For many years, sportsmen have been given an increasing role in the world of film. Some of the best sporting stars on the planet have featured in various movies throughout history, but more and more athletes are being asked to appear in films in the modern era. In fact, a number of famous stars from all over the world have gone on to secure roles in major movies – and we have taken a look at just a few of our favorite cameo roles from over the years.
John McEnroe (Anger Management)
The former Wimbledon champion is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of his generation and continues to maintain an interest in the sport during his retirement. The 56-year-old has also been featured in numerous movies away from the game, including Jack & Jill, You Don’t Mess With The Zohan and Anger Management. In the latter, McEnroe acts superbly and there is a scene where the tennis legend channels all of his inner fury as he collides with Jack Nicholson. His passion is clear for all to see and, although he will forever be remembered for his success on the tennis court, he has shown that, with a little bit of guidance, McEnroe could have been a solid actor.
Brett Favre (There’s Something About Mary)
The legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback enjoyed a cameo role in the huge 1998 success There’s Something About Mary, although it may not have quite worked out that way as Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers was originally in line for the position but turned it down. Ben Stiller helps to draw Favre and Mary, played by Cameron Diaz, together after he realizes that the two were meant to be together. Although this is a much different role than throwing touchdown passes and avoiding crunching defensive tackles, Favre performed admirably and deserves a lot of plaudits for his acting skills in the movie.
David Beckham (Goal!)
The former England captain has featured in a number of football related films, with Bend it Like Beckham using some archive footage of him in their 2002 release. However, his most popular appearance came in each of the three editions of the Goal! series. In the film, star striker Santiago Munez earns a transfer to Real Madrid to play alongside the likes of Beckham and Zinedine Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu. Beckham’s cameo appearance was highly anticipated across the world as the Beckham brand ventured out into the world of film. Unfortunately for the superstar, he’s certainly not as talented an actor as he was a footballer and the former Manchester United winger has ruled out any further acting roles as he is ‘too stiff’ to make it in the profession.
Lewis Hamilton (Cars 2)
The current Formula One world champion featured in Disney Pixar’s Cars 2, which was released back in 2011. Lightning McQueen, the main character throughout each of the Cars movies, meets Hamilton at a party before he embarks on the three-race World Grand Prix series. Not only is Hamilton’s voice used for the British McLaren F1 car in the film but the 30-year-old apparently also helped offer his insight into the design of the vehicle. The current Mercedes driver only has a very brief appearance in the movie but it just goes to show that Hamilton is a man of many talents and racing fanatics flocked to see the British driver in animated racing action.
Daniel Negreanu (X-Men Origins: Wolverine)
Poker pro Daniel Negreanu was offered a small role in 20th Century Fox’s 2009 hit of the Marvel classic. The 40-year-old, who is one of the key members of the team at PokerStars, is pictured competing in the casino against mutant Gambit. Tournament poker’s biggest all-time money earner has been featured in a number of other roles, too, including The Grand and Lucky You. He also had a cameo role in the music video for Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas” as a poker player. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the poker star appear in more roles as the card game’s popularity continues to grow.
Lance Armstrong (Dodgeball)
The most famous man to ever ride a bicycle as a profession, Armstrong has achieved more than most during his lifetime. The seven-time Tour de France winner recovered from stage 3 testicular cancer to get back into the sport and has gone on to compete in a number of the world’s biggest cycling races throughout his career. In the movie, he gives an inspirational speech to Vince Vaughan about how he didn’t quit when he had cancer as he wanted to tackle the problem and beat it. Armstrong convinces Vaughan to return to his dodgeball team and he helps Average Joe’s gym win the competition against arch enemy Ben Stiller.
Mike Tyson (The Hangover)
The most famous cameo role in recent years must be Mike Tyson’s appearance in the incredible Hangover series. Four friends visit Las Vegas for a bachelor party and, along the way, meet the former boxing giant after a crazy night on the town. Tyson plays the role perfectly and played a huge part in the film’s success. He appears in the first and second movies and even sings a number on the karaoke as Alan’s wedding gift to Stu Price. However, there was no role for Tyson in the third edition of the series. Despite this, the boxing legend, who is known as a tough guy, helps the comedic value of the series and more than holds his own against the other established actors.