Contrary to what most people think, action stars don’t come from fictional places like Eternia or the Nakatomi Plaza. Not all heroes wear capes, and they don’t all follow the same path to fame either. Some of them actually got their start on sitcoms, those hilarious shows that made us laugh. Surprisingly, these sitcoms are responsible for producing some of the most unexpectedly awesome action movie stars out there. These stars may have started out as comedians, but now they’re unleashing mind-blowing martial arts moves and delivering bone-crushing punches.
Let’s take a moment to dive into the thrilling world of the action genre and give credit to those who made their sitcom beginnings a launching pad to adrenaline-pumping stardom. They are the ones who now bring us heart-pounding muscle-flexing and explosive action scenes that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
1. Bruce Willis – ‘Moonlighting’
Nowadays, it’s hard to picture Bruce Willis as anything other than an action star. He’s etched his name into the history books of the genre alongside legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Jean-Claude van Damme. But back in the day, when he was first chosen to play John McClane in Die Hard, it caused quite a stir.
At that time, Willis was primarily known for his role as the witty and entertaining Detective David Addison Jr. on the comedy-drama show Moonlighting, where he starred alongside Cybill Shepherd. So, when people caught a glimpse of his face on the movie poster for a big action blockbuster, they couldn’t help but think: “Wait, the funny guy is supposed to be a tough guy now? Come on, give me a break!” But hey, who’s having the last laugh now, huh?
2. Ryan Reynolds – ‘Two Guys and a Girl’
Ryan Reynolds has a real talent for bringing laughter to the big screen, no matter what movie he’s in. It’s practically his trademark, really. Whether it’s in action-packed flicks like Deadpool, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, or 6 Underground, Reynolds knows how to deliver the funny and give his audience exactly what they want.
But it’s not just action movies that he excels in. Reynolds is no stranger to the world of full-on comedies and sitcoms. Back in 1998, he made a name for himself with his leading role as Berg on the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl (originally called Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place). While the show may have been a bit run-of-the-mill and predictable, Reynolds’ facial expressions, impeccable delivery, and undeniable screen presence kept viewers hooked for a solid four seasons. It’s no wonder he was the standout performer among the cast, and went on to make it big in Hollywood.
3. Joseph Gordon-Levitt – ‘3rd Rock From the Sun’
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has gained recognition among a generation of moviegoers for his performances in thrilling films like The Dark Knight Rises, Looper, Inception, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, and Premium Rush. While he may not be exclusively tied to the action genre like Liam Neeson or Gerard Butler, he often gravitates towards these types of projects.
Interestingly, there is another generation that witnessed Gordon-Levitt’s journey from his early days as Tommy Solomon on 3rd Rock from the Sun, which aired from 1996 to 2001. In this comedic show, Tommy, the oldest of a group of aliens exploring human life on Earth, paradoxically remains trapped in the body of a young boy. Throughout the show’s six seasons, Tommy, along with his extraterrestrial comrades Dick, Sally, and Harry, playfully satirizes various aspects of human existence.
4. Chris Pratt – ‘Parks and Recreation’
The rise of Chris Pratt in the entertainment industry is a truly remarkable and unique transformation. Initially known for his comedic talent as the lovable slacker Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation, Pratt’s evolution into an action superstar is nothing short of impressive.
Who could have predicted that Pratt, previously a supporting character on a minor sitcom hit, would become the perfect leading man for blockbuster films? However, Pratt took matters into his own hands and underwent an incredible physical transformation to portray Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in Guardians of the Galaxy.
The success of this Marvel Cinematic Universe film propelled him to the top tier of Hollywood. Pratt not only secured the lead role in the Jurassic World series but also demonstrated his action prowess in movies like The Magnificent Seven and The Tomorrow War.
5. Will Smith – ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’
Will Smith’s life took a major turn when he starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from 1990 to 1996. Though we won’t go through the entire song, you get the idea. As the lead actor in one of the most beloved sitcoms ever, there was a worry that he would be typecast and struggle in the film industry.
However, those concerns turned out to be unnecessary as Smith emerged as one of the biggest movie stars worldwide. With movies like Bad Boys, Independence Day, Men in Black, and I Am Legend, he has proven to be a versatile performer, equally skilled at making audiences laugh and kick butt.
6. Chris Evans – ‘Opposite Sex’
Chris Evans, known for his iconic role as Captain America, actually started his career in a completely different genre: comedy. Before he became the ultimate hero, he had us laughing in films like Not Another Teen Movie. But even before that, he dipped his toes in the comedy pool with Opposite Sex.
