All the hoopla surrounding Michael Phelps has rendered me curious about his porn-stached predecessor in olympic hype: Mark Spitz.I figured I’d read up on Spitz, before he completely fades into irrelevance. Turns out, homeboy attempted an acting career back in the 70s. One episode of the TV show “Emergency!” Not so easy, is it, sir?
As a man who breaks his ass daily, honing his craft, taking roles in independent films for no pay, slugging it out weeknights and Saturday mornings at casting workshops, I take umbrage with athletes who think crossing over to my business will be a cinch.
Jason Taylor plans on playing one more year of football and then becoming an actor. Barry Zito has stated he’s moving to Hollywood when his baseball career is finished. Fellas, I have five words for you: Double Team, starring Dennis Rodman.
In fact, I have a full paragraph: Bruce Jenner, who stumbled through several episodes of “CHiPs” while Erik Estrada was in a contract dispute with the network. Shaquille O’Neal in Kazaam. Brian Bosworth. Joe Namath.
Back when I saw Mitch Gaylord in American Anthem, he could have been legally prosecuted for child abuse.
In all fairness, I’ll give credit to the exceptions: Carl Weathers. Fred Dryer. Ed Marinaro. And the best example of a successful transition: Mark Harmon.
I suppose it’s also fair to mention that I’d give my left anything to play center field for the Yankees. It's just that I know I’m not qualified.
Jason Taylor, even though you feel at ease in front of a crowd of reporters in front of your locker, or enjoyed flitting around on “Dancing With the Stars”, realize this: the camera doesn't lie. Acting is tough.
On a side note: major props to Speedo for the vast improvement in bathing suit technology since Spitz’s days. Good lord.
