Jason Statham is known for his thrilling action movies but before fame, the actor sold fake jewelry on London streets to make ends meet. The beloved star also worked as a model and elite diver before breaking into Hollywood.
Jason Statham rose to stardom portraying tough and ruthless characters in action films, but his first role in a Guy Ritchie project served as his breakthrough, playing a small-time criminal.
It turns out, the part wasn’t too far from his own past. In fact, it was his career as a street seller that transformed him from an international diver to a Hollywood star.
Jason Statham sold knock-off jewelry on the street before his big break
Born in July 1967 to Eileen and Barry Statham, Jason found his calling in sports as a talented footballer and diver. He was eventually inducted into the British National Diving School in 1985 and went on to represent Great Britain and England internationally.
He participated in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic trials but failed to make the cut. Statham was also hired as a model for his masculine and relatable look. During this time, he followed his father’s footsteps as a seller, offering “fake jewelry and perfume on street corners.”
The actor admitted that he never told his customers they were counterfeit products, but “some people were stupid enough to think that it was solid gold.”
“You let them think it’s nicked and that’s their fault. If they think it’s gold, then they’re even stupider,” he told Daily Mail. “Why would I be selling four chains for £10 if they’re solid gold? I’d need my brains testing.”
When asked if he ever went against his morals during his “black market” dealings, Jason confessed that he occasionally felt bad when buyers realized they had purchased a fake product. “You’d have to have your own judgment at that time whether they get their money back or not,” he recalled to Sway’s Universe. “But usually, I’m trying to make money, so I’m not trying to behave like Barneys,”
The Fast And Furious actor was never jailed for his dishonest dealings and he does not have a criminal record.
Two years later, he received a call from Guy Ritchie to portray Bacon, a small-time criminal, in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Check out Jason Statham during his modeling and diving days
Here he is flipping off springboard at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland in 1990. His best result at the event was eighth place in the 1-meter springboard with a score of 487.26 points. He placed 11th in the 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform:
Rocking the Adidas tracksuit:
An intense pose for Timberland: