Known for his action-packed roles in movies like “The Transporter”, “Crank”, and the “Fast & Furious” franchise, Jason Statham is a household name for movie lovers across the globe. With his signature Cockney accent, bald head, and intense physical performances, Statham is an iconic figure in Hollywood. But beneath this tough exterior, there’s more to Jason Statham than most people know.
Today, we’ll take a journey into his life and unveil twelve lesser-known facts about this rugged action star.
1. Humble Beginnings in Shirebrook, Derbyshire
Born on July 26, 1967, Jason Statham hails from Shirebrook, a small town in Derbyshire, England. His father, Barry Statham, worked odd jobs as a house painter, coal miner, and lounge singer while his mother, Eileen, was a dancer. This humble background provided the foundation for his later success, proving that big dreams can come true, irrespective of where you come from.
2. World-Class Diver Before Hollywood
Long before he became a movie star, Statham was a world-class diver. He was a part of the British National Diving Team and competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Unfortunately, he didn’t win a medal, but his athletic prowess and discipline paved the way for his future roles in action films.
3. Selling Jewelry and Perfume on the Streets
Before his big break, Jason had to hustle to make ends meet. One of his jobs included selling jewelry and perfume on the streets of London. While it was a challenging period in his life, it also helped him to develop his street-smart persona, which later became an asset for his action hero roles.
4. Discovered by Guy Ritchie
It was his ability to convincingly sell fake jewelry and perfume that caught the attention of British filmmaker Guy Ritchie. Ritchie was so impressed with Statham’s genuine streetwise charisma that he cast him in his 1998 film, “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels”. The film was a massive success and effectively launched Statham’s acting career.
5. Performs His Own Stunts
Unlike many actors, Statham is known for doing his own stunts, including fight scenes, car chases, and jumps. His extensive training in martial arts and diving helped him acquire the necessary skills and endurance. This insistence on authenticity has occasionally led to dangerous situations, including a near-death experience on the set of “The Expendables 3” when a truck he was driving plunged into the Black Sea.
6. A Black Market Auctioneer in “The Fast and the Furious”
Statham had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in “Fast & Furious 6” before his character, Deckard Shaw, was fully introduced in the seventh installment of the franchise. Interestingly, his brief appearance wasn’t initially planned. The film’s ending was re-edited after Statham expressed interest in joining the franchise, and he was added as a last-minute surprise.
7. Trained in Various Forms of Martial Arts
To prepare for his physically demanding roles, Statham has trained in various forms of martial arts, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Wing Chun kung fu, kickboxing, and karate. His dedication to fitness and martial arts training is evident in the intensity and authenticity of his action scenes.
8. A Fan of the Outdoors
When he’s not on a movie set, Statham loves to spend time outdoors. He’s an avid rock climber, and he enjoys wakeboarding and jet-skiing. He also loves to travel and explore new places, often sharing his adventures on social media.
9. A Partnership with Director Guy Ritchie
Statham’s partnership with Guy Ritchie extends beyond their first film. They’ve collaborated on several successful films, including “Snatch”, “Revolver”, and most recently, “Wrath of Man”. Ritchie’s unique storytelling style, combined with Statham’s gritty performances, has proven to be a winning formula.
10. A Passion for Classic Cars
Like his character Frank Martin in “The Transporter”, Statham has a passion for classic cars. He owns several, including an Audi R8 and a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. Despite his love for these high-powered vehicles, he doesn’t share his characters’ penchant for reckless driving!
11. Private About His Personal Life
Statham is notoriously private about his personal life. However, it’s known that he has been in a relationship with model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley since 2010, and they have a son together, Jack Oscar Statham. Despite their high-profile careers, they’ve managed to keep their relationship largely out of the public eye.
12. Veganism and Environmental Advocacy
Statham is a vegan and an advocate for animal rights. He’s also involved in environmental causes, including supporting efforts to protect the world’s oceans. His commitment to health, fitness, and the environment shapes his lifestyle choices, both on and off the set.
In conclusion, Jason Statham is more than just an action movie hero. He’s a multifaceted individual with a fascinating backstory and a dedication to his craft that few can match. Whether he’s diving, selling jewelry, or driving a fast car, Statham’s life is as action-packed and thrilling as his films.
