What These Attractive Actresses From Sports Movies Look Like Now
Steven Spielberg said the horror movie has a specific job to do; to keep our inner gator fed. So maybe the sports movie also plays a certain role in people's lives. The quintessential sports movies such as Rocky, Brian's Song, and Hoop Dreams, are monolithic because they are our life. Almost every single person has actually experienced the sports movie. We know, maybe made, or wore equipment as awesomely surprising plays unraveled for or against us and we also felt that sublime exhaustion. Even if someone never played sports, they're still connected to those experiences through other athletes and fans.
The world of fiction also knows our connection to sports, creeps in, and wraps it's sinuous arms around us and those moments. Fiction tries too hard sometimes, they forget the real stories, and too often the sports movie careens off into a formula. We create predictable, stereotypical, and most often a silly cheer fest of scenes. We rely on devices such as the injured star, the cheerleader, the shower scene, the speech, victory, and sideline reporter.
Still, sports movies often times reveal the underbelly of society. The current of my life led away from some people's reality of high school sports, and Friday Night Lights reawakened me to the demanding intensity of Texas football. The Wrestler further exposed many past wrestling promoters' irreverent and unaffected conscience to all those athletes suffering somewhere.
So instead of grabbing the tail of this title, I'm going to look down its throat of the most paused scenes. Included are scenes from the "young and wild" to the "torn and frayed." These are the movies and scenes that really matter in the pantheon of great sports movies, or at least strike a nostalgic place in movie history. Strap on your helmets, feel your inner teen, your inner NCAA Madness, and your inner movie critic. Outside of the fatal flaw of a scene being cut and pasted for the desired outcome, everything else is fair in the world of art.
19 JESSICA BIEL - "SUMMER CATCH"
I never even heard of this movie before I did my due diligence, and my uneducated guess is that no one else in the world saw it either. Though it will certainly not be remembered as a classic, that's kinda' sad because there are a handful of scenes that are "listworthy" in the daydream of bikini shots. The Phoebe Cates scene in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is the monolith of teenage imagination and lust. However, Jessica's strut in "Summer Catch" blows it away, and it's not even close. Not even Freddie Prinze Jr. crashing his lawnmower and cutting up gardens while staring at her could ruin this scene. But alas they've both moved on, and Jessica lives in L.A. She is married to Justin Timberlake and they have one child.
18 MARISA TOMEI - THE WRESTLER
I love Marisa and she is a flat out terrific actress. No, I am not fixated on the cutsey roles that launched her career in "The Flamingo Kid" and "My Cousin Vinny." She easily could have been typecast as the fresh, sassy, spunky female vixen but she transformed her career, took "indie" type roles, and played them brilliantly.
I'm talking her grown up roles in "In The Bedroom" and "The Wrestler" where she was stunning, alluring, and true. Marisa never married or had children and lives in New York City. Lady Gaga said she wanted Marisa to play her if she ever made a movie, and she'd pull it off perfectly. Even 10 years after "The Wrestler" hit theatres, Tomei still looks as great as ever.
17 CYNTHIA GIBB - "YOUNGBLOOD"
Cynthia has been acting since 1980 which is a pretty amazing, 37 year career. In "Youngblood," she starred next to Rob Lowe, a kid in need of confidence and courage to be a star hockey player. Cynthia played his motivating, loving, and volatile girlfriend who emotionally and physically supports his journey through the film. A classic sports movie all the way, even the hockey scenes feel authentic. She also enjoyed a long and established career in television.
Cynthia is married, has 3 children, and lives in Los Angeles, where she probably catches any Kings game she wants. She still acts, but most of her roles now have come in TV movies. Her most recent project was Sharing Christmas.
16 SANAA LATHAM - LOVE AND BASKETBALL
Actor Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan starred in an epic scene where in his room, while in high school, they played strip basketball. Her performance in the film, and her acting along with Epps, could trap anyone. You're caught, in that room and in that life. There was no fake kisses, poses, or giggles here. It was sexy and brilliant, but somehow failed to catapult her career into mega stardom. She continuously found roles and also worked in TV and Broadway. Beautiful and talented, her name means "artistry" in Swahili and "shining light" in Arabic. Now in her mid 40s, Latham is still getting regular work, as she's reprising her role on "The Affair" in Season 4 and will be in a Netflix movie called "Nappily Ever After"
AMBER HEARD - FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
[caption align="alignnone" width="1710"] via your reading pleasure, not only did I find the most steamy actresses, but also the hottest scenes. Who can ever forget "Duct Tape Don?" It was Heard's first movie, and she and Permian High Panthers football player Don, storm into his home in frantic, teenage lust. They nearly unhinge the door, knock over a lamp, and while half naked, get caught by Don's father Charlie, who secretly watched. Hauntingly, Charlie whips out a roll of duct tape and wraps his son's hands around a football to teach him a lesson about fumbling.Heard's career has taken off, and she also actively involved with Amnesty International. She was married to Johnny Depp for 2 years and is living in Los Angeles. She also looks better than ever before.15 CHRISTINE TAYLOR - DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY
Dodgeball lives on as one of the funniest sports movies in recent memory. The cast of course consisted of Vince Vaughn playing main protagonist Peter LaFleur, Ben Stiller playing the obnoxious, gym-obsessed White Goodman and Stiller's real-life wife at the time Christine Taylor playing Kate Veach, Goodman's accountant that he fires for rejecting his advances. Throughout the movie, Christine Taylor's character is pursued romantically by both the Lafleur and Goodman, with very different methods. Whether as the serious working woman or later in some risque "dodgeball" outfits, Taylor's certainly remembered fondly from the movie. She hasn't aged a day since the film, but unfortunately, her and Stiller have split up.
