Celebs Who Gave Up Fame to Pursue a Career in Gaming

A growing number of well-known actors, athletes, and TV personalities are now turning to the gaming world. They’re leaving traditional entertainment jobs to become streamers, esports team owners, or voice actors. By using their existing fame, they’re building new communities and careers around their love of video games. This shows how modern celebrities can successfully move between different types of entertainment.

Rick Fox

Rick Fox successfully moved from basketball and acting into the world of esports. He created Echo Fox, a professional organization designed to support competitive gamers in a variety of games. Through his efforts, he helped connect traditional sports with the growing world of esports, and championed better conditions and rights for professional gamers globally.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr. was once a popular actor in movies like ‘She’s All That’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ but he later transitioned to working in video games. He’s done voice work for characters in games like ‘Mass Effect 3’ (as James Vega) and ‘Dragon Age Inquisition’ (as Iron Bull). Because he loves both tabletop and video games, he now hosts shows and creates content about them.

Logic

Logic stepped away from making music to focus on streaming, partnering with a major platform to broadcast games and interact with fans. Though he’s returned to music, gaming remains a key part of his career. He frequently talks about how it allows him to express his creativity and build stronger connections with his audience.

Wil Wheaton

Wil Wheaton first became well-known as an actor in films like ‘Stand by Me’ and the TV show ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. Later, he became a major figure in the world of tabletop and board games. He created and hosted the web series ‘TableTop’, which helped introduce many games to a wider audience. His work has been a key factor in the recent boom in popularity of board games and related hobbies.

Felicia Day

Felicia Day is famous for her acting in shows like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and for creating the innovative web series ‘The Guild’. She’s built a career focused on gaming and geek culture, founding the media company Geek and Sundry. Through her work, she writes and performs in projects that celebrate the world of digital gaming, and she continues to be a popular presence at gaming events and online.

Erika Ishii

Erika Ishii started out as an actor in traditional roles, but she quickly became well-known in the gaming and digital world. She’s the voice of popular characters like Valkyrie in ‘Apex Legends,’ and she also hosts gaming events and appears in tabletop gaming shows. These days, she’s much more recognized for her work with games than for her earlier acting roles.

Brennan Williams

Brennan Williams began his career as an NFL player before transitioning to professional wrestling with WWE. He now streams online as a VTuber, using different characters, and regularly shares his gaming content and interacts with fans of anime. His story shows how traditional sports and online entertainment are increasingly connected.

Jerry Trainor

Jerry Trainor, known for his funny roles in shows like ‘iCarly’ and ‘Drake & Josh’, has recently turned his attention to gaming. He streams on a channel called Toasty Ghost, playing games with friends and building a community around it. This lets him connect with fans – many of whom remember him from his TV days – in a more relaxed and interactive way, sharing his gaming adventures and chatting with them.

Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson, a highly respected mixed martial artist, has become a full-time gaming streamer. He regularly streams himself playing competitive games at a very high level. His background as a professional fighter helps him stay focused and play strategically. Johnson sees gaming as a long-term career, offering him a stable future after his time as an athlete.

Mike Shinoda

Mike Shinoda, one of the original members of Linkin Park, has long been passionate about technology and video games. He’s increasingly focused on sharing his creativity through live streaming, connecting with fans while gaming and creating music. Throughout his career, he’s also helped develop and promote different gaming projects. Today, his online presence is a key gathering place for his fans and artistic collaborators.

Soulja Boy

Okay, so you probably know Soulja Boy as a musician, but he’s really gone all-in on gaming lately. He didn’t just start playing games, he actually created his own gaming consoles! Plus, he streams his gameplay all the time to a huge audience. Honestly, his push into the gaming world has become a big part of what he’s known for these days. He’s always looking for new ways to be creative and build his brand in the digital space, and gaming is a huge part of that now.

Post Malone

Post Malone is a hugely popular musician who’s also become a big part of the gaming world. He regularly streams games like ‘Apex Legends’ and even competes in tournaments. Beyond video games, he’s a well-known fan of tabletop card games and loves sharing his passion with other gamers and his fans.

Chandler Riggs

Chandler Riggs became well-known for playing Carl Grimes on ‘The Walking Dead’. Since leaving the show, he’s dedicated himself to gaming, streaming, and creating online content. He regularly broadcasts on his own channel and often collaborates with other popular online personalities. This represents a transition for him from traditional TV work to the more interactive world of digital entertainment.

Grace Van Dien

Grace Van Dien, known for her role in ‘Stranger Things,’ has recently shifted her focus from acting to gaming and live streaming. She explained that streaming gives her more creative control and helps her prioritize her well-being. She now streams regularly and has become popular within the gaming world.

