Action movie stars are the heroes and heroines who get our adrenaline pumping. Early action stars include Douglas Fairbanks, the swashbuckling adventurer of the 1920s and '30s; John Wayne, the famous gunslinger of the 1940s and '50s; and Sean Connery, who played the debonair spy Bond—James Bond—in the 1960s. By the 1970s, however, a new maverick action star had hit the silver screen, with rogue cops played by Steve McQueen in Bullitt and Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry, as well as the military mercenary Rambo (Sylvester Stallone). By the 1980s, action movies were literally exploding on screen, with big budgets and big stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Terminator) and Bruce Willis (Die Hard), leading to today's action-packed blockbusters. Here's a look at some of Hollywood's most famous action movie stars, who have kicked some major butt on the big screen.
Russell Crowe held an auction of personal artifacts in Australia to celebrate his near-finalized divorce to Danielle Spencer. The actor netted roughly $2.8 million USD for movie memorabilia, diamond jewelry, artwork, sports collectibles and a dinosaur skull sold to him by Leo DiCaprio.
Arnold Schwarzenegger first gained fame as a bodybuilder, using that as a launching point to become a huge Hollywood star and, later, the governor of California.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and partner Lauren Hashian have welcomed their second daughter, Tiana Gia. “After participating in baby Tia’s delivery, it’s hard to express the new level of...admiration I have for...all mamas and women out there,” he posted on Instagram.
Angelina Jolie is reportedly “seeing someone” for the first time following her 2016 divorce from Brad Pitt, according to ‘Entertainment Tonight.’ A source told the show that the actress is ”seeing a handsome, older-looking man who is a real estate agent” and “isn’t a celebrity.”
Sylvester Stallone announced the latest installment of the 'Rocky' franchise via Instagram. The film co-stars Michael B. Jordan, of 'Black Panther' fame, who prepares to slug it out with the son of the man who killed his father.
The ‘New York Times’ published a piece on Uma Thurman accusing not only Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault but claiming her ‘Kill Bill’ director Quentin Tarantino forced her to do a car stunt that resulted in injuries, spat in her face and strangled her with a chain.
Academy Award-winning Scottish actor Sean Connery is best known for playing 007 in the first James Bond spy movies. He has also starred in an array of other projects, including 'Robin and Marian,' 'The Name of the Rose,' 'The Untouchables,' 'The Hunt for Red October' and 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.'
Halle Berry won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Monster's Ball,' becoming the first African-American woman to win the honor. She has starred in films including 'Swordfish,' 'Die Another Day,' 'Gothika,' the 'X-Men' film franchise and 'Kidnap.'
Matt Damon is an award-winning Hollywood actor, having earned a screenwriting Oscar for his work on 'Good Will Hunting.' He's also known for the Jason Bourne films as well as 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' 'Behind the Candelabra' and 'The Martian.'
Mark Wahlberg got his start headlining the musical group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, later going on to a modeling career and acting success in Hollywood.
It’s Harrison Ford, action-hero mode. The Internet is lauding the Indiana Jones actor for rescuing a driver from her car, which had rolled down an embankment of a southern California highway.
Mel Gibson is a well-known film actor, director and producer, having starred in Braveheart, Hamlet, Maverick, and both the Mad Max and Lethal Weapon series.
American film star Steve McQueen was one of the most popular and well-paid actors of the 1960s and '70s. He starred in such films as The Great Escape, Bullit and The Getaway.
Roger Moore was a British actor best known for playing James Bond in seven films from 1973 to 1985. He passed away at the age of 89 this week, following a "short but brave battle with cancer," according to his family.
Chuck Norris has starred in such action films as Return of the Dragon and Missing in Action. He also starred on the hit TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.
Michelle Yeoh is a Chinese actress and dancer known for her roles in Hong Kong action and martial arts films and for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
John Wayne, one of the most popular film actors of the 20th century, remains a popular American icon to this day.
Actor Tom Cruise is the star of several box-office hits, including 'Risky Business,' 'A Few Good Men,' 'The Firm,' 'Jerry Maguire' and the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise.
Johnny Depp is an actor known for his portrayal of eccentric characters in films including ‘Ed Wood,' ‘Sleepy Hollow,' ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ and his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series.
Christian Bale is an Academy Award-winning actor who has starred in such films as 'American Psycho,' 'The Fighter' and Christopher Nolan's 'Batman' trilogy.
Will Smith transitioned from successful rapper to Hollywood A-lister, starring on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air before headlining such films as 'Independence Day,' 'Men in Black' and 'Ali.'
Patrick Swayze was a Golden-Globe winning, beloved actor, as well as a singer, songwriter, and dancer, who died of pancreatic cancer in September of 2009.
Clint Eastwood made his name as a popular television and film actor, and went on to become an acclaimed filmmaker, directing several Academy Award–winning films.