A Fascinating Career Journey before Becoming a Recognized Actor
Jason Statham has become a familiar face in the box office over the past few years, starring in successful franchises such as “The Transporter,” “Fast & Furious,” “Expendables,” and the recent release of “In Troubled Waters.” He has also made his mark on the popular TV series “Peaky Blinders.” However, Statham’s path to success was not an easy one, and he had to persevere and try his luck in various fields before making it to the film sets. Despite being born to artistic parents, Statham first chose to pursue a career in sports.
Initially, he played football and later specialized in diving for more than twelve years. Statham dedicated himself to this discipline to the point that he joined the England team and participated in the 1992 World Championships, securing an eighth-place finish. However, his dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games did not materialize, compelling him to embark on a new journey. This marked the beginning of his transformation into a model, even though it meant taking on unconventional jobs due to limited opportunities.
Jason Statham’s Unusual Stint in 1990s Music Videos
Before catching the attention of filmmaker Guy Ritchie, Statham had a challenging professional career. He worked as a street vendor, selling counterfeit goods to pedestrians. Eventually, this underhanded occupation presented him with his first opportunity in the film industry with a role in the 1998 movie “Scams, Crimes, and Botany,” which was a better alternative to appearing half-naked in music videos. While attempting to establish himself as a model, Statham also juggled odd jobs, leading him to appear in The Shamen’s music video for “Comin’ On.”
In this peculiar video, a young Jason Statham flaunts his dance moves in leopard-print underwear, showcasing his well-toned physique. However, in retrospect, this appearance may not have been the ideal platform for his talents. Unfortunately, he found himself in a similar situation the following year, appearing entirely silver and half-naked in the Erasure group’s music video for “Run to the Sun.” Fortunately, those experiences are now firmly in his past.