Former NFL Pro Bowler turned actor Bernie Casey passed away yesterday at the age of 78, and frankly, it’s hard to think of some of our favorite 1980’s comedies without him.
Casey’s passing got us thinking about other sports figures who’ve successfully crossed over to a successful acting career. Let’s face it: It’s not always easy to make that jump, and we’ve definitely seen some failures over the years, but we think these eight former sports figures made that jump the best.
Bernie Casey
While Casey had successful turns in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, we’ll always remember him as Lambda Lambda Lambda head U.N. Jefferson from Revenge of the Nerds.
Carl Weathers
Being Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise would’ve been enough, but Weathers’ comedic turns in Happy Gilmore and Arrested Development prove he’s more than worthy of this list.
