Buzz
While numerous athletes have attempted to shift into acting, only a select few have achieved significant success. Though they may not have won Emmys or Oscars, some have built impressive second careers and earned recognition as talented actors.
To create this list, I focused on individuals who played sports professionally. Ranking them was challenging, but I evaluated their achievements in both sports and acting, their acting skills, and their overall success in the entertainment industry. Professional bodybuilders and wrestlers were excluded, as their sports already emphasize stage presence and theatrics.
12. Bob Uecker b.1935
Pro Sports Career: Played Baseball for Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves from 1962 to 1967
It feels appropriate for Bob Uecker to land at number 12, but at least he secured a spot on the list. After an underwhelming baseball career, Uecker capitalized on his self-deprecating humor, sharing his experiences on talk shows and eventually starring in various TV shows and films. His iconic line, 'Just a bit outside,' from the movie *Major League*, remains unforgettable. He later gained fame as a main character in the TV series *Mr. Belvedere*, which ran from 1985 to 1990.
11. Rick Fox b. 1969
Pro Sports Career: Played Basketball for Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers from 1991 to 2004.
It might still be too early to predict whether Fox will achieve significant success in acting, but he has demonstrated considerable potential with roles in shows like HBO's *Oz* and a few episodes of *Ugly Betty*.
10. Jason Lee b. 1970
Pro Sports Career: Professional skateboarder during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Professional skateboarding might not be the first sport that comes to mind when discussing athletes transitioning to acting. However, considering the skill, athleticism, and competitiveness involved, it certainly deserves a place alongside other sports. Jason Lee, the youngest on this list, also has one of the most promising acting careers. He shines as Earl Hickey in the TV series *My Name is Earl*, which premiered in 2005. Lee also starred in the movie *Alvin and the Chipmunks* and voiced the titular character in *Underdog*, released in 2007.
9. Alex Karras b. 1935
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Detroit Lions from 1958 to 1962 and 1964 to 1970
Karras’s unforgettable role as Mongo in *Blazing Saddles* remains iconic. He further solidified his acting career with appearances in numerous films and TV shows, including *Webster*, where he starred alongside his wife, Susan Clark, as one of the main characters.
8. Ed Marinaro b. 1950
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and Seattle Seahawks from 1972 to 1977. Marinaro was also the runner-up for the 1971 Heisman Trophy Award.
Ed Marinaro has starred in numerous films and TV shows, but he is most recognized for his role as Officer Joe Coffey in *Hill Street Blues*, which ran from 1981 to 1987.
7. Chuck Connors b. 1921 – d. 1992
Pro Sports Career: Played baseball for the Chicago Cubs and Brooklyn Dodgers from 1949 to 1951. Connors also played basketball for the Boston Celtics from 1946 to 1948.
Many fans of *The Rifleman* may not realize that Chuck Connors had a prior career as a professional athlete. Though his sports career wasn’t extraordinary, Connors is among the rare 12 individuals who played both professional baseball and basketball. Beyond his iconic TV show, which aired for six years, he appeared in numerous films.
6. Merlin Olsen b. 1940
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Los Angeles Rams from 1962 to 1976 and was part of the legendary defensive line known as 'The Fearsome Foursome.'
Merlin Olsen is most recognized for his role in the series *Father Murphy*, which aired from 1981 to 1983. He also played Jonathan Garvey in numerous episodes of *Little House on the Prairie* between 1974 and 1983.
5. Vinnie Jones b. 1965
Pro Sports Career: Played professional football (soccer) from 1984 to 1999. Clubs included Wimbledon, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Chelsea, and Queens Park Rangers.
As someone unfamiliar with English football, I didn’t realize Vinnie Jones was a former professional athlete when I first saw his compelling performance in *Swordfish*. Later, I discovered his remarkable soccer career. With his strong screen presence, Jones has become a prolific actor, now starring in many films.
4. Carl Weathers b. 1948
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Oakland Raiders and the British Columbia Lions from 1970 to 1974.
Carl Weathers delivered an iconic performance as Apollo Creed in the *Rocky* film series. He further showcased his acting talent in TV shows like *Street Justice*, which ran from 1991 to 1993.
3. Jim Brown b. 1936
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965.
While it would be great to see Jim Brown in more diverse roles, his status as one of the greatest football players of all time, combined with a highly successful acting career, makes him a clear choice for the top spot on this list. His breakout role in *The Dirty Dozen* launched his film career, and since then, he has starred in over 30 movies, in addition to working as a producer and director.
Contributor: Blogball
2. Fred Williamson b. 1938
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs from 1960 to 1967.
Williamson has remained active in movies and television for more than 30 years. While some have criticized his involvement in blaxploitation films, there’s no denying his significant impact on the film industry. Beyond acting, Williamson also produces, writes, and directs. Recently, he showcased his comedic talent as Captain Dobey in *Starsky & Hutch*.
1. Fred Dryer b. 1946
Pro Sports Career: Played football for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams from 1969 to 1981.
Fred Dryer is most famous for his lead role as Det. Sgt. Rick Hunter in the TV series *Hunter*, which enjoyed a successful seven-year run from 1984 to 1991. Dryer also directed several episodes of the show. Later, he produced and starred in another television series titled *Land’s End*.
