When’s the last time you had something that was “ono”? According to Kalani Robb, Arby’s new King’s Hawaiian Roast Beef is just that. Robb’s commercial for Arby’s recently aired, shedding light on two new phenomenons: the mainstream use of the Hawaiian term for good eats – and more importantly, surfers are getting some serious screen time.
We’ve seen the lives of pro-surfers featured in Hollywood and played by famous actors – does Chasing Mavericks or Soul Surfer ring a bell? Some Hollywood actors have even proven themselves in the water. Dominic Monaghan of Lord of the Rings has expressed his passion for surfing and has paddled out with Kalani Robb. Sean Penn, who played Spicoli of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, is an avid surfer rumored to produce and star in a film about Dorian ‘Doc’ Paskowitz. And then there is Gerard Butler, who played surf legend Frosty Hesson and actually surfed Mavericks. In an interview with Collider.com, Butler said,
“When you are out there, sitting on the waves, it’s incredibly meditative and spiritual. And when you get up on that wave and become one with it, nothing beats it, really. You just become one with nature, and you’re harnessing that power.”
But, it is rare that an actual water-dweller leaves the ocean and traverses into Hollywood lights. Here are a couple instances of surfers making waves in the acting world. Feel free to add your own.
Kalani Robb. If you’ve been wondering what he’s since 2005, take a look at his acting accolades. He went on to star in major Hollywood movies like Blue Crush and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He’s starred in commercials for Coke and Pepsi, but most recently, Robb held the spotlight in the latest Arby’s commercial. He also landed a SURFER Mag cover recently from a Momentum reunion trip, but we prefer the Arby’s commercial.
Keala Kennelly. She’s the first female to ever tow-in at Teahupoo and the first winner of the Nelscott Big Wave Classic, but she’s also had success in the Hollywood media too. She played herself in Blue Crush and Rip Girls. Following that, she took leave from competition surfing to act as the character Kai on the HBO series John from Cincinnati.
Kelly Slater. The 11-time World Champion’s spotlight easily transferred to Hollywood with his first gig as Jimmy Slade in the ’90s TV series Baywatch. In addition to starring in countless surf flicks, he also did the voiceover for the character Kelly in the animated picture Surf’s Up. And according to surfing-news.com, Slater is the preferred actor to play the Silver Surfer in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot.
Let’s see, who did we miss?
