“He knew he was done as a diver”: Jason Statham Almost Didn’t Become an Actor Before Tom Cruise Personally Blessed His Movie That Made Him a Global Action Star

Jason Statham is a personality that people cannot deny holds a massive place in Hollywood. From being a part of the Fast and Furious franchise to working alongside some of the biggest actors. Not only has he proven numerous times that he is an amazing side character but also a formidable leading man. It would be ironic to learn that the Meg actor used to be a diver before his career in movies took off. However, it wouldn’t be a saddening fact considering just how big of a fanbase he has.
Jason Statham
It took a lot of convincing for even Statham to believe that he was worthy of being an actor. Had it not been for Tom Cruise and Guy Ritchie, that wouldn’t have happened at all and the world would have been deprived of Statham’s talent.

Jason Statham’s Career was Hanging by a Thread

Jason Statham, before he became a renowned actor, was best known to be a diver. He had been rather happy about his career and had no plans of moving forward as an actor. However, things started taking a turn after he lost his sponsorship. According to an interview with the Independent, Nick Moran revealed just how Statham got into cinema.

Jason Statham in The Meg (2018)
“Statham was a diver and he had lost his sponsorship and it was getting to a stage where he knew he was done as a diver and was about to start training as a stuntman. He then did an advert for [British fashion retailer] Stephen Marks for French Connection.”
The Transporter actor had done an advertisement where he caught the attention of Stephen Marks. From then on he just watched as Marks kept recommending him to Guy Ritchie. Ritchie understood that there must indeed have been something about the actor and so, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels came into being with Statham launching his career as an actor.

Jason Statham Did Not Think of Himself as a Real Actor

Tom Cruise had a big part to play in boosting Jason Statham’s career. Had it not been for his pitch, no one would have bought the movie when it came to the buyers’ screening. However, with his influence, he made it possible. This not only saved Statham but also Guy Ritchie. While talking with the Independent, Nick Moran revealed that Statham still does not regard himself as a real actor.
Jason Statham in a still from Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
“To this day, he says “I’m not a proper actor, you guys are proper actors”. But he’s developed into a really talented, creative, precise technician as well. In those early days, all he had was instinct and natural talent and he was very meek about that but he loved it.”
He does not see himself as a proper actor, unlike the rest of the world. Whether it is modesty or ignorance, it would be impossible to think that his talent has not been recognized. His natural talent was and still is enough to turn heads left and right.