Jason Statham Bio
Jason Statham (born 26 July 1967) is an English actor known for portraying tough, gritty, or violent characters in various action thriller films. He has been credited for leading the resurgence of action films during the 2000s and 2010s. By 2017, his films had grossed over £1.1 billion ($1.5 billion), making him one of the industry’s most bankable stars. Statham began practicing martial arts, kickboxing, and karate in his youth, while he was also a member of Great Britain’s national diving team.
Early Life and Background
Jason Statham was born in Shirebrook, England, on 26 July 1967. He is the son of dancer Eileen and street seller Barry Statham. His father also worked odd jobs as a house painter, coal miner, and singer. Statham moved to Great Yarmouth, where he initially chose not to follow his father’s career working local market stalls, instead focusing on martial arts. He grew up alongside football player Vinnie Jones, who introduced him to football, and he played for the local grammar school. Statham was also passionate about diving, practicing daily to perfect his techniques. He was a member of Great Britain’s National Swimming Squad for 12 years and competed for England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Statham’s early exposure to performance came through his work as a model. He was spotted by a sports modeling agency while training at London’s Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. He signed contracts with various brands, including Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s, and made small appearances in music videos. Despite his modeling success, he continued to work as a street seller to make ends meet, selling fake perfume and jewelry on street corners.
Path to Hollywood
Statham’s history of working at market stalls inspired his casting in Guy Ritchie’s crime films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000). Both films were commercial hits and helped catapult Statham to stardom. He played supporting roles in American action films such as Turn It Up (2000) and Ghosts of Mars (2001). In 2002, he starred as Frank Martin in the action film The Transporter, which solidified his status as an action star. The film spawned two sequels, Transporter 2 (2005) and Transporter 3 (2008). Statham’s success continued with roles in The Italian Job (2003) and Crank (2006), further establishing him in the action genre.
Jason Statham Career
Early Career (1993–2000)
Jason Statham began his film career in 1993 with small appearances in music videos and commercials. His breakthrough came with his role in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, where he was paid £5,000. This film was well received and helped put him in the public eye. His second collaboration with Ritchie, Snatch, earned over $80 million at the box office, and for this role, he was paid £15,000. Statham’s early career was marked by his transition from modeling to acting, and he quickly gained recognition for his tough-guy persona.
Breakthrough (2001–2010)
Statham’s breakthrough in Hollywood came with the release of The Transporter in 2002. This film was a significant success and led to two sequels, further establishing him as a leading action star. He also starred in The Italian Job and Crank, both of which were commercially successful. In 2010, he appeared in the ensemble action film The Expendables, which grossed $274 million worldwide. Statham’s role as Lee Christmas showcased his ability to lead a cast of action stars and solidified his status in the industry.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jason Statham has become synonymous with action films, known for his roles in The Transporter series, The Expendables series, and the Fast & Furious franchise. His films have grossed over $8.5 billion worldwide, making him one of the most bankable stars in the industry.
Jason Statham Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jason Statham has received various nominations for his performances, particularly for his roles in action films and comedies.
Jason Statham Awards Won
Jason Statham has been recognized for his contributions to film, particularly in the action genre, although specific awards won are not detailed in the available information.
Jason Statham Family
Jason Statham is engaged to model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, with whom he has been in a relationship since 2010. The couple announced their engagement in January 2016. They have two children, a son born in June 2017 and a daughter born on 2 February 2022. They lived in Beverly Hills for several years before moving back to London in 2020.
Personal Life
Statham holds a black belt in karate and enjoys various sports, including wakeboarding, jet skiing, and rock climbing. He is known for performing many of his own stunts in films. In a 2013 interview, he advocated for stunt performers to receive recognition at the Academy Awards, highlighting their contributions to the film industry. In 2014, he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.
