day Statham appeared on the cover of a glossy magazine. Jason’s beautiful figure and unusual appearance attracted the attention of Guy Ritchie himself, who began work on the future cult movie “Cards, Money, Two Guns”. Fortunately, the owner of the brand, where Jason worked as a model, turned out to be a producer of the picture. And his patronage was very useful for the yet unknown British.

The role of the second plan, played in the above-mentioned movie Guy Geechee, brought Statham’s first success. A little later, the famous director invited Jason in the picture “Big Kush”. And Luc Besson’s action movie “Carrier” opened the way to Hollywood for the former athlete.

HERE we have collected the most powerful Jason Statham quotes and funny parodies of them.

Eric Cantona

When the great Sir Alex Ferguson invited Frenchman Eric Cantona to Manchester United, the venerable English public flinched slightly. And then grudgingly booed. Behind the furious Frenchman stretched a trail of disreputable deeds. In December 1987, he was kicked out of the team “Martig”. Goalkeeper club tried to joke about Eric. And immediately got in the eye.

A year later was not well with the coach of the French national team Henri Michel. Eric Cantona called him a bad word and made it clear that very doubtful of the professional abilities of the mentor. In December 1991, already in the club Nîmes, the Frenchman again showed his obnoxious character. He threw the ball at the head of the referee and went to the locker room.

Almost all fans of Manchester United did not expect such a “gift” from Ferguson. And weakly believed that Eric Cantona would change his behavior. Therefore, November 22, 1992, when the Frenchman was enrolled in the composition of the famous club, considered the black day of the calendar in the history of the team.

Eric Cantona

However, the extraordinary creative flair did not fail the famous Scot. With the easy hand of Alex Ferguson Eric Cantona became the soul of the team and won with her four championship titles of the English soccer championship. Now no one dared to criticize the “mad Frenchman”. And the fans simply adored him, welcoming the appearance of Eric on the field rapturous enthusiasm.

Alas, January 25, 1995 January in a guest match with “Crystal Palace” Cantona again found himself at the center of a terrible scandal. He did not stand insult young fan Matthew Simmons, jumped over the barrier and kicked him in the face. The British press kicked up a fuss. Journalists demanded the harshest punishment for Cantona.

Ferguson staunchly defended the most valuable player of the team, insisting that the fan deliberately provoked the conflict. Eric was suspended from soccer for eight months and sentenced to 120 hours of corrective labor. In this ill-fated year in the absence of the Frenchman “Manchester United” and did not achieve the championship title.

And then Cantona tired of soccer. He was now burning desire to devote himself to the movie. Even before parting with the sport Eric Cantona played a small role in the French comedy “Love in the Meadows”. Then he was invited to the historical drama “Elizabeth”. And he got his first major role in the comedy movie “Walking with Jerks”.