Now they are popular actors and idols of millions. However, this might not have been the case if they had chosen a career in sports.

Chuck Norris

The actor began practicing sports after his military service in the Air Force, where he started judo and karate. Talent and hard training allowed him to become a black belt at the age of 22. Norris began competing, and very successfully, for seven years as world champion. He also opened several schools across America. But he decided to tie his fate with the cinema. And success awaited him again: "Return of the Dragon," "Operation Delta," and "Missing Persons" are still some of the best action movies in the history of cinema.

Six athletes who became popular actors

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Schwarzenegger has been involved in bodybuilding for many years. However, in his youth, he was professionally engaged in soccer and dreamed of linking his life with this sport, but his interest in bodybuilding overcame. Arnold participated a lot in competitions and even became "Mr. Olympia." His handsome physique helped him get roles in such cult action movies as "Terminator," "Total Recall," "Conan the Barbarian," and "Commando," and he became an idol for many men.

Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke was an active and energetic boy from childhood. His parents sent him to basketball and bodybuilding, but he got involved with bad company and began to study poorly here. It was a pity there were no write me an essay services then because his life has changed dramatically since then. So he quit those sports and took up boxing. So much so that his trainers predicted a professional career for him. But he was making good money in the ring, and that's when Micky went to conquer Hollywood.

Six athletes who became popular actors

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Another bodybuilding fan, Jean-Claude Van Damme, is an actor and kickboxer. Everywhere Van Damme was able to win titles. He is the absolute champion of Belgium in bodybuilding and the European champion in karate and kickboxing. All the skills helped him get the attention of directors and producers and made him a star.

Jason Statham

Surprisingly, the British actor was not boxing, bodybuilding, or soccer, but diving. Jason was a member of the England national water sports team and even participated in the Olympics in Seoul in 1988. After his sports career, the actor saw himself in the modeling business, which was closer to him, but an acquaintance with director Guy Ritchie changed his view of acting.

Six athletes who became popular actors

Dwayne Johnson

As a high school student, he also ran, wrestled, and played American soccer but opted for wrestling. Johnson is a legendary fighter with many victories and regalia to his credit. It was this sport has made him a star. No wonder directors dreamed of seeing The Rock in their films. His acting career came to his liking, and now you can see him even in comedy roles.

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