Jason Statham (born 26 July 1967) is an English actor.

Typecast as the antihero, he is known for his action-thriller roles and portraying tough, irredeemable, and machiavellian characters.

Born in Derbyshire,

England, he began practicing kung fu,

kickboxing and karate recreationally in his youth while working at local market stalls.

An avid footballer and diver, he was selected by

Britain’s national diving team to compete in the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

Shortly after, he was asked to model for French Connection,

Tommy Hilfiger, and Levi’s in various advertising campaigns.

Statham’s past professional history working in market stalls inspired his casting in the

Guy Ritchie crime films Lock,

Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and

Snatch (2000).