Jason Statham was born in Shirebrook, Derbyshire, to Eileen (Yates), a dancer, and Barry Statham, a street merchant and lounge singer. He was a Diver on the British National Diving Team and finished twelfth in the World Championships in 1992.
Today we are going to share some more interesting facts about him.
He is well trained in Mixed Martial Arts and is an expert in Kickboxing/Jujitsu.
A keen supporter of Nottingham Forest Football Club.
A competent martial artist with a background in kickboxing, wing chun and karate, Statham frequently does his own stunts and, prior to his acting career, toyed with the idea of being a stuntman himself. Throughout his career, Statham has frequently called for there to be an Academy Award to celebrate the work of stunt men and women, being quoted as saying “I think it is an overlooked category, especially considering how much responsibility these coordinators have for some of the greatest entertainment in action movies. I mean, all of the stunt men-these are the unsung heroes. They really are. Nobody is giving them any credibility. They’re risking their necks. And then you’ve got poncy actors pretending like they’re doing [the stunts].”.
Though he never won a medal during his 12 year diving career, Statham competed in the 1990 Commonwealth games and came close to competing for Great Britain in the Olympics three times: 1988, 1992, and 1996. At each Olympic trial, he placed third – only two of his fellow countrymen were taken each time. Not seeing it as having been a waste of his time, he noted, “Despite the hard work, the failure to win a medal made me more disciplined, taught me to focus on hard work and determined me for the success of my future endeavours.”.
Has played six different characters in recurring roles: Frank Martin (The Transporter), Chev Chelios (Crank), Deckard Shaw (Fast & Furious Series), Arthur Bishop (The Mechanic), Lee Christmas (The Expendables) and Rick Ford (Spy).