14 GEENA DAVIS - A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Geena's role in this film really did help her evolve as an actress. The film is based on a women's baseball league being founded due to Major League Baseball shutting down during World War II. She played the star catcher of the movie's main female baseball team, Dottie Hinson. Truth is, she was never much of an athlete and was told to just "stand there." Yet she took on the roll and embraced it. Her inner athlete was born and when she got down and dirty, it was for real. She also had a wildly successful career and acted in desert island movies like "Hero" and "Thelma & Louise."
She has been married four times and founded the Geena Davis Institute. The research-based organization works with media and entertainment industries to eliminate bias, stereotypes, and sculpt strong female characters."
13 MADONNA - A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Who? Could it be true that a generation of people will exist without memories of "The Queen of Pop"? Could we be entering a new dawning of the age of life without Madonna? Say it ain't so and "stop right there." The girl who boarded a train from Michigan to New York City will not go gently. Thanks to social media and contemporary stars like Kim Kardashian (OMG) and Cardi B (this hurts), Madonna is latching on to all that is popular to stay relevant. Her farewell tour includes hitting up Oscar parties, and she should teach a masters class in marketing and social media. Though she doesn't have any plans to tour over the summer, her new beauty and anti aging products will debut soon at your favorite department store.
12 ELLEN PAGE, "Whip It"
Ellen Grace Philpotts-Page has quietly found a way to surprise film buffs with her unassuming, yet slightly capricious roles. Part of her breakout began in her critically acclaimed 2009 film "Whip It" which was also Drew Barrymore's directorial debut. As she embarks on womanhood, it will be interesting to see how her career evolves. Will she continue to walk the line between sinister, cute, or be the next "girl's night out mom."
Maybe she inherits part of her mysterious ways from her hometown, Halifax, Canada. For those of you who have never visited, it is a gem of a small city with incredible beaches, fishing towns, and a progressive culture. You might be able to find a girl's roller blade league there, and Ellen can skate and throw elbows with the best.
11 LAURA RAMSEY - SHE'S THE MAN
Though the theme had teeth, the film "She's The Man" gets lost in the sloppy, predictable plot. Instead of really working with the idea of gender barriers, the film gets lost in a silly puzzle to satisfy the genre of romantic comedy, as the film soon focuses more on Amanda Bynes's character's crush on her male teammate played by Channing Tatum.
However, what doesn't get lost is that a 19-year-old from Wisconsin was discovered. Laura had packed her bags and headed West, where she crashed and surfed couches. While working at a restaurant, she was found and rushed into the biz. She auditioned and voila, the next thing she knew it was off to the races. Laura is still young and has her entire career ahead.
10 RENE RUSSO - MAJOR LEAGUE
Before you think I'm stalking Rene or have some kind of weird fascination, let's just get it straight that it's all about her being a terrific actress. Major League turned into the perfect illustration of the 80s- 90s sports film. Great hair (Tom Berenger), historic underdog ball club (the Cleveland Indians), real life athletes and commercial names (Bob Uecker), soundtrack hits (Wild Thing), and of course, the girl (Rene Russo). Russo's role in the film was the ex-girlfriend of aging ballplayer Jake Taylor, who signs with the Indians knowing she lives in Cleveland and spends the film winning her back. Russo thrives in her role and of course, we get the happy ending with the Indians making the playoffs and the old couple reuniting.
But if you really want to see her kill it, watch The Thomas Crown Affair.
9 KATE BOSWORTH - BLUE CRUSH
Kate was just 18 years old in "Remember the Titans", her first notable film role and 20 in "Blue Crush", which is the flick we remember for her gracing the beach. Those movies jump started her career and now, the 35-year-old is a Hollywood mom, actress, and philanthropist. She is a member of the not for profit Appalachia Service Project, which for 8 weeks sends people to build and repair homes for families in Appalachia. She's also involved in programs for physically challenged children to ride horses. And for those who love fun facts, she has Heterochromia Iridum, a condition where her eyes are two different colors. Can anyone guess which is Blue and which is Brown? Who knows, but what we do know is Bosworth looked good then and still does now.