Opposite Sex was a show where three teenage boys find themselves in a high school that recently transitioned from an all-girls school to a co-ed one. Evans played Cary Baston, one of the three teenagers navigating this new world. Although the series didn’t have a long run, lasting only eight episodes, it played a crucial role in getting Evans noticed.
Thanks to Opposite Sex, Evans caught the attention of the right people and went on to land some major roles. From embodying Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to portraying Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four movies, he proved his versatility. Not to mention his action-packed performances in films like The Gray Man and Snowpiercer.
It’s incredible to think about Evans’s journey from eliciting laughs in teen comedies to becoming a beloved superhero. But his early comedic ventures were the stepping stones that led him to where he is today. While Opposite Sex may not be widely remembered, its impact on Evans’s career cannot be denied.
7. John Travolta – ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’
John Travolta has had quite the film career, captivating audiences with his dance moves in iconic movies like Saturday Night Fever and Grease. He’s also proven himself as a talented action star, flexing his muscles in memorable films such as Broken Arrow, Face/Off, and Pulp Fiction.
But before Travolta traded in his dancing shoes or threw punches on the big screen, he first grabbed the public’s attention as Vinnie Barbarino in the beloved sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter. This high school comedy revolves around the amusing teacher Gabe Kotter, who returns to teach at his old school. Vinnie, one of Kotter’s students, is not only a member of a group of misfits known as the Sweathogs but also the object of every girl’s affection. The show aired for four seasons from 1975 to 1979 and is primarily remembered for launching Travolta’s incredible career.
8. Leonardo DiCaprio – ‘Growing Pains’
It’s pretty crazy to think about how one of the all-time greatest and most popular actors actually started off as a supporting character on a sitcom. But that’s exactly what happened to Leonardo DiCaprio when he joined the cast of Growing Pains in 1991, towards the end of the show’s run. In the seventh season, DiCaprio played the role of Luke Brower – a young homeless teenager who ends up living with the Seaver family.
This role instantly made DiCaprio a heartthrob for teenagers and showcased his serious acting skills. While he has taken on a wide range of roles in different genres, DiCaprio has never been afraid to get his hands dirty in action-packed films like Blood Diamond, Inception, The Departed, and The Revenant.
9. Shia LeBeouf – ‘Even Stevens’
Even Stevens, a sitcom centered around an immature and misbehaving character, showcases a series of schemes that lead to wild situations and mishaps. Interestingly, this description not only applies to the show, but also reflects Shia LaBeouf’s personal life and his initial major role. LaBeouf portrayed the main character from 2000 to 2003 in three seasons of Even Stevens before catching the attention of Hollywood.
The breakthrough moment for LaBeouf arrived when he landed the role of Sam Witwicky in the Transformers franchise. Since then, he has continued to make waves in the action genre, starring in notable films like Fury and The Tax Collector. Although his controversies sometimes overshadow his film career, there is no denying his talent and appeal as a movie star.
10. Jennifer Lawrence – ‘The Bill Engvall Show’
Jennifer Lawrence may have had a blunder in an interview, but she knows she’s not the first female action star. Nonetheless, she has proven herself to be a formidable force, with notable roles as Mystique in X-Men, Katniss in The Hunger Games, and Dominika Egorova in Red Sparrow.
Before her action star days, Lawrence gained recognition on the sitcom scene. She played Lauren Pearson on The Bill Engvall Show, where she showcased her talent. Being the oldest of three children, she often found herself at the center of sibling shenanigans while navigating through typical teenage drama. The show aired for three seasons from 2007 to 2009, just in time for Lawrence’s subsequent role as Mystique in X-Men: First Class.
11. Benedict Cumberbatch – ‘Fortysomething’
Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his polished demeanor and quintessentially British charm, has a hidden spark of mischief beneath his refined exterior. Whether he’s portraying the mystical Doctor Strange or the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes, Cumberbatch infuses his characters with a sense of playfulness, even in the face of adversity.
Interestingly, Cumberbatch’s ability to bring humor to his roles stems from his own experience in comedy. In the 2003 British comedy series Fortysomething, he took on the role of Rory Slippery, the son of the show’s protagonist, Paul (played by Hugh Laurie). Unfortunately, the series was short-lived, lasting only six episodes before meeting its demise. However, over the years, it has garnered a dedicated following and achieved cult status among fans.
