Spanish Oscar-winning actor, Javier Bardem, has recently revealed a surprising secret from his past - he used to be an international rugby star for Spain.

From the Rugby Pitch to the Silver Screen

Bardem, who hails from the Canary Islands, represented his country in rugby and even attended the Rugby World Cup semi-final between Argentina and New Zealand last month.

However, he made the decision to leave rugby at the age of 23 in order to fully commit himself to his acting career.

Chilling Villains and Academy Awards

Known for his chilling performances as villains on the big screen, Bardem won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2008 for his role as Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men."

He later portrayed Raoul Silva in the James Bond film series, as well as landing roles in other notable films such as "Pirates of the Caribbean" and the recent adaptation of "Dune."

Revealing His Rugby Past

Bardem recently opened up about his love for rugby in an interview with Rugby Pass. He shared that he started playing at the age of nine and continued until he was 23, calling it his passion.

He also expressed his admiration for the sport's ethics, teamwork, and respect for fellow players and referees. Bardem emphasized the importance of respecting the kicker, as he believes rugby has valuable lessons to teach children.

Prop Position and "Los Mendrugos"

During the interview, Bardem revealed that he used to play as a prop in rugby, alongside his brother Carlos. They were even given the nickname "Los Mendrugos," which translates to "the hard part of the bread."

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Bardem, known for his iconic villains in modern cinema, has certainly had an interesting journey from the rugby pitch to the silver screen.