Last updated on the 11 March 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 26 July 1967, Shirebrook, Derbyshire, England. 

In his early life, Jason Statham developed a passion for sports and physical activity. He excelled in various disciplines, but it was his prowess as a diver that particularly stood out. Statham’s talent in diving led him to represent England in the Commonwealth Games in 1990 and 1994, where he competed in the 10-meter platform event. The discipline, dedication, and fearlessness he acquired as a diver would later become invaluable in his film career.

Despite his success in diving, Statham knew he had more to offer. He transitioned into the world of entertainment, initially working as a model and later as a background dancer in music videos for popular artists like The Shamen and Erasure. These experiences helped him gain confidence and stage presence, laying the foundation for his future acting career.

Jason Statham’s breakthrough came when he was discovered by filmmaker Guy Ritchie, who cast him in the crime comedy “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” (1998). Statham’s portrayal of the streetwise con artist Bacon showcased his natural talent for both action and comedy. This role paved the way for his subsequent collaborations with Ritchie, including the critically acclaimed “Snatch” (2000) and “Revolver” (2005).

Throughout his career, Statham has become synonymous with the action genre, delivering one exhilarating performance after another. Notable highlights include his portrayal of the skilled driver Frank Martin in the “Transporter” series (2002-2008), the relentless hitman Arthur Bishop in “The Mechanic” (2011) and its sequel, and his role as the tough-as-nails mercenary Lee Christmas in “The Expendables” franchise (2010-2014).

Outside of his acting career, Jason Statham has always maintained a private personal life. In 2010, he began dating model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2017.

Suggested viewing

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1

“Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” is a British crime comedy directed by Guy Ritchie. The film follows the misadventures of a group of friends who find themselves in debt to a dangerous gangster after a high-stakes card game goes awry. With witty dialogue, intricate plot twists, and colourful characters, chaos ensues as they attempt to traverse the criminal underworld and outsmart their adversaries.

Top cast: Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Vinnie Jones, Sting, Steven Mackintosh, Nicholas Rowe, Lenny McLean, Vas Blackwood, Alan Ford.

The Bank Job (2008)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2

“The Bank Job” is a heist thriller based on the true events of the 1971 Baker Street robbery in London. A group of small-time criminals is recruited to carry out an audacious bank heist, unaware that they are being manipulated by powerful figures with their own hidden agendas. As the heist unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the criminals find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the authorities and a ruthless criminal underworld.

Top cast: Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Keeley Hawes, Stephen Campbell Moore, Daniel May’s, James Faulkner, Andrew Brooke, Michael Jibson, Georgia Taylor, Richard Intern.

Snatch (2000)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

“Snatch” is a British crime comedy directed by Guy Ritchie. The film revolves around a tangled web of characters, including a boxing promoter, a diamond thief, and a group of bumbling criminals. When a priceless stolen diamond enters the picture, chaos erupts as everyone scrambles to get their hands on it, leading to hilarious misunderstandings, violent confrontations, and unexpected alliances.

Top cast: Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Dennis Farina, Alan Ford, Benicio del Toro, Vinnie Jones, Robbie Gee, Lennie James, Jason Fleming, Ewen Bremner.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)