2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Airplane
Kareem Abdul Jabbars cameo in
Airplane is an incredibly funny satire of the very reason why sportsmen should not become actors. The NBA legend poses as Roger Murdock, the co-pilot of the doomed aircraft. For a while, we, the audience, accept that Jabbar is taking his acting role seriously and believe the ridiculous idea that this huge ex-basketballer could perhaps be a pilot. But then this entertaining notion is smashed into tiny pieces in the intensely funny scene with the inquisitive little Joey. Joey sees through the guise of the pilots uniform and reveals Kareems true identity. At first Kareem calmly dismisses Joeys accusations Im sorry son but you must have me confused with someone else. Im Roger Murdock, Im the co-pilot. But Kareem loses his cool when Joey goes on to talk about his lacklustre performances on the basketball court. The illusion is ruined and it is a facetious warning to all sportsmen aspiring to become established thespians remember that you are an athlete first and foremost and that is how you will be best remembered. Unless you are Arnold Schwarzenegger. Keep up the good work Arnie.