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Celebrities Whose Remarkable Side Skills Could Make Them Icons in Other Fields

June Steele
Photo Credit: 1. Canva 2. Gregg DeGuire / WireImage / Getty Images 3. Frazer Harrison / Getty Images 4. slidemen / MovieStillsDB
Photo Credit: 1. Canva 2. Gregg DeGuire / WireImage / Getty Images 3. Frazer Harrison / Getty Images 4. slidemen / MovieStillsDB

Embark on a journey beyond the silver screen as we delve into the lesser-known talents of renowned actors. While we recognize them for their captivating performances, there’s an entrancing twist: hidden skills that could have thrust them into the limelight for entirely different reasons.

James Cameron – ocean explorer

James Cameron sitting in a scale model of the Deepsea Challenger's pilot chamber
James Cameron in a scale model of the Deepsea Challenger‘s pilot chamber at an exhibition in Sydney, 2018. (Photo Credit: SAEED KHAN / AFP / Getty Images)

James Cameron, the visionary filmmaker behind such blockbusters as Titanic (1997) and Avatar (2009), has another passion that plunges him into the depths of the unknown: ocean exploration.

Beyond the silver screen, Cameron is an avid deep-sea explorer, making historic dives and contributing to our understanding of the ocean’s mysteries. He’s traveled to the deepest point on earth, the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, and over his life has made over 75 deep-sea dives.

His underwater adventures position him as a pioneer in both Hollywood and marine exploration.

Terry Crews – artistic powerhouse

Terry Crews standing in front of a self-portrait propped up on an easel
Terry Crews, 2019. (Photo Credit: Nathan Congleton / NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal / Getty Images)

Terry Crews, known for his powerful on-screen presence, unveils a different kind of strength through his vibrant artwork.

Beyond acting and athleticism, Crews is a talented artist whose creations reflect his passion and creativity. He’s been working on honing the craft since the mid-1990s and even produced commissioned pieces during his football years. His skills with a pencil are best seen through his portraits, which are not only incredibly realistic but also rival those produced by other artists.

His artistic prowess showcases a multifaceted talent that could easily establish him as a prominent figure in the art world.

Ken Jeong – hilarious healer

Still from 'Dr. Ken'
Dr. Ken, 2015-17. (Photo Credit: Ron Tom / Disney General Entertainment Content / Getty Images)

Before captivating audiences with his comedic genius, Ken Jeong navigated a different stage as a licensed physician. His journey from medicine to comedy is a testament to his versatility, with him performing improv while working as a doctor. It was his work on-stage that led to guest appearances on a number of television series, before landing him larger roles on both TV and in film.

Jeong’s ability to heal with laughter and medicine positions him uniquely in both the entertainment and healthcare realms, showcasing a blend of humor and healing expertise.

Vanilla Ice – jet ski maverick

While Vanilla Ice initially gained fame for his chart-topping hit, “Ice Ice Baby,” few know about his remarkable talent in jet ski racing. He took up the hobby in 1993, and after he attempted to take his own life, he decided to focus on the sport and motocross instead of music. His dedication resulted in him being ranked sixth in the world for jet-skiing during the summer of 1995.

Vanilla Ice has become a force in the world of professional jet ski racing, showcasing a side of him that goes beyond the music industry, making waves both on and off the stage.

Matthew Perry – tennis player

Matthew Perry about to hit a tennis ball on the court
Matthew Perry hits a tennis ball during the 30th Year of The Merchant of Tennis/Monty Hall/Cedars-Sinai Diabetes Tennis Tournament, 2002. (Photo Credit: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

Matthew Perry was widely known for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing on the popular series, Friends (1994-2004). However, it’s intriguing to imagine an alternate reality where the late actor pursued a tennis career.

In his youth, Perry was a competitive junior tennis player who ranked among the top junior players in Canada. Speaking about his passion for the sport in 2002, he revealed that he used to dedicate 10 hours a day to honing his skill, and prior to his death, he was seen enjoying the French Open.

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A hypothetical tennis career for Perry could have seen him trading witty one-liners for intense rallies on the court, showcasing a different facet of his talent and determination.

June Steele

June Steele is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News