We play poker for entertainment, and many people who enjoy it are thrill-seekers. It makes sense that actors fall into this category. That’s what they’re all about behind the camera! You may even be playing against some big names when you’re spending time at top sites like Jumba Bet casino. You never know. The other players at the table might include a big name or two!
Have a look at some stars who enjoy playing a round of Poker every now and then.
Aaron Paul
We know Aaron Paul Sturtevant better as Aaron Paul. He is an American actor best known for his critically acclaimed role as Jesse Pinkman. He performed in the hit series Breaking Bad. He’s not only taken part in the PokerStars Championship. Paul also reached the second day of the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2015.
He also took part in a PokerStars Duel Challenge in 2017. It was against legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017, which Ronaldo eventually won.
Ben Affleck
Benjamin Géza Affleck-Boldt, or Ben Affleck, as he’s more widely known, first gained attention playing a supporting role in Dazed and Confused, the cult film by Richard Linklater. Rumour has it that he took some Poker lessons from professional players like Amir Vahedi and Annie Duke. Affleck actually attributed his success in the California State Poker Tournament to the one-on-one sessions he enjoyed with Vahedi and Duke.
Edward Norton
Edward Harrison Norton’s most famous films include:
- 25th Hour
- American History X
- Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
- Fight Club
- Primal Fear
He’s also very interested in Poker and entered the 1998 WSOP Championship event, although he exited early. In 2016, Norton, along with Jonah Hill, sat down at a Poker table as part of an auction held in France to help the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
James Woods
With his unforgettable roles in gambling-themed movies like The Gambler and Casino, it should come as no surprise that James Howard Woods has spent a little time in casinos over the years. He’s been in the business for over 30 years and has developed a reputation for some aptitude at the Poker table.
Woods, along with Vince Van Patten, acts as the celebrity spokesperson for Hollywood Poker. He’s often seen playing and cashing in some of the biggest tournaments in the world.
Jason Alexander
Jay Scott Greenspan, or Jason Alexander, is most famous for his role as George Costanza in the cult television series Seinfeld. Alexander has also brought his significant acting skills into the world of Poker. An avid fan of the game, Alexander has played in multiple high-profile events. He even booked a win in the 8th season of Bravo’s Celebrity Poker Showdown tournament. It was here that he won US$500,000 for The United Way of the Greater New Orleans, his charity.
Jennifer Tilly
Jennifer Ellen Chan, or Jennifer Tilly, as fans of the slasher film franchise Child’s Play will know her, is a popular scream queen. She’s also an excellent Poker player and a savvy gambler! Tilly is one of the best-known poker faces for those who watch games on TV. She’s taken part in:
- High Stakes Poker
- Poker After Dark
- Poker Night in America
And has become somewhat of a mainstay in this arena. She’s very entertaining to watch since she plays aggressively and is delightful at table talk.
Kevin Hart
Although he used to be a stand-up comedian only, Kevin Darnell Hart has since starred in several films and been on TV. He’s also released several comedy albums that have been very well received. In what little free time he has, Hart has taken part in a number of important Poker tournaments and not done too badly.
Hart took part in the $100,00 buy-in Super High Roller PokerStars Championship in the Bahamas in 2017. He got sponsored by both PokerStars and PartyPoker.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Famous for films like:
- Titanic
- This Boy’s Life
- What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
- The Revenant
- Aviator
Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio also loves gambling. From Poker, to sports betting, to Baccarat, DiCaprio loves the excitement of taking a few risks outside his acting career. He’s known to frequent some of the most elite casinos in Monaco and Las Vegas and has even won big sums of money playing high-stakes Poker.
Matt Damon
Matthew Paige Damon is perhaps most recognisable from his leading role in the Bourne movie franchise. But did you know that Damon often blends his time in blockbuster films with visits to WSOP tables? Camera crews have frequently spotted him playing in the WSOP Main Event and he’s reportedly always fun and friendly when he’s upping the ante.
One of the roles that put Damon on the map was his performance in the Poker-themed film Rounders. This is apparently what sparked his interest in the card game.
Ray Romano
He was the highest-paid television actor in the world in 2004 and you know him as the star of the hit show Everybody Loves Raymond. Raymond Albert Romano may be good at making people laugh at his onscreen characters, but he’s also an excellent Poker player!
He regularly takes part in the WSOP Main Event but he hasn’t pocketed any significant wins as of yet. His goal, however, is to beat his previous record each year, which is a healthy, achievable aim. He also loves hosting private games with friends and family at his home.
Shannon Elizabeth
Shannon Elizabeth Fadal, newly Shannon Elizabeth, rose to fame in movies like American Pie, Cursed, Love Actually, Scary Movie, and Tomcats. She’s also passionate about Poker, revealing in 2006 that she viewed playing it as her second career. She’s frequently travelled through to Las Vegas to play with some of the best in the business. And, in 2007, she reached the semifinals of the NBC Heads-Up Poker Championship.
Tobey Maguire
Tobias Vincent Maguire is well-known for his Spiderman movie lead role. But he also started playing tournament Poker seriously in 2004. Poker expert Daniel Negreanu is one of his trainers, and he’s placed relatively highly in a number of competitions. One of these tournaments was the WSOP Poker Main Event. Maguire appeared on ESPN’s broadcasts from 2005 through 2007.