Hollywood is known to be a lover of casino games, including poker, as it has featured in a number of films, either as part of a plot or just to help add a further element.
Indeed, the game would appear to have had a knock-on effect on the actors that have appeared on the big screen over the years, as well as us mere individuals who have felt the influence of what we have seen when watching those blockbuster movies as we look to test our skills during one of the many Unibet PA online poker live dealer games that are continually held.
However, who are the famous actors from Hollywood who have become rather good at playing the game and could potentially become professional, if they were not too busy having to learn lines and how to appear on screen? Well, there are a few names that will be instantly recognizable.
Shannon Elizabeth
Shannon Elizabeth is a famous actress and fashion model who has appeared in a number of comedic titles, including Scary Movie and American Pie. However, the Texan is anything but funny and jovial when it comes down to playing poker.
She has admitted to being an avid player and has previously claimed that she was a frequent visitor to Las Vegas where she would participate in live cash games. And, she is clearly a good player, too! Elizabeth managed to come third in the 2007 National Heads-Up Poker Championship, where she is said to have cashed in on more than $250,000!
Tobey Maguire
Perhaps best known for his portrayal as the original Spiderman in the first three movies, Tobey Maguire is also one of those that has turned his hand at playing poker at some point in their lives.
Much like Elizabeth, Maguire is also known to have been a rather successful player over the years, although he has been playing since 2004. It has been claimed that he might be one of the highest-grossing poker players amongst those in Hollywood, as well.
Some might remember that he was one of the men, alongside Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, to have participated in the controversial high-stake underground cash games that took place and were later shown in Hollywood in a movie in 2007 called Molly’s Game, with some speculating that Player X was actually Maguire.
Matt Damon
As mentioned above, Matt Damon is another that has taken the poker table by storm, although it is hardly a surprise as he also managed to take Hollywood by the same gusto, as well.
Damon has played in a number of high-profile competitions over the years, including the infamous Molly’s Game, with appearances at poker events, with the 2019 edition of tournaments providing him with notable successes.
He is also known, though, for getting into character for the role he had in the 1998 poker film, Rounders, as he spent $25,000 to participate, with some suggesting it was because of this that his love for the game began.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck is a known Hollywood titan that loves a game of poker when he gets the opportunity to play, with his personality and ability to portray a character with his presence perhaps making him ideal at the game.
The actor has had a long-held passion for the casino game, as it has been reported that he took lessons from poker professionals in order to get better, with the learning clearly having been put to use as he won the 2004 California State Poker Championship where he won the prize of $356,000!
It is also understood, though, that he has managed to have grossed an estimated $500,000 whilst participating in live tournaments.
Jennifer Tilly
Jennifer Tilly might just have her father to thank for helping to ignite her passion for poker, as he bought her a video game. She used her skills to play the game to her advantage once she carved a successful career in Hollywood, as she spent her time on the casino game.
She won a bracelet after coming first in the Ladies No-Limit Texas Hold’em event in 2005 and became the first celebrity to ever win a world series competition. She is held in high regard by the entire poker community for what she has managed to achieve, with her nomination for the PokerListings’ Spirit of Poker Living Legend Award in 2014 proof of her success. As of 2021, she has managed to win over $1 million from live tournaments.