For years, I’ve found myself standing on the sidelines, rallying spirits and leading cheers – a role that has served as a launchpad for countless talents we now recognize on the global stage. Whether it’s the school teams or the professional ones, this position provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to hone skills in teamwork, timing, and crowd management before making their big debuts.
This list showcases twenty famous individuals who donned team uniforms at some point in their lives. You’ll discover the stadiums where they rooted, insights into those moments, and how their early years spent on the pitch or court contributed to the successful careers they’ve built across entertainment, sports entertainment, journalism, and music industries.
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul initially danced as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers, known as a Laker Girl, and later climbed up to become the team’s principal choreographer. Prior to this, she honed her dancing skills in high school and college, and even auditioned for the Lakers squad while still studying. This blend of formal dance education with the dynamic style typical of professional basketball performances helped her secure a spot on the team.
Her dance career began by assisting on the side, eventually propelling her into significant music video and concert work. Subsequently, she embarked upon a solo recording career. For many years, she was a judge on ‘American Idol’, offering insights from a cheerleader’s perspective regarding rhythm, structure, and presentation during prime-time television broadcasts.
Teri Hatcher
Teri Hatcher joined the San Francisco 49ers’ Gold Rush cheerleading squad, participating in NFL matches and team functions. Her role required intense rehearsals, precise choreography, and professional appearances at big-crowd events, necessitating a composed demeanor.
The New Adventures of Superman’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. Her years spent performing during sports events gave her an ease on stage and screen, as the timing and presence needed for her screen career were developed from her time on the sidelines.
Stacy Keibler
In her pre-WWE and acting days, Stacy Keibler was a cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. During this time, she honed her skills in choreographed cheers, performed intricate sideline and halftime routines, and represented the team at various community functions.
As a passionate admirer of the stage, I myself ventured into the realm of sports entertainment and television, leveraging my experience to enliven live audiences and reality TV shows such as ‘Dancing with the Stars’. My past as a cheerleader laid a solid groundwork for skills like synchronization, crowd interaction, and athletic agility that have been instrumental in my professional journey.
Samuel L. Jackson
At Morehouse College, Samuel L. Jackson served as a member of the college’s cheering squad, contributing to the enthusiasm for sports events on campus and participating in games’ travels. The cheerleading during his time focused heavily on teamwork, involving lifts, stunts, and leading the crowd. These skills demanded trust and precision among teammates.
Afterward, he delved into acting, establishing a thriving film career marked by appearances in movies like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Avengers’. Earlier endeavors that involved addressing vast crowds and managing intricate group dynamics mirrored the challenges encountered during stage performances and working with cast ensembles on set.
Reese Witherspoon
As a die-hard film lover reminiscing about my past, let me tell you I was the one whooping it up at Harding Academy in good ol’ Nashville during my middle school years. The secret to my success? A deft blend of cheerleading spirit with a steadfast commitment to academic excellence. That entailed countless hours honing skills like memorization, timing, and precision to ensure our pep rally performances and game-day appearances were nothing short of spotless.
As a cinephile, I proudly took charge of films like “Legally Blonde,” “Big Little Lies,” and “The Morning Show.” The precision I honed during my cheerleading days came in handy on set, ensuring I hit my marks for dialogue, blocking, and performance continuity with the same commanding presence.
Sandra Bullock
At Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington, Virginia (formerly known as Washington-Lee High School), Sandra Bullock participated in various activities, including school performances. She also engaged in additional extra-curricular activities, which demanded organizational skills and collaboration.
Following her initial movie roles, she delved into projects like ‘Speed’ and ‘Miss Congeniality’. Her cheerleading experience equipped her with synchronization skills and timing that were useful for stunt choreography, group acting scenes, and public event performances.
Halle Berry
As a devoted movie buff reminiscing about my humble beginnings, let me share that I, Halle Berry, once donned the spirit uniform at Bedford High School in Ohio. Beyond the silver screen, I immersed myself in student leadership and pageantry, embodying the school’s values. Cheerleading at Bedford was more than just a pastime; it demanded regular practice to perfect our routine, representation of our community with pride, and unwavering consistency on game days.
Later on, she gained significant acclaim in the movie industry, featuring in films like ‘Monster’s Ball’ and ‘X-Men’. Her experience with public engagements during her cheerleading days prepared her for giving interviews, making appearances, and navigating through the protocol of large-scale events, which have been instrumental in her career.
Fergie
At Glen A. Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights, California, Fergie honed her skills as a cheerleader. Her training encompassed dance techniques, endurance, and choreographed performances that were tailored for both gymnasiums and football fields.
Following her initial experiences on television, she gained significant recognition in the music industry, particularly through live performances and touring, even joining The Black Eyed Peas. The skills learned from cheerleading – such as precise timing, breath control, and swift formations – are directly applicable to setting up stage performances and TV appearances.
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson served as a cheerleader at Richardson North Junior High School, located in Richardson, Texas. The practices primarily involved honing movement techniques, preparing for pep rallies, and synchronizing with the band and sports teams’ schedules, especially during the football and basketball seasons.
Afterward, she enrolled at J.J. Pearce High School, simultaneously advancing her musical journey and pursuing potential professional engagements. Performing for school audiences early on laid the groundwork for her progression into live shows, recording studio sessions, and guest appearances on ‘Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica’.
