Actor Jason Statham shows his physical prowess in his latest film, "The Mechanic" but did you know he used to be an Olympic diver? Find out these 10 fun facts about the British action star!
See photos of Jason Statham through the years!
Fun Facts on Jason Statham
Diving Champ
Statham has been an Olympic diver on the British National Diving Team and finished 12th in the World Championships in 1992.
The Big Break
Jason's break into the entertainment business came when an agent put him on an advertisement for the French Connection clothing company.
Meet Guy Ritchie
At the French Connection, Statham met fledgling British director Guy Ritchie who was developing a film project and needed to fill the role of a street-wise con artist.
After learning about Statham's past as a Black Market salesmen, Ritchie cast him to play the role of "Bacon" in Ritchie's breakout 1998 hit, "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels."
Stuntman
Statham did nearly all of his own stunts in the 2002 "The Transporter," including car chase sequences, scuba diving sequences and fight sequences.
Martial Artist
Jason is also well trained in mixed martial arts and is an expert in kickboxing.
In Love
The actor was in a relationship with English model and actress Kelly Brook for several years — and is in a relationship with model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Oscar Chances
Statham once said, "You ain't ever gonna get an Academy Award for doing "Crank" and you certainly won't for doing all the other movies I've done."
Me and Sly
[On being directed by Sylvester Stallone in 2010 "The Expendables"] "He is someone that you have to respect and with that he runs a very relaxed set."
Missed Opportunity
Jason was offered the role of Agent 47 in 2007 "Hitman" after Vin Diesel was dropped from the project. Timothy Olyphant eventually took the role.
What's Up Next?
Statham is lending his vocal talents to the upcoming animated Shakespeare comedy "Gnomeo & Juliet" as Tybalt, the gnome. He will also star with Robert De Niro and Clive Owen in "The Killer Elite."
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