From Athlete To Actor Trivia Quiz

Answer: Anna Kournikova

Anna never won a major tennis tournament in her rather short career, and her world ranking usually fell just under 300th. Despite her mediocre tennis career, her good looks translated into calendar and poster sales, making her the most recognizable face in women's tennis.

After landing the small part of a motel manager in "Me, Myself, and Irene", Anna went on to increase her celebrity status by appearing in the Enrique Iglesias video for "Escape". Anna also consistently placed in several magazine's sexiest women lists, including being named the "Sexiest Woman in the World" by the Australian version of "FHM" in 2002. Kournikova retired from tennis in 2004 due to chronic lower back pain.

Answer: Fred Dryer

The number one draft choice of the New York Giants in 1969, Fred Dryer's football career didn't take off until he moved to the L.A. Rams in 1972. After retiring from football in 1981, Dryer became a full time actor, landing the role of Milt Cooperman in the 1981 television movie "The Star Maker".

After a couple of other TV movies and an appearance as a policeman in "Cannonball Run 2", Dryer landed the lead role on the NBC detective series, "Hunter", playing loose cannon, Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter from 1984 to 1991. Dryer took his action status to the movie theaters, playing his first leading role in the 1987 movie "Death Before Dishonor".

Some TV fans may also recognize him for his recurring role on "Cheers" as sportscaster Dave Richards.

Answer: Reggie Jackson

One of the most popular baseball players of the 1970s and 1980s, Reggie Jackson began his career with the Kansas City Athletics in 1967. The team moved to Oakland in 1968, and by 1972 won the first of three consecutive World Series championships. Despite this success, many of the Athletics star players were traded in the mid-seventies, including Jackson.

After one season with the Baltimore Orioles, Jackson signed with the New York Yankees where his celebrity status skyrocketed, even having a candy bar named after him. Three homeruns in three consecutive at bats in the 1977 World Series gave Jackson instant legend status, as well as the nickname "Mr. October". Though his early acting work consisted mostly of guest appearances on shows like "The Love Boat" and "Diff'rent Strokes", he did eventually make it to the silver screen in 1988's "The Naked Gun". Jackson has also made small appearances in 1994's "Richie Rich" and 1997's "BASEketball".

Answer: Alex Karras

A defensive lineman and Outland Trophy winner in college, Alex Karras played for the Detroit Lions from 1958 to 1971. When filming began for the 1968 Alan Alda comedy "Paper Lion", Karras only had a bit part in the movie. Director Alex March was so impressed by Karras' ability and natural style, he gave the defensive tackle more lines, extending his part until it was essentially a supporting role.

After retiring from football, Karras landed a couple of small roles in TV movies and spent two years as a commentator on "Monday Night Football".

It was in 1974 that Karras established himself as an actor, playing the memorable role of Mongo in the Mel Brooks comedy "Blazing Saddles". Although he would make another memorable appearance as a gay man in the 1982 comedy "Victor/Victoria", most fans recognize him as George Papadapolis on the 1983-1987 television series "Webster".

Answer: Mitch Gaylord

A gold medal winning gymnast at the 1984 Olympics, Mitch only had a guest appearance on "Diff'rent Strokes" on his acting resume when he landed the lead role in "American Anthem", opposite Janet Jones. Written off as boring and predictable by film critics, the movie also didn't do well at the box office.

It would be four years before Gaylord made it back to feature films, starring in the movie "American Tiger", which was originally released in Italy as "American Riscio". His acting jobs being few and far between, Gaylord found work as a stuntman, doubling for Chris O'Donnell in 1995's "Batman Forever".

Answer: Pele

It didn't matter if you called it soccer or football, Pele was still recognized as the face of his sport even years after he played his last game for the New York Cosmos in 1977. A legend in Brazil, he was the first player to win three World Cup titles while playing for Brazil's national team. Pele had appeared on a TV series and in feature films in Brazil, including the 1979 movie "Os Trombadinhas" in which he also received a writing credit, but it wasn't until 1981's "Victory" that he made his American film debut.

In 1997, Pele was named Sports Minister for Brazil.

Answer: Jason Lee

With only a Sonic Youth video and a small part as a drug customer in "Mi Vida Loca" on his resume, Jason was signed by writer and director Kevin Smith to play Brodie Bruce in the 1995 comedy/drama "Mallrats". Although the movie was panned by most, Lee received high marks from both critics and fans. Smith was so impressed with his performance, he wrote a part specifically for Jason in his next movie, "Chasing Amy".

Answer: Yogi Berra

There are few characters in sports history more interesting than Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra. A World War 2 veteran who stormed the beach at Normandy, Berra came home from overseas and began an 18 year career with the New York Yankees in 1946. After managing the Yankees in 1964, Berra played briefly for the New York Mets in 1965 before retiring for good as a player.

At the time of his retirement, Yogi held four World Series records, including games played (75), at bats (259), hits (71), and doubles (10). Yogi is perhaps just as well known, if not better known, for his "Yogi-isms".

These were phrases that sometimes point out the obvious, sometimes make no sense at all, and more often than not were unintentionally humorous. Some of his better known sayings include: "It ain't over till it's over" and "Ninety percent of the game is half mental".

Answer: Tim McCarver

Despite never being a star, McCarver was a durable catcher and one of the few players to play in four different decades from 1959 to 1980. In 1966, while with the St. Louis Cardinals, McCarver became the first catcher to lead the major leagues in triples with 13. Though most of his career was spent with the Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies, Tim also had brief stints with the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox.

His first acting credit came with the 1992 Tom Selleck movie "Mr. Baseball".

Answer: Troy Aikman

Born in West Covina, California, Troy moved with his family to Henryetta, Oklahoma in the late 1970s. After turning down a contract with the New York Mets to play baseball, Aikman enrolled at the University of Oklahoma where he played football. After his Sophomore year, Troy transferred to UCLA and eventually became the number one draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1989.

After retiring from a football career that included winning three Superbowls with the Cowboys, Aikman began his broadcast career as a color commentator for the Fox Network.

His guest voice appearances for "King of the Hill" and "The Simpsons" were in 1998 and 1999 respectively.