Carrie Underwood
At Checotah High School in Oklahoma, Carrie Underwood showed her enthusiasm, boosting school sports and local gatherings. The focus was on precise movements, safe stunt techniques, and maintaining high spirits during games.
Following her victory on ‘American Idol’, she moved forward to take a prominent position within the country music scene, characterized by widespread touring and television appearances. Her experiences from cheerleading – including projection, stage presence, and timing – proved beneficial in meeting the challenges posed by live music performances and network broadcasts.
Dakota Fanning
At the same time as keeping up with a busy acting career, Dakota Fanning served as a cheerleader at Campbell Hall School in Los Angeles. Juggling schoolwork, practice sessions, and performances demanded effective time management and close collaboration with the school’s faculty.
I’ve been fortunate enough to delve into both film and television, contributing to projects like ‘War of the Worlds’ and ‘The Twilight Saga’. Balancing academic pursuits, athletics, and set life early on showcased my ability to manage time efficiently and maintain a professional demeanor.
Kendall Jenner
At Sierra Canyon School, located in the Los Angeles region, Kendall Jenner took on a role that entailed boosting spirits during events, performing at halftimes, and representing the student body through various public appearances.
Besides her involvement in school affairs, she was also a cast member on ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ and delved into international modeling. Her experience in dance choreography, stage positioning, and on-camera performances translated effectively to her career as a runway model and television personality.
Kylie Jenner
Additionally, Kylie Jenner participated in cheerleading at Sierra Canyon School, joining both the sidelines and rally shows. Her dedication to practices and game timetables not only offered a schedule but also complemented her initial commitments in the media industry.
Later on, she established a substantial public profile during her stints on ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ and ‘The Kardashians’. Her background in scripted performances and managing live events proved beneficial as she honed her skills for product launches, marketing campaigns, and televised appearances.
Denise Richards
At El Camino High School in Oceanside, California, Denise Richards served as a cheerleader. Meanwhile, she also delved into the world of modeling, which encompassed trips, trial runs, and early career commitments.
Her acting resume features parts in ‘Starship Troopers’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’, followed by an appearance on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’. Her background in dance and performance has been instrumental in her action sequences, publicity events, and reality TV show production.
Jenna Dewan
At Grapevine High School in Texas, Jenna Dewan not only showed her support but also honed her skills extensively in dance. Cheering at the high school demanded regular fitness, sharp technique, and a captivating stage presence, which was showcased during pep rallies and games.
Later on, she pursued a career both as a dancer and an actor, achieving notability in ‘Step Up’ and hosting ‘World of Dance’. The blend of cheerleading techniques with advanced choreography facilitated her smooth transition towards touring, movie productions, and TV contests.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep, during her high school days, was part of the cheerleading squad at Bernards High School in New Jersey. She participated in various game-day shows and school events. Apart from cheering, she also honed her vocal skills by studying voice and took part in school plays, thus establishing a strong foundation in acting and stage production.
Prior to her career in film, she received drama training, which eventually led her to both stage and screen performances. Notably, she starred in movies like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Sophie’s Choice’, and ‘The Iron Lady’. Her early experience speaking to large audiences and maintaining a strong presence during live events closely mirrors the vocal discipline and concentration demanded in the acting profession.
Renée Zellweger
Renee Zellweger served as a cheerleading squad member at Katy High School in Texas, taking part in football game performances and pep rallies. This position required accuracy, cooperation, and the ability to present oneself confidently before large gatherings of students and the local community.
Before embarking on a successful film career marked by movies like “Jerry Maguire” and “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” she honed her skills at the University of Texas, Austin. The discipline and dedication needed in cheerleading bear a striking resemblance to the preparation essential for major film roles and associated publicity campaigns.
Madonna
At Rochester Adams High School in Michigan, Madonna participated in spirit-lifting events such as pep rallies and game-day rituals. Besides this, she dedicated her time to learning dance and engaging in school-related performances. The focus of the program was on coordinated movements, endurance, and powerful delivery for large audiences.
Later, she established a renowned career in music and cinema on a global scale, featuring notable works such as ‘Evita’ and ‘A League of Their Own’. The rigorous showmanship and self-discipline demanded on the sidelines significantly contributed to her success in live concerts, music videos, and stage productions.
Blake Lively
Blake Lively, while in high school, served as a cheerleader at Burbank High School located in California. The practices were centered around perfecting movements, synchronizing timing, and participating in events that demanded a strong on-stage presence, all embodying the school spirit.
In simpler terms, she became a prominent actor, appearing in TV shows like ‘Gossip Girl’ and movies such as ‘The Shallows’ and ‘A Simple Favor’. Her ease with audience and camera led to a strong presence on set and numerous public appearances.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria enthusiastically supported Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, by engaging in a variety of activities that combined sports, studies, and community involvement. Her part required maintaining strict schedules, collaborating with others, and regular appearances at school functions.
Later on, she transitioned into both modeling and acting, eventually gracing the screen as a main character in ‘Desperate Housewives.’ Additionally, she has produced numerous film and TV productions. Her background in choreography and live performances enhanced her on-screen work and enabled her to excel in hosting large events.
Would you like to suggest an additional name for the list? Please share your choice in the comments, and let us know who else we should consider featuring!
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2025-09-01 01:34