15 Athletic Actors Who Got Famous For Playing Dorky Guys

New Line Cinema, Fox
For many of us, our career paths are pretty straightforward: We figure out what we want to do, and then work hard to get there. But for some, their paths are more winding, with unexpected turns and detours. This list highlights some of the most inspiring career transitions of people who have gone from being an athlete to an entertainer ... playing a dorky dude on screen. From Bob Ross, the former drill sergeant who became a painter and television personality, to Joel McHale, the walk-on tight end who went on to become an actor, each of these stories is unique and inspiring.
We’ll also hear from Kevin James, the college football player who found success in Hollywood, and Terry Crews, who retired from the NFL and eventually used football as a way to burn off his rage. We’ll learn how Mark Ruffalo, Jon Stewart, and Martin Freeman all used sports to build determination and perseverance, and how Sean Astin, Jim Parsons, and Ashton Kutcher all found success outside of their respective sports. We’ll also hear from Danny Pudi, Alfonso Ribeiro, Adam Sandler, and Ed O’Neill, all of whom made the transition from athlete to playing a schlubby, nerdy guy.
Kevin James: Comedic Icon and Former College Football Star.

Columbia Pictures
Adam Sandler: master of pickup basketball?

Universal Pictures
Danny Pudi: Marathon runner, barefoot enthusiast, and aspiring hand-shoe-wearer.

Sony Pictures Television
Wrestler to actor: Mark Ruffalo’s unlikely transition.

Marvel Studios
Jim Parsons: Actor, comedian, and gym rat.

CBS
From benchwarmer to award-winner: Jon Stewart’s inspiring story.

Comedy Central
Alfonso Ribeiro: Athlete, racer, and scratch golfer.

NBC
Football not working out? Ed O’Neill had a Plan B.

Fox
Ashton Kutcher: Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Fox
Tight End? Not Quite: Joel McHale’s Story.

NBC
Martin Freeman: From squash enthusiast to squash apathete.

New Line Cinema
Actor by day, triathlete by night - Jon Cryer.

CBS
Terry Crews: from NFL to Hollywood with a side of rage.

NBC
Sean Astin: Marathon master and Ironman conqueror.

New Line Cinema
From Drill Sergeant to Painter: Bob Ross’ unique career transition.

Bob Ross Incorporated