In the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, where red carpets constantly unfurl at movie and tv premieres and the paparazzi are ever presented, it can be sometimes easy to forget that behind the scenes, many actors lead remarkably disciplined lives. While their on-screen personas may vary from superheroes to detectives, some actors have embarked on massive challenge their off screen life: the marathon.
Below we will look Hollywood movie and TV stars who have not only conquered the silver screen but have also mastered the grueling 26.2 miles of the marathon. After all this distance can be a plot twist that even the best screenwriter can’t script.
Edward Norton
Edward Norton, known for his intense performances in films like "Fight Club" and "American History X," headed to the start line of the New York City Marathon in 2009. Running for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, Norton made up of a team of 30 runners, and perhaps ironically, including Alanis Morrisette. Perhaps channeling his alter ego from "The Incredible Hulk," Norton powered through the 26.2 miles with determination, finishing in 3 hours, 48 minutes, and 1 second.
Ryan Reynolds
The irrepressibly charming Ryan Reynolds, famed for his portrayal of the wisecracking Deadpool and more recently as part owner of Wrexham Football Club, embarked on his own adventure at the New York City Marathon in 2008. Running in support of Parkinson's disease research, Reynolds dashed through the streets of the Big Apple with his trademark wit intact. He completed the race in 3 hours, 50 minutes, and 22 seconds
Kevin Hart
Comedian Kevin Hart, known for his infectious humor both on stage and screen, has starred in comedic roles such as 'Ride Along' with Ice Cube and 'Central Intelligence' with The Rock. Hart took on a different kind of challenge at the New York City Marathon in 2017. Running to raise funds for his charity, Help From the Hart, which supports education initiatives, Hart's journey captured hearts worldwide. Despite his short stature, Hart tackled the marathon with giant strides, finishing in 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds.
Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell, a long-standing comedic legend known for his roles in 'Anchorman' and 'Step Brothers,' traded laughs for miles when he took on the Boston Marathon in 2003. Ferrell ran impressively for a first-time marathoner, completing the race in 3 hours, 56 minutes, and 12 seconds.
Natalie Dormer
Natalie Dormer, known for her roles in 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Hunger Games,' traded the kingdoms of Westeros for the challenge of the London Marathon in 2018. Running in aid of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Dormer channeled the on-screen fierceness of Margaery Tyrell. Crossing the finish line in 3 hours, 50 minutes, and 57 seconds, she proved herself a true warrior both on and off the screen.
Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson is best remembered for her iconic portrayal of 'CJ' in 'Baywatch,' a staple of 1990s Saturday afternoons on ITV in the UK. In 2013, she made a splash in the world of marathon running by participating in the New York City Marathon. Running to raise funds for the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, Anderson's marathon journey epitomized the resilience and determination of her lifeguard character, battling each grueling mile one step at a time. Anderson crossed the finish line in 5 hours, 41 minutes, and 3 seconds.
Teri Hatcher
Teri Hatcher is renowned for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the 'New Adventures of Superman' in the 90s and Susan Mayer in 'Desperate Housewives' in the 2000s. In 2014, she tackled the New York City Marathon, running in support of the J/P Haitian Relief Organization. Hatcher powered through the race, crossing the finish line in 5 hours, 6 minutes, and 42 seconds.
Katie Holmes
Actress Katie Holmes, best known for her roles in 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Batman Begins,' traded Gotham for the streets of New York when she ran the city's marathon in 2007. With every step, Holmes proved herself a hero, crossing the finish line in 5 hours, 29 minutes, and 58 seconds. She was supported by her daughter and then-husband, Tom Cruise, who greeted her at the finish line.
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston, who portrayed the anti-hero Walter White in 'Breaking Bad,' considered by many to be the greatest TV show of all time, embarked on his own journey of transformation long before this famous role. In 1985, he took on the New York City Marathon. Channeling the determination that would later define his iconic character, Cranston pushed through pain and fatigue, crossing the finish line in 3 hours and 20 minutes, making him the fastest marathoner on our list today.
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher is best known to Irish millennials for his role as Kelso in 'That '70s Show.' In 2022, he swapped flares for running shorts and participated in the New York City Marathon. This achievement was especially remarkable considering that only three years earlier, Kutcher had been diagnosed with vasculitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels and reduces blood flow, potentially leading to organ and tissue damage. Kutcher raised over $1 million for his Thorn foundation, which helps prevent online sex trafficking of children. He crossed the finish line in 3 hours, 54 minutes, and 1 second.
And there you have it, folks! From silver screens to marathon scenes, these Hollywood stars have proven that their talents extend far beyond acting chops. So the next time you're binge-watching your favorite films or TV shows, and spot any of these actors, remember the incredible feats they achieved off-screen—where they weren’t just reciting lines, but conquering miles!