Truly a legend in every way, Bruce Lee transcended martial arts. The Hong Kong-born phenomenon began as a child actor in his hometown. At 18, already a master in martial arts, he moved to the U.S and began teaching it. Channeling his Chinese heritage, Bruce Lee became a major influence in what was later to be developed as MMA (mixed martial arts) and has been celebrated for bridging the gap between the east and the west.
His iconic roles in martial arts movies like the 1972 film Way of the Dragon and 1973’s Enter the Dragon have even been credited with changing the way Americans perceived Chinese people, which before was weak and cowardly.
Gina Carano
Here’s another action movie star who keeps it real on the big screen. To this end, Gina Carano has pioneered women’s martial arts setting championship records. She competed in the male-dominated Strikeforce and EliteXC tournaments, becoming the third-best female fighter in the world. In 2009 she fought Cris Cyborg at Strikeforce, the first time two women headlined a major MMA event.
Carano received the first female Chuck Norris Award for Best Action Star in Haywire for bringing those moves to film. On Deadpool, she marveled at fans. She’s been named “Hottest Woman in the World” by several publications. She drives her car like an action hero too. Racing down the freeway at 126 m.p.h., the cop did not agree with her that it’s not reckless driving if you’re a really good driver who is in control of the vehicle.
David Duchovny
At Princeton and Yale, David Duchovny honed his literary skills, procuring some acclaim as a poet until he left doctoral studies behind to act full-time. After two years of small parts, Duchovny landed the DEA role on Twin Peaks, which led to his immense popularity in the 1990s with The X-Files. (And, again, more recently as the extra-ordinary series was rediscovered by the younger gens).
Like Agent Mulder, he and Scully chase paranormal phenomena and crack conspiracy theories. But, honestly, if he didn’t make it as an actor, his next choice would have been professional basketball or baseball. At Princeton, he played shooting guard for the varsity basketball team, and he manned centerfield for the JV baseball team.
Sean Connery
As a kid, Sean Connery grew up strong in a rough district of Scotland slums. On the streets, they called him Tommy. He has made a formidable impression playing tag or soccer. Later he joined the Dunedin Weightlifting Club to impress the ladies. Mission accomplished! His weightlifting blokes were so impressed they nominated him for Mr. Universe. Connery traveled to London to compete. He scored a medal and was discovered by the producers of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "South Pacific" musical.
Already pro grade at soccer, by age 23, he was set to become a professional footballer or an actor. Spoiler alert, he chose the latter. After a handful of minor roles on British TV and film, Connery scored his big break as James Bond. On Halloween 2020, the sports and acting legend passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Britney Spears
To say that the pop queen was an accomplished athlete before her music career is quite the statement, as the singer hit it big at the tender age of 16. The Oops I Did It Again singer was playing high school basketball, and things looked pretty promising. Did we have a potential WNBA star on our hands? Britney still shoots hoops and even loves to share it on Twitter. In a post in 2017, you can see queen Britney dunk quite a few in a row.
Now that her music career has slowed down, we wonder if she is having second thoughts. Everyone needs their second shot in the spotlight, and while she's had a few, maybe this could be another one.