Şafak Başkaya

Jason Statham is a British actor and former competitive diver. He is known for his success in numerous action films. Born in Shirebrook in 1967, Statham was the second child in his family. From childhood, he learned street theatre from his family. Growing up in a musical family, Statham developed an interest in music and art, but he also became interested in sports. Influenced by his childhood friend, former footballer and now actor Vinnie Jones, he developed an interest in football, but his true passion was diving. He had a successful diving career, being a member of the British national diving team for 12 years. He later worked as a model and also as a market trader, like his father. His life changed when he was discovered by director Guy Ritchie. Ritchie, looking for actors for his upcoming film *Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels*, chose Statham for the role of Bacon due to his market trading background. He then solidified his place in the film world with Ritchie's *Snatch*. In later years, he starred in many action films, including *The Italian Job*, the *Transporter* series, and *The Expendables* series. He also appeared as Ian Shaw in *The Fast and the Furious* 6 and 7. Jason Statham was in a relationship with model and actress Kelly Brook from 1997 to 2004. Since 2010, he has been with Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.