When we think of Hollywood stars, we often imagine red carpets, award ceremonies, and acting. However, it’s no secret that some actors have hidden talents and interests, and one of these interests happens to be poker. Some Hollywood actors have even become professional poker players, competing in high-stakes tournaments and winning millions of dollars. So let’s take a closer look at some actors who have successfully crossed over into the world of professional poker.
Ben Affleck: From Acting to Winning Poker Championships
Ben Affleck is one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood, with roles in blockbuster films such as Batman, Good Will Hunting, and Argo. However, when he’s not acting, he enjoys playing poker and blackjack. Affleck’s poker skills are impressive, having won the 2004 California State Poker Championship, which earned him a large cash prize and an entry into the World Poker Tour Championship.
Despite his success, Affleck hasn’t been without controversy in poker. He was once banned from the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel for allegations of counting cards, a technique used to gain an advantage in the game. Maybe he wouldn’t have gotten in trouble if he had played online poker games!
Jennifer Tilly: From Gambling Comedy to Professional Poker
Jennifer Tilly is an actress best known for her roles in films such as Liar Liar and Bride of Chucky. However, after playing a role in the gambling comedy movie, “Let it Ride,” she became interested in gambling and became a professional poker player.
Tilly has participated in many poker tournaments and championships, winning nearly USD 1 million from all her poker games. Her success in poker has even earned her a World Series of Poker bracelet.
Tobey Maguire: A Competitive Poker Player
Tobey Maguire is an actor who gained fame as Spider-Man in the early 2000s. However, many people don’t know that Maguire is a competitive poker player. He played in the same high-stakes poker ring as Ben Affleck and Matt Damon and even won millions of dollars from his games.
Despite his success, Maguire’s poker career has been shrouded in controversy. He was suspected of fraudulent activity within the poker ring and had to settle a lawsuit.
Matt Damon: From Rounders to the Poker Ring
Matt Damon is an actor who has appeared in numerous films, including the blockbuster Bourne franchise. However, his interest in poker began after starring in the 1998 drama film Rounders, which showcased the underground realm of high-stakes poker.
Damon didn’t stop at just acting in a film about poker, as he also played in live tournaments and joined the underground high-stakes poker ring alongside Tobey Maguire and Ben Affleck.
Brad Garrett
Measuring an impressive 6’9″ tall, Brad Garrett is a stand-up comedian who has been making waves in Hollywood since the early 1990s. His long film and television CV includes hits such as “A Bug’s Life,” “Garfield,” and “Finding Nemo.” His signature deep voice makes him especially sought after for animated movies! You can find Garrett playing poker when he isn’t acting on screen – although Phil Hellmuth may have met his match when they clashed during a memorable Poker Night In America episode.
Conclusion: Hollywood’s Love for Poker
In conclusion, these actors have shown that they have both acting talent and poker talent. In addition, they have crossed over into professional poker, competing in high-stakes tournaments and winning millions of dollars.
While their success in poker is impressive, it’s important to remember that poker is a game of skill, and not everyone can win. However, these actors have shown they have what it takes to succeed in both the entertainment and poker industries.
Whether it’s Ben Affleck’s championship wins, Jennifer Tilly’s World Series of Poker bracelet, Tobey Maguire’s millions of dollars, or Matt Damon’s love for the game, it’s clear that Hollywood has a love for poker that isn’t going away anytime soon.
