Poker is a game enjoyed by people from all walks of life, including celebrities and movie stars, From Jennifer Tilly, who won the World Series of Poker Ladies Event, to Ben Affleck, who won the California State Poker Championship, these celebrities have proven that they have what it takes to compete with the best of them.
In this era of celebrity culture, it’s no surprise that some of the biggest names in entertainment have also become some of the biggest names in the poker game. Here are 15 of the most renowned actors and actresses playing cards recreationally and even professionally.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon is an American actor, film producer, and screenwriter known for his roles in movies such as Good Will Hunting, The Bourne Identity series, and The Departed. Damon is also a recreational poker player who enjoys playing the game in his free time.
He first became interested in poker while filming the 1998 movie Rounders, where he played a law student and poker player. Damon has participated in various charity tournaments and played in the World Series of Poker. He is known for his laid-back approach to the game and enjoys playing with friends in low-stakes games.
Casey Affleck
Casey Affleck is an American actor and director known for his roles in movies such as Manchester by the Sea. He is also a passionate poker player who has played the game for years. Affleck has participated in major tournaments, including the World Series of Poker, and has had several cashes.
He is known for his analytical playing style and his ability to read other players at the table. Affleck has also hosted charity events and has been a spokesperson for online poker companies. His love for the card game is evident in his interviews, where he often talks about his experiences playing and his admiration for other professional players.
Norm MacDonald
Norm MacDonald was a Canadian comedian, actor, and writer known for his dry humor and deadpan delivery. He was also an avid poker player who loved the game and was considered one of the top celebrity players. MacDonald participated in many major tournaments.
He also appeared on TV poker shows such as Celebrity Poker Showdown and Poker After Dark. MacDonald’s love for these shows was evident in his stand-up comedy, where he often joked about the game and his experiences playing it. Despite his passing in 2021, MacDonald’s legacy in poker lives on.
Kevin Hart
He’s a fast-paced actor and comedian who’s now one of the highest-earning comedians in the world. Despite his short stature, his big personality makes up for it. You might have seen him in major movies like the new Jumanji movies and Get Hard, where he starred alongside fellow comedian Will Ferrell.
Hart’s quick wit and fast-talking make him a great trash talker at the poker table and is pretty good at playing too. He’s even part of the PartyPoker crew. So far, he’s won $47,828 at the casino. In 2010, he finished at the top of Event 1, No-Limit Hold’em $40,000 Guarantee in Larry Flynt’s Challenge Cup.
Toby Maguire
Toby Maguire is known for great movies such as Spiderman and Seabiscuit.
Maguire is successful online and in live tournaments and prefers high-stakes games with oversized pots and players with huge bankrolls. He’s a regular at major poker tournaments like the WPT Mirage Poker Showdown and the WPT Legends of Poker, where he plays alongside famous players.
Maguire likes to play private games with his fellow actors when he’s not playing in tournaments. He even used to run the famous Viper Room games, which Molly Bloom previously hosted. The games were shut down due to a money-laundering investigation, but the story was turned into a movie in 2017 called Molly’s Game.
Nick Cassavetes
Nick Cassavetes is an American actor, filmmaker, and writer best known for directing movies such as The Notebook and Alpha Dog. Cassavetes is an avid poker player in his free time who enjoys playing the game online and in live tournaments.
He has participated in major poker events, he has also appeared on TV poker shows such as The PokerStars Big Game, where he showcased his skills against other celebrity players.
Shannon Elizabeth
Shannon Elizabeth, the actress, and former model who starred in American Pie and Scary Movie, is one of the most successful celebrity poker players in the world.
Elizabeth loves playing poker so much that she makes frequent trips to Las Vegas – at least three times a month – to enter live tournaments and play for big money. She participated in major tournaments, including the famous NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship, the first Annual Nicky Hilton New Year’s Eve Poker Tournament at Caesars Palace, and the Celebrity Poker Showdown.
With over $235,000 in winnings, Elizabeth is considered a top female celebrity poker player.
Jennifer Tilly
Jennifer Tilly is an American-Canadian actress who is famous for her distinctive nasal voice and comedic timing. She has been nominated for an Academy Award, two MTV Movie Awards, and three Saturn Awards. In addition to her acting career, Tilly has also made a name for herself in the poker world.
She started playing in 2003 and won the 2005 WSOP Ladies Event. Tilly is known for her aggressive playing style and has numerous appearances on TV poker shows.
Aaron Paul
Aaron Paul is an American actor who rose to fame for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the hit TV series Breaking Bad. Outside of acting, Paul has played the game for years. He has participated in major tournaments, including the World Series of Poker, and won the Celebrity Poker Showdown.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck is an American actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter with a well-known passion for poker. He has played the game for years and won the California State Poker Championship in 2004, taking home a prize of over $350,000.
Jason Alexander
He’s the guy who played George Costanza in Seinfeld, you know, the one who’s always down on his luck. But don’t feel too bad for him, because he’s quite the poker player in real life! He’s even made appearances on poker shows.
He’s known for being aggressive and competitive at the table and has donated his winnings to various charities. You can watch some of his matches on YouTube, including an intense one against Liv Boeree.
Ray Romano
He’s the beloved 62-year-old actor who starred in the award-winning sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He’s still likable, but don’t let that fool you – he can be pretty vicious at the poker table!
Romano is a regular at poker tournaments, his best live cash win so far is $18,176. He hosts poker games with his friends at home when he’s not competing in tournaments.
Brad Garret
Brad Garrett is an American actor, comedian, and voice actor known for his roles in TV shows such as Everybody Loves Raymond and movies like Ratatouille. However, he is also a passionate poker player who has played the game for years.
He even owns his poker club in Las Vegas called “Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club,” where he hosts regular poker games.
Gabe Kaplan
Have you heard of Gabe Kaplan? He’s an American actor who starred in the popular 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter.
Kaplan first competed at the World Series of Poker in 1978, quickly making a name for himself with several significant wins. In 1980, he won the main event at Amarillo Slim’s Super Bowl of Poker, solidifying his position as one of the top celebrity poker players. He’s had 11 WSOP finishes and earned a total of $539,159. He’s also played in the World Poker Tour regularly, winning over $250,000.
James Woods
James Woods is an American actor and producer who has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Casino and The Gambler, both of which have gambling themes. Woods is an avid poker player who has played the game for over a decade. He has participated in major poker tournaments, including the World Series of Poker and the National Heads-Up Poker Championship.
Woods is known for his aggressive playing style like other celebrities and has won over $400,000 in live tournament earnings. He also co-founded the Hollywood Poker celebrity poker tournament and is considered one of the top celebrity poker players.
Celebrities who enjoy playing poker have become a common sight at major tournaments and poker events. These famous individuals have proven they have the skills and passion for the game and have even won large sums of money. Whether they play for fun or charity, these celebrities have helped to bring more attention to poker and have inspired many others to take up the game.
