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Who knew six-foot-three Terry Crews would be one of the top actors in Hollywood? You would remember Terry Crews from some classic comedy films like White Chicks in 2004 and a small scene in Balls of Fury in 2007. Crews tends to always play the same type of character in many of his films. He is often recognized for his chiseled muscular body.
He has been in films alongside Adam Sandler in The Longest Yard (2005) and an ensemble cast with Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham in The Expendables (2010). franchise films. Crews has played the beloved character of NYPD Lieutenant Terry Jeffords on the show Brooklyn Nine-Nine since 2013. But there's so much more to learn about Terry Crews with some interesting facts.
He Was A Former NFL Player
It's not surprising that Terry Crews was once a football player with his impressive body mass and stature. Crews was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1991 NFL Draft. Except it took way too long, as he was drafted in the 11th round. With the Rams, he played for six games.
Afterward, he was moved to a new team, The San Diego Chargers where he played for a total of ten games. Crews went through two more teams, Washington Redskins (16 games) and finally Philadelphia Eagles (zero games). Crews retired from the NFL in 1997.
Married A Gospel Singer
Crews was born in Flint, Michigan to Patricia and Terry Crews. His family were devoted Christians. Crews grew up in a strict Christian home that continued to his adulthood. He married the love of his life, Rebecca King-Crews. She just so happens to be a Gospel singer, too.
The couple met at their Alma mater, Western Michigan University. Crews was busy playing football and King-Crews was studying music and theatre. They got married in 1990 and welcomed their first child together that same year. Both are still devout Christians.
Crews Was The Old Spice Guy
Old Spice deodorant is that iconic vibrant red plastic bottle you see at Target. Terry Crews is known for being one of the spokesperson and characters in the Old Spice commercials. The company has used two main actors for their brand, Terry Crews and Isaiah Mustafa.
Crews was part of the advertising campaign, Make a Smellmitment, created by Weidmen+Kennedy in 2015. The campaign was a huge success for Old Spice. Why wouldn't you be convinced by Crews flexing his muscles and screaming?
Openly Admitted To His Addiction
Crews has been open about the struggles that have not only affected him but also his marriage. In 2014, Crews published his first book, titled Manhood: How to Be a Better Man - Or Just Live with One. In the book, Crews was open about his addiction to pornography at a young age. He started in 1980 when he was only twelve years old.
Crews has addressed his addiction and admitted to going to rehab to battle his addiction. He kept his secret from his wife and it ultimately put a strain on his marriage. Crews admitted, "Some people say, 'Hey, man ... you can't really be addicted to pornography.' But I'm gonna tell you something: If day turns into night and you are still watching, you probably have got a problem. And that was me," in his post on Facebook in 2014.
Typecast As "The Muscle"
When Terry Crews walks into a room, you can't miss him. He is taller than most people and bigger in muscle mass than most people. Early in his career as an actor, Crews was typecasted as the big muscle guy. This can be seen in his role in The Longest Yard or in Blink 182's music video, "Down." It's something Crews can't help, but he has no problem with it.
He is more than happy to be typecasted as the comedy guy, the buff guy or the action star. In an interview with Vibe, he joked that being typecast keeps him working. But as his career has gone on, he has come into his own space in Hollywood.
Crews Is Good Friends With Adam Sandler
Being a close friend of Adam Sandler has its perks. Sandler is known for playing some iconic comedy roles as Billy Madison (1995) or Happy Gilmore (1996). Sandler also has his own production company, Happy Gilmore Productions, that has developed some comedy films.
Crews appeared in Sandler's film The Longest Yard as an inmate/football player. After appearing in the film, Crews continued to appear in many more of Sandler's films. He has had roles in The Benchwarmers (2006), Click (2006), Blended (2014), and The Ridiculous 6 (2015).
He Is A Talented Artist
Behind the moving pectoral muscles, Crews is a kind-hearted, funny actor who is also an artist. Crews has a natural talent for art. After high school, he received two scholarships. He received an Arts Excellence scholarship and a full-ride athletic scholarship to Western Michigan University.
Crews' first real job was as a courtroom sketch artist in his home town. During his time at the NFL, in order to make more money, Crews would draw his fellow NFL players. He would receive thousands of dollars for a couple of months commission. In 2017, Crews was commissioned by the magazine AdAge to draw the cover for its 50th issue.
Crews Has His Own Furniture Line
Terry Crews has taken on many roles in his career. He has been an NFL player, along with an actor, comedian and artist. He also has another role that is a bit surprising. Crews has his own furniture line. He partnered with Bernhardt Design in New York to create a new way of looking at furniture for your home.
His first collection was released in 2017, with an innovative design to the concept of a chair. In 2019, he and Bernhardt released his second collection titled, Elevation. The collection embodies a modern metropolis with a system of tables and benches. Terry Crews really is the unicorn of Hollywood.
He Can Also Play The Flute
Really, what can't Terry Crews do? It seems every time you look at Crews, he has a new talent you didn't know existed. It came as a bit of a surprise that Terry is also a musical man. In 2016, on The Late Late Show with James Corden, guest stars Terry Crews and Lucy Liu showcased their hidden talents.
Crews can play the flute, and he's good. When he was younger, his great aunt gifted him with a flute. Crews then took lessons for eight years. He also showcased his flute magic on America's Got Talent in 2019, while shirtless.
He Played Julius In Everybody Hates Chris
There is no way you can say the title of the show without singing it. The 2005 sitcom show, Everybody Hates Chris was created by actor/comedian Chris Rock. The show is based on his own childhood and experiences. Terry Crews came to play one of the main roles of Chris's father Julius.
Crews' role in the show became one he is recognized for, and brought him more roles. Julius was a caring and devoted husband, but often worried too much and was frugal about saving money. He worked two jobs as a newspaper delivery man and a security guard. Crews played the role well, being a father himself, but also added a comedic spin. The show continued for four seasons until its end in 2009. Crews's character is based on Chris rock's real-life father (now deceased).