12 Famous Personalities Who Took Race Car Driving Seriously

The skills required for acting and race car driving seem to overlap in intriguing ways. It could be the thrill of adrenaline and the ability to handle unpredictable situations, which are common both on movie sets and racing tracks.

For some actors, portraying a driver on screen isn't enough—they crave the real-life excitement of racing. Leveraging their fame, they secure sponsorships and step into the driver's seat to compete against seasoned professionals. Here are 12 celebrities who have done just that.

12. Rowan Atkinson, aka Mr. Bean

Rowan Atkinson, widely recognized as the comedic mastermind behind the iconic character Mr. Bean, is also a dedicated race car driver and motorsport enthusiast.

When he's not busy filming movies like Johnny English or TV series such as Blackadder, Rowan Atkinson dedicates his time to racing on international tracks and contributing articles to racing publications.

He once owned a McLaren F1 race car, which he unfortunately crashed. In the 1980s, he competed in the Manufacturer’s Turbo Cup racing series with a mid-engined Renault 5. Additionally, he drove his personal Aston Martin race car at the renowned Silverstone event in 2010.

In 2014, Rowan Atkinson experienced a severe head-on collision while racing a vintage Ford Falcon sprint car. Fortunately, he escaped with only minor injuries, though the car was completely destroyed.

11. Walter Cronkite

Surprisingly, legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite was also a passionate and skilled race car driver. Interestingly, most of his racing achievements occurred before he became famous as the face of CBS Evening News during the 1960s and 1970s.

In 1959, Walter Cronkite secured third place driving a Volvo PV444 at an endurance race in Lime Park, Connecticut. That same year, he partnered in driving a Zagato-bodied Lancia Appia at the 12 Hours of Sebring, where his team finished in 40th place.

Throughout his life, Walter Cronkite remained dedicated to racing, participating in celebrity events even as he aged. Later, he shifted his passion from race cars to sailboats, becoming an enthusiastic yachtsman and competing in regattas across the United States.

10. Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise's enthusiasm for race car driving led him to create the 1990 film Days of Thunder, a project inspired by his love for stock car racing. His interest in racing was sparked by his friend and co-star Paul Newman, whom he worked with in the 1986 movie The Colour of Money.

Despite his passion for racing, Tom Cruise was notorious for his poor driving skills, earning the nickname “See Cruise Crash” among fellow drivers. His instructors attributed this to his overly aggressive driving style, while Cruise himself cited his dyslexia as a contributing factor.

Due to the high risks involved, the movie studios Tom Cruise worked with refused to insure him if he continued racing. As a result, he had to step away from the sport. However, he remains an avid racing enthusiast and has even made appearances on the BBC show Top Gear.

9. Paul Walker

In a tragic twist of fate, Paul Walker, known for his role in The Fast and the Furious series, lost his life in a car accident. Before his untimely death, Walker was not just an actor in racing films but also an accomplished race car driver and the owner of a well-regarded racing team.

A gifted and accomplished driver, the The Fast and the Furious actor participated in the Redline Time Attack racing series, piloting a customized BMW M3. He was also a co-owner of the Always Evolving speed shop and racing team, which continues to compete in his honor.

The team honors Paul Walker's memory by dedicating every race to him.

8. Frankie Muniz

Frankie Muniz, adored as the charming middle child and lead character of Malcolm in the Middle, seemed destined for a thriving career in film and TV. However, as he navigated the challenges of adolescence, he developed a passion for speed and horsepower.

A smaller frame can be advantageous for race car drivers, and Frankie, standing at 5’5″, fit comfortably into various race cars. He has competed in multiple racing series, including Formula racing, where he achieved a Top 10 finish in the 2009 Formula Atlantic Championship.

Frankie has recently returned to acting, making an appearance in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!

7. Jason Priestley

Jason Priestley is a unique celebrity who earned his fortune through acting while simultaneously influencing American culture. His portrayal of Brandon Walsh in Beverly Hills 90210 inspired countless fans worldwide, with the show's fashion trends becoming a global sensation.

