10 Olympians who tried their luck in Hollywood: From LeBron James to Serena Williams

10 Olympic athletes who made a name in Hollywood

In the world of sports, achieving greatness often means chasing gold medals, breaking records, and becoming legends. However, for some athletes, the spotlight doesn't end with their feats on the field. Instead, they transition to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or pursue it simultaneously with their sporting careers. These athletes frequently make impressive strides in their acting jobs, often playing fictionalized versions of themselves or exploring entirely new personas. Let's take a closer look at 10 Olympians who have found success on the silver screen.

1. LeBron James

LeBron James, a titan in the world of basketball and four-time Olympian, made his Hollywood debut in the 2015 film 'Trainwreck'. James played a frugal version of himself, showcasing his comedic timing alongside stars like Amy Schumer and Bill Hader. His performance was notable, especially considering he had never taken an acting lesson. James' business manager and childhood friend, Maverick Carter, explained to The Hollywood Reporter in July 2015, "[LeBron’s] been in front of the cameras since he was 18. He’s very comfortable in front of the camera. He didn’t need an acting coach."

2. McKayla Maroney

Retired artistic gymnast McKayla Maroney, known for her viral "unimpressed" face from the 2012 London Olympics, made a smooth transition into acting. She starred as Tonya on the CW series 'Hart of Dixie' from 2012 to 2015, showing off her acting skills in a recurring role. Maroney also made appearances on 'Superstore' and 'Bones,' further establishing her presence in the television world. In 2021, the Olympic champion reprised her iconic "unimpressed" expression in a Geico commercial, reminding fans of her memorable moment.

3. Serena Williams

Tennis legend Serena Williams, who has four Olympic gold medals, has made several guest appearances on popular television shows. In 2012, she played a high-powered attorney on the Lifetime dramedy 'Drop Dead Diva'. Her acting career also includes roles in 'ER', 'My Wife and Kids', and 'Law & Order: SVU'. It's safe to say, Williams' presence on screen is as commanding as it is on the tennis court. 

4. Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner, who won a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics, has emerged as a well-known reality television figure. Jenner first appeared on the E! reality show 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians', which aired from 2007 to 2021. Her journey continued with her own television documentary series, 'I Am Cait', which ran from 2015 to 2016. The 74-year-old's story has been an inspiration to many, and her television appearances have provided a platform to share her experiences.

5. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, the original basketball superstar who led Team USA to a gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, teamed up with Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters in the 1996 hit 'Space Jam' to play a high-stakes basketball game. The movie, which blended live-action with animation, has turned out to be a pop culture phenomenon.

6. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal, who won gold with the US basketball team at the 1996 Summer Games, has an impressive list of acting credits. He starred in 'Blue Chips' (1994), 'Kazaam' (1996), 'Steel' (1997), and 'He Got Game' (1998). O'Neal's filmography extends to a slew of Adam Sandler movies, including 'Grown-Ups 2', 'Blended', and 'Hubie Halloween'. His larger-than-life personality and comedic timing have made him a natural fit for Hollywood.

7. Nastia Liukin

Nastia Liukin, a decorated gymnast who won the individual all-around gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, made a brief but memorable appearance on the CW teen drama 'Gossip Girl'. In the episode 'It's a Wonderful Lie', Liukin shared a scene with actors Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) and Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf). Her cameo added a touch of Olympic glamour to the Upper East Side.

8. Shaun White

Shaun White, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding, ventured into Hollywood with a role in the 2011 romantic comedy 'Friends with Benefits'. Starring alongside Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, the five-time Olympian played himself, bringing his laid-back, adventurous persona to the big screen. His appearance marked a new chapter in his multifaceted career. He also appeared in the reality shows 'The Girls Next Door' and 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'. 

9. Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, with eight gold medals from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcased his comedic talents on 'Saturday Night Live'. Phelps hosted the premiere of Season 34, appearing in sketches like "McSwimmy," a parody of Grey's Anatomy, and a spoof on his reported 12,000-calorie diet. His appearance on 'SNL' demonstrated that he could make a splash beyond the pool.

10. Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn, a gold medalist in downhill skiing at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, achieved a dream of hers by guest-starring on the long-running TV series 'Law & Order'. In the show's finale episode titled, "Rubber Room," the former alpine ski racer made a brief appearance, showcasing her acting abilities alongside the series' seasoned cast.