40+ Celebrities Who Had Athletic Careers Before They Became Famous

Published on 03/29/2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Tom Selleck – Basketball

Tom Selleck is well-known for his magnificent mustache and towering stature, which he used to his advantage as both a basketball player and an actor. He received a basketball scholarship at the University of Southern California and played for the Trojans. While studying Business Administration, he was persuaded by a theater teacher to pursue acting. As a result, he dropped out of college and went to work at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. He rose to prominence as an actor with parts in “Magnum, P.I.,” “Blue Bloods,” and “Three Men and a Baby,”

Tom Selleck – Basketball

Tom Selleck – Basketball

ADVERTISEMENT

Mark Harmon – Football

Mark Harmon is the son of football player and broadcaster Tom Harmon. It’s no surprise that he had a successful football career. Scholarships were extended to him by prestigious collegiate football programs such as UCLA and Oklahoma. Harmon chose UCLA and played quarterback for the Bruins for two years. Mark got the National Football Foundation Award for All-Round Excellence during his senior year. His football career was cut short, but he became a more successful actor. He is most known for his roles on “NCIS,” “St. Elsewhere,” and “The West Wing,” for which he received an Emmy nomination.

Mark Harmon – Football

Mark Harmon – Football

ADVERTISEMENT