Sport Stars in Non-Sport Films Quiz

Answer: John Wayne and William Holden

Gibson played Lukey, a militant former slave to her mistress played by Constance Towers. Wayne finds himself responsible for their protection. Holden as Major Henry Kendall often finds himself at odds with Wayne. Gibson went on the Ladies' Professional Golf Tour where had moderate success by not equal to her tennis achievements.

Answer: Brett Favre

Favre, known as a 'gunslinger' or 'risk-taker' on the field, built his reputation with the Green Bay Packers. When his retirement is final, he will hold a host of NFL records. Farve does not appear until the latter parts of the film, deflating Mary's other suitors.

Answer: O.J. Simpson

Remember when O.J. was a good guy who ran over tacklers, leaped over turnstiles, analyzed games, and had a likable public image? O.J.'s second career was films and television. He made 14 big screen appearances; his most comic and memorable were the "Naked Gun" franchise.

Answer: Mary Lou Retton

After retiring from gymnastics due to hip dysplasia, she became something of an entrepreneur, active in a number of fields, including a political conservative activist and many commercial endorsements. Mary Lou also appeared as herself in Bill Murray's "Scrooged" (1988).

Answer: Blazing Saddles (1974)

Karras was once suspended from the NFL for alleged gambling. When he returned, the referee asked him to call the traditional coin toss. He refused saying that he was no longer allowed to gamble.

In "Victor/Victoria" he broke against typecasting and played a gay man.

Classic Line: As Mongo in "Blazing Saddles", in response to the sheriff's question: "Don't know. Mongo only pawn in the game of life."

Karras also made ends meet as a professional wrestler.

Answer: Mike Tyson

Tyson was a phenomena as a young fighter but had frequent brushes with the law. His lack of control showed when he bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear. In "The Hangover" the gang must return a tiger to Mike Tyson they apparently stole the previous night.

Answer: Wilt Chamberlain

Chamberlain was 7'1" and was the dominant NBA player for many years. He was named Most Valuable player four times and took part in 13 All-Star games. He once scored a 100 points in one game.

Answer: Buster Crabbe

Crabbe won the bronze medal for the 1,500 meter freestyle in 1928 and returned in 1932 to win the gold medal for the 400 meter freestyle. In 1933 he was cast as Tarzan in "Tarzan the Fearless", a serial. It was his only appearance officially as Tarzan but he did make other jungle films.

His most famous role was probably Flash Gordon followed by Buck Rogers. He also did a turn as Billy the Kid.

Answer: Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels

Jones as Big Cris is assigned to find some London boys who made a bad bet and now owe £500,000. The only way to pay the debt is to stage a robbery. The film was a success both in the UK and USA.

Answer: Kareem Abdul Jabbar in "Airplane!"

Kareem does a straightforward job in his role as co-pilot but does lapse into self-parody when questioned about his athletic skills.

Here is Murdock's classic exchange with Captain Oveur:

"Roger Murdock: Flight 2-0-9'er, you are cleared for take-off.
Captain Oveur: Roger!
Roger Murdock: Huh?
Tower voice: L.A. departure frequency, 123 point 9'er.
Captain Oveur: Roger!
Roger Murdock: Huh?
Victor Basta: Request vector, over.
Captain Oveur: What?
Tower voice: Flight 2-0-9'er cleared for vector 324.
Roger Murdock: We have clearance, Clarence.
Captain Oveur: Roger, Roger. What's our vector, Victor?
Tower voice: Tower's radio clearance, over!
Captain Oveur: That's Clarence Oveur. Over.
Tower voice: Over.
Captain Oveur: Roger.
Roger Murdock: Huh?
Tower voice: Roger, over!
Roger Murdock: What?
Captain Oveur: Huh?
Victor Basta: Who?"