15 Athletic Actors Who Got Famous For Playing Dorky Guys

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.