Top 10 Sports Stars Who Are Surprisingly Good Actors

Dave Bautista broke through the mold and became a surprise success in the acting world. He created a serious wrestling persona in the WWE that built him a loyal audience well before his transformation. As Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bautista really took off in the minds of film lovers. In the "Guardians of the Galaxy" series, the wrestler demonstrates his range as a formidable presence with natural comedic abilities. He's also made several appearances as the muscle in movies such as the James Bond film "Spectre." His reputation as something more than a traditional action star has us hoping that we’ll be seeing him branch out even more in the future.

Ronda Rousey's fierce MMA moves helped get her into the WWE and, interestingly enough, the acting industry. Her impressive win record generated an opportunity to take her skills to a much wider audience. Proving herself in a variety of action roles, Rousey stars alongside the likes of Mark Wahlberg in the film "Mile 22.” Her ability to hold her own with trained professionals makes her an obvious choice for stunts and fight scenes. She also features in a memorable role of Kara in "Furious 7," where she goes toe-to-toe with Michelle Rodriguez. As a hero or a villain, the fighter showcases her toughness and physical prowess beyond the octagon.

Chuck Norris didn't become a legend by accident. After honing his physical skills in the Air Force, Norris went on to claim victory in karate competitions. He later met and worked with Bruce Lee in "The Way of the Dragon." From that auspicious start, he went on to create a fruitful career and starred in a variety of successful projects. He even managed to make the best of action roles in “The Delta Force” and TV shows like "Walker, Texas Ranger." As a legitimate fighter, he carries himself in a very particular manner, one which only contributes to his rather mythical status.

English football fans might know Vinnie Jones as a former member of Wimbledon and other football clubs. For movie buffs, however, we’ll recognize him from his genuine charm and bruiser energy in projects like "Snatch." As one of the first soccer stars to make it big in the film industry, the athlete braved uncharted territory to become a breakout star. He helps make many British crime films more memorable with his towering presence and wry sense of humor. In the Guy Ritchie black comedy, for example, "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," Jones showed the world that he was a natural talent in front of the camera. All in all, the athlete never fails to brighten up the screen or deliver a well-timed quip.

Some people don't know that Terry Crews actually played football before his acting career. Before his breakout roles in films like "The Longest Yard" and "White Chicks," Crews spent the 90s in the NFL. By the end of the decade, though, the former linebacker would trade in his helmet and pads for a lucrative Hollywood career. On the TV series "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," he's even shown off his talent for comedy. He's one of the performers that proves you can look like an action star and be effortlessly funny at the same time. From Adam Sandler movies to "The Expendables" series, his infectious energy translates to a number of different and diverse projects.

Kevin Garnett's skills on the court led him to a legendary run on teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Boston Celtics. While it seemed unlikely, the power forward managed to find his way into the movie industry with a chance call from the Safdie Brothers. Starring alongside Adam Sandler, Garnett plays a fictionalized version of himself in the thrilling film "Uncut Gems." His ability to trade lines with a great cast of actors makes for an essential part of the story. Avoiding the perils of stunt casting, the athlete builds a realistic character on top of his own NBA persona.

Long before he was Apollo Creed, Carl Weathers was a linebacker in the NFL and the CFL – and, before that, he played as a defensive end back in his college days. His athletic talents made him a natural fit for the "Rocky" series even if his main sport was football. Transcending the boxing saga, his acting skills also helped bolster classic films like "Predator" with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Even as a supporting actor, he brings the strength of a leading man to every role regardless of the genre. Long after the death of Apollo Creed, Weathers remains an integral part of pop culture with his appearances on shows like "The Mandalorian."

John Cena stands out as one of the most popular and well-known wrestling entertainers of the 2000s. As he transitioned into acting, the performer drew early interest with films like "The Marine." Cena would diversify his roles over the next decade with an unexpected, but very welcomed, jump into comedy. The athlete shows people that he can make fun of himself and subvert expectations in projects like "Trainwreck." On the HBO series "Peacemaker," the actor’s impressive physique doesn’t detract from doses of dark humor. And, if that wasn't enough, he also offers his talents to major blockbusters such as "F9" and “The Suicide Squad.”

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was a football player and a WWE superstar long before he made his profitable jump to the silver screen. Luckily, his trademark showmanship and athleticism continue to be valuable assets in the movie industry. By the 2010s, Johnson was established as one of the most bankable leading action stars. The actor commands franchises from "Fast and Furious" to "Jumanji" with his signature camera-ready talents. And, his eternal confidence helps push any film series or solo action film into the stratosphere. With a knack for fight scenes and one-liners, the former wrestler makes for a natural movie presence.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

LeBron James
This NBA Superstar Parlays His Persona into Both Comedic & Leading Man Performances

Jim Brown
The Star Running Back Retired from the NFL to Become an Action Star in the Late 60s

Esther Williams
Williams Went from Swimming Star to Aquatic Box Office Draw in the 1950s

André the Giant
This Gigantic Wrestler Brought a Lovable Energy to His Roles Outside the Ring

Before he became one of the most famous action stars of the 20th century, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a champion bodybuilder. From his roles in “The Terminator” films to “Conan the Barbarian,” he was the ultimate symbol of the muscled action hero. Schwarzenegger just oozes this underrated charisma that injects humor into so many of his projects. It’s likely what made his transition into comedies such a resounding success. You all remember “Kindergarten Cop,” right? All these years later, his impact on both the worlds of entertainment and bodybuilding is just as relevant as it was in the 80s and 90s.