8 ROSIE PEREZ - "WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP"
Rosie's work might get lost in the library of movies and the rolodex of actors but that's a cryin' shame. The feisty and alluring spitfire from Brooklyn has played roles in film, TV, dance, and is one of those community activists people can really believe. She's got a big extended family, her mom died of AIDS, she basically grew up in a foster home, and she was discovered while dancing by the eyes at "Soul Train." If you're lucky enough to find "Night On Earth," she is just one of the brilliant actors. Her work in "Do the Right Thing" and White Men Can't Jump" is raw yet sweet. Her scene in the bedroom with Woody Harrelson is just so natural. "I said I'm thirsty, doesn't mean I want you to bring me a glass of water." Maybe not, but Rosie is still as fresh as the first time she hit the big screen.
7 JENNY MCCARTHY - BASEKETBALL
Jenny McCarthy's role in BASEketball definitely isn't remembered for her acting, but obviously her scenes are still fresh in our minds and we're sure many young men were hitting pause whenever she appeared on screen. She has several steamy scenes in the movie and while the film wasn't critically acclaimed (it has a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes) it certainly imprinted McCarthy into our minds. As per respected film critic Roger Ebert, he described the film as "a major missed opportunity from the creators of the TV grosstoon "South Park." It starts promisingly as an attack on modern commercialized sports, and then turns into just one more wheezy assembly-line story about slacker dudes vs. rich old guys."
Over 20 years after the film came out, McCarthy is still as stunning as ever. She was routinely in the top 10 among the hottest actresses in Hollywood and she still is turning heads today.
6 CINDY MORGAN - CADDYSHACK
Does it really matter that she may be to film what Jeremy Lin was to the NBA, Buster Douglass was to boxing, Jonathan Cheechoo to the NHL, Brady Anderson to the Bigs, and Ickey Woods to the NFL? If you did it then you did it (genius I know), and Cindy Morgan did and owned Lacey Underall. It's a role that defines a career, a Joe Namath accomplishment, and no one in film history ever rocked a one piece like her. Despite minor roles and voice overs, Cindy has lived a reserved life and celebrated her one hit wonder. Now, she dedicates much of her time to supporting and alleviating the hardships of U.S Veterans. She directed the Caddy Shack Reunion Golf Tournament to benefit the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.
5 SUSAN SARANDON, "BULL DURHAM"
OMG, she's 71 years old?! Insanity! Where to begin with the oldest child of 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Reunion Tour of Bull Durham? A remake? Susan should just run for President at this point, and I wouldn't be surprised if she did. Over the past 10 years, she's become increasingly political and voiced her opinions. Her beliefs are as fiery as her Southern drawl and auburn hair. She supported Bernie Sanders, was critical of Hillary Clinton, and hurled insults at Pope Benedict XVI. Her acting career and roles is as varied and diverse as anyone's, but her kitchen scene in "Bull Durham" is a highlight. Anyway, we're still baffled by just how much younger Sarandon looks than her actual age and her Bull Durham role remains beloved many years later.
4 KATHY IRELAND - NECESSARY ROUGHNESS
Probably best known for her run as THE supermodel of the 1980s and 1990s, she appeared in 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues. But she turned her career toward TV and film, where "way lead to way" and she became one of the most successful woman in the ENTIRE world. She built a licensing empire by branding her name, taste, and marketing skills to more than 17,000 items. She's designed purses and written children's books. She's a supporter of Israel, Barack Obama, and is also a dedicated Christian. In her spare time, she married Greg Olsen almost 30 years ago, and and they have 3 children. And oh by the way, Forbes estimates she's worth more than $420 million.
3 VANESSA ANGEL - KINGPIN
Vanessa played Claudia, who should not be confused with Lin Shaye, who played the Land Lady. Kingpin, now 21 years old, was one of those movies that much like "There's Something About Mary," established the shocking and grotesque as funny. Once again, Woody Harrelson found himself in the perfect role and he slam dunked it. But Vanessa, much like Cindy Morgan, wouldn't be able to let it ride into furthering her career. Most of her recent work doesn't include dramatic plots or tuned writing, but Sci- Fi, latenight repeats like "Sabretooth." She did make a brief comeback in "Hall Pass" and "Entourage," and also started a clothing line in 2009. Maybe VANE LA can turn her into the next Kathy Ireland.
2 ALI LARTER - VARSITY BLUES
In the trailer, Ali flips up her skirt and says, "You can sign right here," but that scene never made the movie. One scene that did make the final cut is the playful and enticing "whip cream bikini." The scene catapulted the 23 year old's career which eventually landed her alongside Reese Witherspoon in "Legally Blonde." Ali has had constant work and resurfaced thanks to social media. She's appeared with Beyonce, modeled for magazines like Cosmopolitan, and recently published a cook book. Ali is married, lives in California, and is a long way from her home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where she became a Philadelphia Phillies' fan.
1 JENNIFER LAWRENCE - "SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK"
I could argue the "I did my research" scene is the steamiest ever in a sports' movie. Furthermore, it's way more attractive than any cheerleader scene. What is more electric than a person's lover chewing out their patriarch and setting a dysfunctional family straight? Part of the film's and star's brilliance is no part of this movie feels forced or contrived even though it was easily predictable. It's a pure and honest moment in film history and she won the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. She is just 27 years old and already, her work has grossed over $5.5 billion. Look out below!
