Regardless of the great schools of acting available the world over, the ability to tell stories form the perspective of another is rooted in talent over acquired skill. At it’s simplest, it’s playing a child’s game: make believe. It’s no surprise that many actors have come from athletic careers to pursue the competition in the entertainment industry, or simultaneously work in both fields. Some have tried and failed, while others went on to huge success, million dollar movie deals and even acting awards.
12. Shaquille O’Neal
Sure, Shaq is better known as a basketball player, but make no mistake, this dominant center was an actor playing basketball. Because Shaquille O’Neal is a quality ham, he has enjoyed several roles in feature films. Shaq charmed the kids with Kazaam, then took a turn toward drama, and displaying some acting chops in the 1994 basketball-based Blue Chips, starring Nick Nolte. Throughout Shaq’s playing career, which resulted in four NBA championships, it was rather obvious that he was grooming a path toward a career continuation in the world of entertainment. From feature film roles, to TV appearances and his current gig on TNT’s Inside The NBA, Dr. Shaquille O’Neal is everything you’d hope for in a 7’1″ class clown.
Source: Columbia Pictures