Anderson Silva is taking on a new kind of bout — one that involves scripts instead of fists.
Once a reigning force in the UFC as the middleweight champion, “The Spider” transitioned into boxing, sparring with big names and stars alike. But that’s not where his ambitions end. Acting has always been his ultimate aspiration.
During his tenure as a UFC titan, Silva dipped his toes into Brazilian cinema and even landed a small role on an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles back in 2014.
Fast forward to today, and “The Spider” is all in, committed to carving out a name for himself in the acting world.
Silva opened up about the disparities between his old and new careers on a recent installment of the MMA Hook podcast Trocação Franca. “People think fighting experience makes acting in action scenes easier. It doesn’t,” he pointed out. “You’ve got to nail the movements, get the angles right, and stay out of the camera’s way. There are a ton of nuances, but for a cinema and action movie aficionado like me, it’s a riveting challenge.”
His latest cinematic endeavor, “Murder City,” debuted on Tubi earlier this year, where he played the role of a bodyguard. Prior to that, he appeared in “Lord of the Streets” (2022), sharing screen time with former MMA champions A.J. McKee and Quinton Jackson.
“Every day is a new adventure,” Silva mused. “I’m juggling two distinct projects simultaneously, and it’s nuts. Both characters require different skill sets and heaps of preparation, so it’s like mental gymnastics to switch between them. Achieving this dream of acting in action films is the result of my blood, sweat, and tears. Trust me, I’m still a rookie—I liken myself to a white belt in the acting game.”
While Silva’s MMA career has been nothing short of legendary, marked by memorable victories over rivals like Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Dan Henderson, Forrest Griffin, and Rich Franklin, he dismisses the notion that his fighting fame is the key to his nascent acting career.
“My MMA career has given me spectacular experiences, including globetrotting adventures, but don’t get it twisted—fighting hasn’t been a leg-up in acting,” Silva clarified. “When I arrive on set, any fighting credentials get left at the door. Directors may be fans of my bouts, but when you’re in front of that camera, it’s all about your acting chops. Miss your mark, and they’ll just call in the understudy.”
“Acting requires its own unique focus and discipline,” he added. “You can’t just waltz in, say your lines, and expect that to cut it. You have to inhabit your character fully and authentically, interacting seamlessly with the rest of the cast. Otherwise, you’re just pretending, and in this industry, pretense doesn’t fly. It’s hard work, no joke.”
So as it turns out, whether in the Octagon or on set, Silva is a contender willing to put in the work to be the best. From punches to performances, “The Spider” is eager to tackle this new arena. And who knows? This might just be his Act One.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anderson Silva’s Acting Career
Who is Anderson Silva?
Anderson Silva is a former UFC middleweight champion known as “The Spider.” He transitioned into boxing after leaving UFC and is now aspiring to build a career in acting.
What is Anderson Silva’s latest project?
Anderson Silva’s most recent film is called “Murder City,” where he plays the role of a bodyguard. The movie premiered on Tubi earlier this year.
Has Anderson Silva acted before?
Yes, Anderson Silva has previously acted in Brazilian movies and even had a role in an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2014.
What challenges has Silva faced in his acting career?
Silva mentions that the skills required for acting and fighting are very different. While one might think his fighting background would make action scenes easier, Silva says it’s actually more challenging due to the technical details like camera angles and movement.
Is Anderson Silva still involved in combat sports?
While Silva has transitioned into acting, there’s no definitive information in the text to suggest he has entirely severed ties with combat sports. However, he appears to be fully focused on his acting career at the moment.
What does Anderson Silva compare his acting experience to?
Silva compares his level of experience in acting to being a ‘white belt,’ indicating that he sees himself as a novice who is still learning the craft.
How does Anderson Silva feel about the move from fighting to acting?
Silva finds the transition exciting but challenging. He enjoys the intricacies involved in acting and is passionate about action movies. However, he acknowledges that his fighting skills don’t necessarily give him an advantage in acting.
Did Silva’s fighting career help him in acting?
According to Silva, his illustrious fighting career hasn’t given him a significant advantage in acting. Although his name might open doors, Silva stresses that acting requires its own set of skills and discipline, separate from what he learned in MMA.
What does Silva say about the technicalities of acting?
Silva mentions that acting involves various technical details that make it different from fighting. These include getting the right angle, correct movement, and not obstructing the camera view. He finds these challenges “riveting.”
What podcast did Anderson Silva speak on recently about his acting career?
Anderson Silva discussed his transition from MMA to acting on a recent episode of the MMA Hook podcast Trocação Franca.
More about Anderson Silva’s Acting Career
- Anderson Silva’s IMDb Profile
- MMA Hook podcast Trocação Franca Episode
- Murder City on Tubi
- Lord of the Streets Film Details
- Anderson Silva’s UFC Career Highlights
- NCIS: Los Angeles Episode featuring Anderson Silva
- Interview: Anderson Silva on Career Transition
- A Brief History of UFC Champions Turned Actors
- How MMA Fighters Train for Hollywood Roles
- Anderson Silva’s Boxing Matches
