To any budding actor mega bucks Hollywood success is the pinnacle, the peak of the occupation that few dare to dream about and even fewer actualize. Often stars' previous occupations such as working in a fast food restaurant or cleaning bathrooms are black comedy reminders of the lives they could have led had they not secured that big breakthrough role. So why is it that some actors choose to come out of the land of make-believe and back into a routine closer to the actual definition of the word work? For some, Hollywood is final base-camp where they can rest in the warm sleeping bag of success. For others, ambition drives them to some rather different roles, establishing real life works and legacy. Let's explore some of the actors that have tried their hands at different real-world pursuits after established movie careers.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Schwarzenegger went from being the Terminator to the 'Governator' after he took up politics and ran on the Republican side against fellow actor Gary Coleman in 2003, winning the title of governor of California. Interested in politics from a young age, Schwarzenegger was inspired to join the Republicans upon hearing a Richard Nixon speech in the late 60's which he described at the time as a 'breath of fresh air'. After his public support of both Bush junior and senior's presidential campaigns he ran himself and served from 2003-2011. After his initial election some questioned Schwarzenegger's ability to do the job and dismissed him as a novelty. However he managed two terms in what is seen by many as a successful period of governance. Ironically one of his most prominent stances is on being anti-gun, although many of his on-screen personas would not agree with such a policy.
Paul Newman
Well known for his role in the classic western, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 'old blue eyes' had an action-packed career outside Hollywood. He narrowly avoided death in World War II after a stroke of luck stopped him from joining the rest of his unit, whom were all killed in action, on the front. After his successful film career Newman took a keen interest in politics. An enthusiastic liberal, he supported the Democrats' fight against Richard Nixon in a series of promotional roles on television. Nixon famously placed Newman 19th on his list of 20 most prominent political enemies. Newman had a passion for motorsports and as he retired from acting took part in a number of GT-based car races. Although only ever scoring one class win he held his own among entry fields of professional race drivers on many occasions. At 58 years old he co-founded the now multi-champion car title-winning team Newman-Haas Racing. Newman, often in pursuit of good causes started his own quality food products range; Newman's Own. Starting with the famous salad dressing the company now thrives with a range of all natural food products. A percentage of each item bought goes to one of the chosen charities of the company, hence the good causes benefitted over the years.
Steven Seagal
Well known for his action-packed films Steven Seagal is in fact a real-life martial artist and stunt-coordinator. Unlike most of the Hollywood stars he actually started his martial arts as a pursuit before his film career. First moving to Japan to run his own Aikido Dojo as a young man, he was one of the first foreigners to do so in Japan. He is currently rated as a seventh degree black belt in Aikido and it remains a passion. Unlike some of his movie counterparts Seagal is a real life hand to hand combat expert giving his on-screen persona that extra grit. Before his film roles he worked as a martial arts coordinator and has even taught UFC fighters such as Anderson Silva some of his martial arts techniques. Following his movie career success, Seagal demonstrated his real life talent in music. He plays in his own band and has released three albums. Among his other areas of interest he is currently a qualified reserve deputy sheriff. A strong stance against animal cruelty has seen him working as an activist to protect mistreated animals across the world.
Ronald Reagan
Like Schwarzenegger, Reagan went into politics after his acting career ended. Also like Schwarzenegger, he became governor of California and quickly became known for his strong right-wing stance. He was famous for his period of presidency during the infamous Cold War conflict with the former Soviet Union. He also survived an assassination attempt in which he was struck with a bullet but lived. Reagan proved a somewhat popular president and served two terms. From 40s westerns to 80s presidency Reagan lived a life of success and self-actualization. It remains to be seen if Arnold Schwarzenegger will follow further in Reagan's footsteps as he has mentioned running for presidency himself in the past.
Jack Timney - Hi I am a young sports fan that enjoys writing. Most of my articles should be about my passion (sport). I hope you like them.I am a bit of ...
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