Jordan Fisher

Jordan Fisher is a talented performer who’s found success on Broadway, in TV movies, and now in the world of video games. He’s a skilled gamer himself and also hosts big esports competitions. He was an early adopter among celebrities, signing with a leading gaming agency, and actively participates in tournaments while promoting gaming as a whole.

T-Pain

T-Pain, the Grammy-winning musician, has become a popular and well-respected figure in the gaming world. He frequently streams his gameplay, sharing his passion for video games with his audience. Beyond playing, he’s also contributed music to games and attended gaming events. Fans love watching him play and enjoy his engaging personality, making his move into gaming a big success.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg is a famous personality who’s become a big part of the esports and streaming scene. He’s joined several major gaming groups and regularly streams his gameplay to a huge audience. He also hosts gaming competitions and even provides voice-over work for video games, effectively connecting hip hop culture with the world of digital gaming.

Terry Crews

Okay, so Terry Crews is awesome, right? Most people know him from acting and his athletic background, but I discovered he’s a huge PC gaming enthusiast! He actually built his own gaming rig, which is super cool. He’s always talking about how much he loves it, and you see him at all the big gaming conventions. Honestly, it’s really inspiring to see someone with his platform champion PC gaming, and I know he’s encouraged a lot of people – including me – to give it a try. Plus, he’s been great about talking about how gaming can be good for your mental health and helps people connect, which is something I totally agree with.

Jack Black

Jack Black, the popular actor and musician, has found success with his gaming channel, Jablinski Games. He shares his passion for gaming, discussing everything from gaming culture to his own experiences with different games and arcades. People of all ages enjoy his channel because he’s genuinely enthusiastic about gaming. Beyond the channel, Jack Black has also lent his voice and movements to many video games over the years.

Brie Larson

Brie Larson, an Oscar-winning actress, has become a big supporter of the gaming community. She shares her gaming experiences – including games like ‘Animal Crossing’ and ‘Fortnite’ – on her online channel. This has brought more attention to gaming and its players, and she often partners with gaming companies to showcase new games and technology.

Asa Butterfield

Asa Butterfield, the British actor known for his work in films like ‘Hugo’ and the series ‘Sex Education,’ has joined Team Liquid, a professional esports organization. He’ll be working with them as both a brand ambassador and a competitive gamer. Butterfield has been a dedicated gamer his whole life and is a regular participant in gaming events. His move highlights a growing trend of young actors finding successful careers in the world of esports.

Janina Gavankar

Janina Gavankar is an actress who’s also made a significant impact in the video game world. She’s best known for playing and voicing the main character, Iden Versio, in ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’. Beyond acting, she actively participates in game development and is a regular speaker at gaming events. Many see her as a leader for actors looking to get more involved in the creative side of game production.

Rahul Kohli

Rahul Kohli is an actor who’s become very popular within the gaming and tabletop communities. He’s voiced characters in many video games and often appears on popular gaming streams. He frequently shares his passion for gaming hardware and competitive gaming on social media. Now, he’s just as well-known for his contributions to gaming as he is for his acting work.

Cameron Monaghan

Cameron Monaghan, famous for his acting in shows like ‘Shameless’ and ‘Gotham’, has recently become involved in video games. He brought the main character, Cal Kestis, to life in the ‘Star Wars Jedi’ series, providing both the movements and voice. Critics have loved his nuanced performance, making him a prominent name in the world of interactive stories. He often talks about the special difficulties and benefits of acting for video games.

Nolan North

Nolan North started his acting career in soap operas, but he’s become incredibly well-known as a voice actor. He’s most famous for being the voice of Nathan Drake in the ‘Uncharted’ games, and he’s worked on countless other projects. Many consider his performances to be a key part of what makes modern video game stories so engaging. He also connects with fans by streaming himself playing games – often the ones he’s been in – on his popular gaming channel.

Troy Baker

Troy Baker started as an actor and musician but became hugely successful as a voice actor in video games. He’s famous for bringing memorable characters to life, like Joel from ‘The Last of Us’ and Booker DeWitt from ‘BioShock Infinite’. He’s now a key part of many big video game projects, often speaks at gaming events, and is a strong supporter of video games as an art form.

Matthew Mercer

Matthew Mercer began his career as an actor and voice artist, but he’s become hugely popular within the gaming world. He’s best known as the Dungeon Master for ‘Critical Role,’ which has transformed tabletop gaming into a worldwide entertainment sensation. Beyond that, he’s voiced many characters in games like ‘Overwatch’ and ‘Fire Emblem,’ and his work has played a major role in making role-playing games as popular as they are today.

Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson started her career as a child actress, but she’s found a thriving second act through voice acting and gaming. She’s best known for her critically acclaimed role as Ellie in ‘The Last of Us,’ and she’s a popular cast member on ‘Critical Role,’ helping to introduce many people to the world of tabletop gaming. Her career showcases how traditional acting skills are increasingly valuable in the exciting world of digital entertainment.