Embracing his fame, Jason pursued his childhood passion for auto racing. Though he considered himself a hobbyist, he competed professionally and narrowly escaped death in 2003 after crashing into a wall at nearly 180 mph during an Indy car race.

Following his near-fatal accident, Jason stepped away from driving but remained involved in racing as a team owner. His co-owned team, FAZZT, achieved a 10th-place finish in the 2010 Indianapolis 500.

6. James Garner

James Garner was deeply passionate about racing, owning a professional team that competed in top-tier endurance races for three seasons. His true love, however, lay in off-road motorsports.

An Army veteran, James thrived in rugged conditions and played a key role in boosting the popularity of the iconic Baja 500. This race gained further attention through the 2005 documentary Dust to Glory.

James Garner actively participated in numerous races during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was also honored with the opportunity to drive the pace car at the Indianapolis 500 on three separate occasions.

Driving the Indy 500 Pace Car is both a privilege for the driver and a boon for the sport. After all, who could resist such an iconic opportunity?

5. Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen was practically born to be a race car driver. His natural edge and charisma made him a perfect fit for the world of racing.

In modern terms, McQueen had a rebellious youth, spending time in reform schools. However, once he left, he transformed into a disciplined and driven individual.

Steve McQueen epitomized cool in the 1960s and early 1970s, becoming one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Car enthusiasts often associate him with Frank Bullitt, and the iconic 1968 Ford Mustang from Bullitt symbolizes power and style.

Following the release of Bullitt, Mustang sales skyrocketed. McQueen was not only skilled behind the wheel but also achieved notable success in endurance races. He also had a passion for off-road motorcycle racing, long before MotoX became popular.

4. Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman is a versatile talent, excelling in comedy, drama, and even car racing. With two Oscars to his name and a long, distinguished acting career, he also found time to pursue his passion for auto racing.

Hollywood legend has it that Gene developed a love for racing after filming The French Connection, where he performed many of his own driving stunts. His racing career peaked in 1983 when he competed for Dan Gurney’s team in the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Endurance races are ideal for part-time racers or hobbyists, as the diverse vehicle categories allow drivers to compete in cars they can handle. This is often where actors, including the next entry at #3, find their niche in racing.

3. Patrick Dempsey

McDreamy racing cars? Who could forget Patrick driving that lawnmower in Can’t Buy Me Love? Wasn’t that a sign of things to come?

Patrick Dempsey is arguably the most skilled driver on this list, though his driving talents are often overshadowed by his acting career. He has participated in some of the world’s most elite endurance races, including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Le Mans is the birthplace of endurance racing, and no other event matches its historical significance. Patrick has also raced in the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta and secured an impressive third-place finish in the 2011 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Adding to his credibility, Patrick drove for Porsche, a brand synonymous with racing excellence. That alone speaks volumes about his skill.

2. Paul Newman

The iconic Paul Newman passed away in 2008, but his racing legacy lives on. In 2000, he competed in the Petit Le Mans, and in 2006, at the age of 81, he became the oldest driver to start the Rolex 24. A true legend.

Racing enthusiasts are well aware of Newman/Haas Racing, and for those who might wonder, yes, it is that Newman.

Paul Newman was a racing icon, earning nearly as many accolades on the track as he did in his acting career. His talent was unmatched. While Patrick Dempsey shares a similar passion, he may never achieve the same level of success or longevity as Newman.

It was fitting that Paul’s final role was voicing Doc Hudson in Cars. Among his many racing achievements, he secured second place overall at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans and won his class at the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona.

1. James Dean

This list might never have come to be without James Dean. The actor harbored a profound love for auto racing, starting before he filmed Rebel Without a Cause. He was eager to return to racing after the movie wrapped, but Warner Brothers prohibited him from racing until he completed Giant.

James Dean was the first actor to boldly step onto the race track, aiming to earn respect as a skilled driver after finishing his film commitments. A Porsche enthusiast, he purchased a 550 Spyder specifically for racing.

Tragically, he never got the chance to race it on a professional track. James lost his life while driving his new Porsche to a racing event in Salinas, California.