DON’T MISS THE BEAT

By Riesa Pascal

It’s well known that a number of celebrities started off their careers in the sporting world before trying their hand in the entertainment industry. Although not every athlete’s transition was a successful one, there have been quite a few stand out stars who did have the acting chops required to make it to Tinseltown. Let’s take a look at some of these stars who were able to succeed in both athletics and acting.

DWAYNE JOHNSON We might as well start off strong with the most popular celebrity on our list. Unless you were born in the 2000s, you know that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got his acting start in professional wrestling with the WWE. Before he was showing off his athletics feats in the ring, Johnson was actually an accomplished football player which not many people remember. Not only did he win an NCAA championship with the Miami Hurricanes back in 1991, he was also briefly signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. After a few minor television roles, Johnson finally made his big-screen debut with 2001's The Mummy Returns as the Scorpion King and has since become one of the best-known actors in the world.

TERRY CREWS He’s starred in many of your favorite comedies and was a beloved member of the popular sitcom Brooklyn NineNine all the way up until the show’s end last year. Of course I’m talking about the one and only Terry Crews. If you’ve ever taken a look at his physique, it should come as no surprise to learn that he got his start on the football field. Crews spent the early 1990s bouncing around the NFL from the Los Angeles Rams and the San Diego Chargers to the Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles. Eventually Crews moved to Los Angeles to try and kickstart an acting career. Although he has had some action-heavy roles, much of his career has been spent in comedic roles which he seems to always thrive in thanks to his impeccable comic timing.

RONDA ROUSEY How about we show the ladies some love? Although her acting career doesn’t have too many credits yet, Ronda Rousey is definitely looking to follow in the steps of some of her fellow wrestling stars. Not only is Rousey an Olympian and bronze medalist in Judo, she is also a former professional MMA fighter and a popular WWE wrestler. Her incredible athletic ability has allowed her to succeed at whatever sport she puts her mind to and I’m sure her new acting career will be no different. Rousey got her start on the big-screen with 2014's The Expendables 3 and is slowly, but surely adding to her growing resume. DAVE BAUTISTA Don’t let his lovable character of Drax on Guardian of the Galaxies fool you! Dave Bautista is a hardcore athlete who spent two decades of his career in the wrestling arena. Those 20 years saw Bautista become a household name with the WWE, but those rippling muscles have also helped him to successfully transition into the action flick world. Although his first credited acting role was in a 2006 episode of Smallville, he has since shown up in a number of the biggest action franchises on the planet and it seems pretty apparent that Bautista isn't planning on stopping any time soon.

BURT REYNOLDS As a graduate of Florida State University, I may be a little biased adding this one to the list. Okay, okay… maybe I’m a lot baised, but can you blame me? It’s not often one can say they went to the same university as a major Hollywood star! Before Burt Reynolds was carving out a solid acting career for himself, he spent much of his youth playing football with a goal of making it to the big leagues. He attended Florida State University on a football scholarship in hopes of going professional before injuries eventually took out on a different career path. It would seem that life worked out pretty well for him though. He was a leading man on many successful television shows and continues to be remembered today for his numerous action film roles as well as that killer mustache.

JOHN CENA We’ve featured quite a few wrestlers on our list today so it’s only fitting that we close out with a wrestler who is for all intents and purposes, the unofficial face of the WWE. Although he played center for his Springfield College football team, everyone on the planet knows John Cena for his lengthy career in wrestling. Cena first debuted his acting chops in 2006’s The Marine and his film credits have been steadily growing since from comedies like Trainwreck to major blockbusters like Fast & Furious 9 and The Suicide Squad. If you needed yet another reason to love the guy, it should be noted that Cena is also a prolific philanthropist and has gifted the most wishes ever given for the Make-AWish Foundation.

By Maha Chaudhry

It all started more than a decade ago, when a record executive accidentally found a video of a young boy singing “So Sick” by artist Ne-Yo on YouTube.

His discovery of the video would change the young boy’s life forever, along with the music industry as a whole. Who is this young boy I speak of? The one and only Justin Bieber.

Upon discovery, Record Executive Scooter Braun talked Bieber’s mother into allowing young Bieber to come to Atlanta where he would be introduced to his mentor, Usher and start recording his demo tapes. By 2009 the “Bieber Fever” had officially begun. Bieber’s first major hit “One Time” not only topped the charts, but was indicative of the rise of fame yet to come. And boy, did it come. Before long, Bieber turned millions into “believers” and he wasn’t about to stop there.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Beiber’s Madison Square Garden show sold out in just 30 seconds. Yup, that’s less than a minute. That’s also less time than you would probably spend parked at a traffic light.

In 2010, the rising star became the youngest artist to receive an American Music Award. This would be one of many to come.

Since receiving his first AMA, Bieber has had many hits take the Billboard charts such as “Sorry, “Love Yourself,” and Ed Sheeran collaboration “I Don’t Care,” just to name a few. His songs continued to land him awards beyond just the AMA’s. We’re talking the Grammys and all. In a Live Nation video, it is mentioned that the overnight sensation has performed over 600 concerts, totaling more than 7,500 songs since his debut.

To think Bieber exposed us to his talent over thirteen years ago is quite wild! And he is about to do it again with the Justice World Tour coming to the Amway Center in Orlando on April 11th.

Bieber’s new album Justice features recent hits like “Anyone” and “Ghost,” but word has it that you may just hear him play some of his oldies but goldies too. I think we’re okay with that.

The nation has watched the artist go from a child with a dream to a tween throb, and now, adult singing sensation and husband to model Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber. Though the journey may not have always been easy for the star growing up in the spotlight, he has always made it a point to give back.

Some of his philanthropic efforts include supporting charities and foundations such as Save the Children and Pencils of Promise, among others. The Justice tour will also serve meaningful efforts, as a percentage o___f the ticket sales will go towards supporting his initiative “Justice in Action.” Bieber’s mission for the tour is to aid in raising awareness around criminal justice reform, climate action and voter registration. Well done, Bieber!

Though the concerts can be notorious for selling out, it might not be too late to catch the Bieber Fever this month.

In this first-ever collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, journey into a world where an animator’s desk becomes the stage and drawings come alive. The show is a celebration of life, accentuated by the delightful, mesmerizing movements of Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic mastery.

Its that time of year again where we celebrate the 10th year of Winter Park’s Wine & Dine Festival. Located at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market, guests will enjoy “Unlimited Tastings" from over 35 restaurants, vendors, craft beers, wine purveyors, specialty cocktails, soda/water, plus Live music both inside and outside. Some vendors Barn Catering, Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn, Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, Gourmet Machine & Catering, Tijuana Flats, Umi Sushi, Boca Winter Park, to name a few! And for the 10-Year Celebration they are incorporating higher value wines & champagnes like Caymus & Belle Glos, Veuve Clicquot, Rombauer, Prisoner Wine, Einstein Cab + Dedicated Quantum Leap Wine Bar and many more.

There will be a live band, DJ, dancing along with unlimited tastings. It is a great way to enjoy day light savings, after a work day.

Now in its 31st year, the Florida Film Festival is an Oscar®-qualifying festival, premiering the best in current, independent, and international cinema. Through 10 days of 160+ films and first-class events, film lovers mingle with filmmakers and celebrities over hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious menu at Eden Bar and inside Enzian Theater.