Sam Riegel

Sam Riegel is an actor and director best known for his voice work and contributions to digital gaming. He’s a key member of the popular show ‘Critical Role’ and has received recognition for his work in animation and games. Riegel’s creativity has been instrumental in fostering a large and passionate community around tabletop gaming, and he remains a significant figure in the creation of gaming content and storytelling.

Liam O’Brien

Liam O’Brien started his career acting in theater and on television, but he’s now a well-known voice actor in video games, with roles in popular titles like ‘World of Warcraft’ and ‘League of Legends’. He’s also a key member of ‘Critical Role’, which has helped bring tabletop gaming to a wider audience. O’Brien’s career shows how voice acting is becoming a specialized field within the growing world of digital entertainment.

Marisha Ray

Marisha Ray is an actress and producer passionate about gaming and digital entertainment. As creative director for ‘Critical Role,’ she leads the development of their popular gaming content. She also performs in video games and appears at live gaming events, establishing herself as a key player in creating engaging, high-quality entertainment for audiences worldwide.

Taliesin Jaffe

Taliesin Jaffe started his career as a young actor, then transitioned into voice acting and video game development. He’s a key member of the ‘Critical Role’ community and has contributed to many games as a behind-the-scenes creator. His extensive understanding of gaming makes him a well-respected figure, and he’s dedicated to projects that innovate storytelling in the gaming world.

Travis Willingham

Travis Willingham is a well-known actor, especially in voice acting and gaming. He leads the media company Critical Role while still voicing characters in popular games like Marvel’s Avengers. He’s effectively blended his acting skills with a leadership position in the gaming world.

Laura Bailey

Laura Bailey is a hugely popular voice actor in gaming, having worked on hundreds of games. She’s known for bringing characters like Abby from ‘The Last of Us Part II’ and Jaina Proudmoore from ‘World of Warcraft’ to life. Her incredible performances have won her many awards and the praise of critics. As a core member of the ‘Critical Role’ team, she remains a leading figure in video game voice acting.

Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn is best known for playing Hodor in ‘Game of Thrones,’ but he’s a lifelong gamer. He’s now turned his passion into a career, hosting gaming events and sharing his love for games like ‘World of Warcraft.’ You can often find him speaking at gaming conventions and taking part in community activities, and he’s become a popular figure in the gaming world.

Mark Hoppus

Mark Hoppus, one of the original members of Blink-182, now spends a lot of time streaming online. He regularly shares his gaming with fans on platforms like Twitch, creating a relaxed and interactive experience. This has helped him connect with a new generation of gamers, and he often talks about gaming as a big part of his everyday life.

Matthew Lillard

Matthew Lillard, known for his acting in movies like ‘Scream’ and ‘Scooby-Doo,’ is now also involved in the gaming world. He started a company that creates high-quality accessories and events for tabletop games, driven by his love for games like ‘Dungeons & Dragons.’ He’s often seen at gaming conventions, where he promotes the hobby and connects with fans.

Seth Green

Seth Green is a popular actor and creator with a long-standing passion for gaming and digital media. He’s voiced iconic video game characters and consistently championed the connection between gaming and mainstream entertainment. His production company frequently focuses on topics related to geek and gaming culture, and he continues to be a significant presence in the industry as both an actor and a producer.

Brandon Mychal Smith

Brandon Mychal Smith is an actor who’s also a big gamer. He often plays in celebrity video game competitions and shares his enthusiasm with fans online. By doing this, he connects the world of young actors with the gaming community. He’s always looking for ways to combine his acting career with his passion for video games.

David Harbour

David Harbour, known for his acting, has become a popular figure in the gaming world by openly sharing his love for games like ‘World of Warcraft’. He’s expressed a desire to be more involved in the gaming industry and is admired by fans for his genuine passion. Harbour frequently uses his public voice to emphasize the value of gaming as both a fun hobby and a creative way to connect with others.

Chloë Grace Moretz

As a total movie and gaming nerd, I’ve been watching Chloe Grace Moretz really lean into her love of games, and it’s awesome! She’s gone beyond just being a celebrity who plays – she’s genuinely become a part of the gaming world, partnering with big companies and always sharing what she’s playing. She’s serious about competitive games, which has earned her a lot of respect from the community, and she’s constantly speaking up about making gaming more welcoming for everyone. It’s cool to see someone with her platform champion the hobby we all love.

Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams, best known for her role in ‘Game of Thrones,’ has moved into the world of technology and gaming. She’s been working on creating digital platforms and is passionate about how interactive media will evolve. Through appearances at gaming events and partnerships with digital artists, she’s clearly focusing her career in a new direction. She continues to be a role model for young people interested in the connection between celebrity and gaming.

Share which celebrity transition to the gaming world surprised you the most in the comments.

2026-02-18 04:19