50 Facts About Jason Statham

Early Life and Background

Jason Statham's journey from a small town in England to Hollywood stardom is nothing short of remarkable. His early life was filled with diverse interests and experiences that shaped his future career.

1. Birth and Family: Born on July 26, 1967, in Shirebrook, Derbyshire, England, Jason Statham's parents were Eileen, a dancer, and Barry Statham, a street vendor.

2. Family Business: Barry Statham also worked as a lounge singer, and the family had a band where Jason played the drums.

3. Early Interests: From a young age, Statham was passionate about Chinese martial arts, football (soccer), and diving.

4. Diving Career: In 1985, he joined the British National Diving School and competed in the Olympic trials for the 1988 Games in Seoul.

5. Competitive Diving: Statham was part of the British National Diving Squad for over a decade, participating in international competitions, including the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

6. Modeling Career: After diving, he modeled for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s, which eventually led to his acting debut.

Acting Career

Jason Statham's transition from modeling to acting was seamless, thanks to his rugged looks and natural charisma. His filmography is filled with iconic roles that have cemented his status as an action star.

7. Debut in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels: Statham's movie debut came in 1998 with Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.

8. Role in Snatch: He starred in Ritchie’s second film, Snatch (2000), alongside Brad Pitt, which was a commercial hit.

9. The Transporter Series: In 2002, Statham played the title role in The Transporter, leading to two successful sequels.

10. The Italian Job: He appeared in The Italian Job (2003), a heist film with Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron.

11. Crank Series: Statham played an assassin in Crank (2006) and its sequel, Crank: High Voltage (2009).

12. War: In War (2007), he starred as an FBI agent opposite Jet Li.

13. The Bank Job: The Bank Job (2008) was another popular film featuring Statham.

14. Collateral: He had a supporting role in Michael Mann’s Collateral (2004), starring Tom Cruise.

15. The Expendables: In 2010, Statham joined an all-star cast in The Expendables, appearing in its sequels as well.

16. The Mechanic Series: He starred as hit man Arthur Bishop in The Mechanic (2011) and Mechanic: Resurrection (2016).

17. Fast and Furious Series: Statham joined the Fast and Furious franchise in 2013, playing Deckard Shaw in multiple films.

Personal Interests and Skills

Beyond acting, Jason Statham has a wide range of interests and skills that contribute to his on-screen persona. His dedication to fitness and martial arts is well-known.

18. Martial Arts Skills: Statham is trained in karate, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, holding a black belt.

19. Diving Skills: His diving background aids in performing underwater sequences in films.

20. Fitness Enthusiast: Statham follows a strict workout regimen, maintaining his impressive physique.

21. Yoga Practice: He practices yoga to improve flexibility and overall well-being.

22. Driving Skills: Statham has a passion for cars and often drives them in his movies.

23. Stunt Performer: Known for doing his own stunts, Statham believes it adds authenticity to his roles.

24. Football and Chess: He enjoys playing football and chess, showcasing his diverse talents.

25. Modeling Background: Discovered while working as a street vendor, his rugged look led to a modeling career.

26. Voice Work: Statham has voiced characters in video games like Red Faction II and Call of Duty.

27. Criticism of Superhero Actors: He has criticized superhero actors who use stunt doubles, calling it “embarrassing.”

Personal Life

Despite his tough-guy image, Jason Statham's personal life reveals a more modest and private individual. His relationships and lifestyle choices often attract media attention.

28. Modest Personality: Off-screen, Statham is known for his modesty about his skills.

29. Relationships: He has been in high-profile relationships with models Kelly Brook and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

30. Philosophical Approach: Statham often reflects on the importance of hard work and practicality.

31. Failed Driving Test: He admitted to failing his driving test multiple times at age 15.

32. Training Regimen: For Death Race, he dropped his body fat from 20% to 6% over three months.

33. Corcoran Prison Visit: While researching Death Race, an inmate mistook him for Jason Statham.

34. Publicity and Modesty: Despite his fame, Statham prefers to keep a low profile.

35. Celebrity Status: His breakout role in The Transporter catapulted him to international fame.

36. Awards and Nominations: Statham has been nominated for various awards, including the Teen Choice Awards.

37. Versatile Actor: He has appeared in a range of genres, showcasing his versatility.

38. Diverse Filmography: Statham’s roles range from antiheroes to more nuanced characters.

39. Friendship with Guy Ritchie: He has a close friendship with director Guy Ritchie.

40. Raspy Voice: Known for his distinctive raspy voice, which adds to his tough-guy image.

41. Physicality and Intensity: His background in diving and martial arts brings unique physicality to his roles.

42. Fitness Routine: Statham’s commitment to fitness is evident in his rigorous training regimens.

43. Action Movie Icon: He is synonymous with action movies, known for incredible fight scenes and stunts.

44. Age Controversy: Some sources list his birth year as 1967, but he confirmed it as 1972.

45. High Octane Performances: Statham consistently delivers high-octane performances in films like Crank.

46. Off-Screen Personality: Despite his tough-guy image, he is known to be modest and quiet.

47. Career Milestones: His breakout role in The Transporter and roles in The Expendables and Fast and Furious franchises are career highlights.

48. International Recognition: Statham’s fame extends beyond acting, including his modeling career.

49. Philosophical Approach to Life: He often shares insights on the importance of hard work and dedication.

50. Enduring Appeal: With captivating performances and commitment to fitness, Statham remains a beloved figure in action cinema.

Jason Statham: A True Action Icon

Jason Statham's journey from a professional diver to a Hollywood action star is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication to performing his own stunts, his rigorous fitness routines, and his versatile acting skills have made him a household name. Whether he's playing a tough-as-nails transporter, a high-octane assassin, or a former MI6 agent, Statham brings an intensity and authenticity to his roles that few can match. Off-screen, he's a modest guy who enjoys football, chess, and yoga. His close friendship with director Guy Ritchie and his high-profile relationships add layers to his intriguing persona. With a career spanning decades and a filmography full of hits, Jason Statham continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His enduring appeal and commitment to his craft ensure that he'll remain a beloved figure in action cinema for years to come.