Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater, renowned professional surfer and actor, was born on February 11, 1972, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. While he is predominantly celebrated for his unparalleled achievements in surfing, Slater has also ventured into the realm of acting, making notable appearances in both film and television.

Early Acting Endeavors

In the early 1990s, Slater transitioned into acting, securing a recurring role on the popular television series Baywatch. He portrayed Jimmy Slade, a character that appeared in 27 episodes from 1992 to 1993. This role introduced him to a broader audience beyond the surfing community and showcased his versatility as a performer.

Film Appearances

Slater's filmography includes appearances in several surf-related documentaries and films. In 1994, he featured in The Endless Summer II, a sequel to the classic surf documentary, which followed surfers traveling the world in search of the perfect wave. He also appeared in Riding Giants (2004), a documentary that delved into the history of big wave surfing, highlighting the pioneers of the sport.

Voice Acting in Animation

Expanding his repertoire, Slater lent his voice to the animated film Surf's Up in 2007, where he played himself. The movie offered a behind-the-scenes look at the world of competitive surfing through the eyes of animated characters, blending humor with authentic surfing culture.

Recent Documentaries

In 2018, Slater appeared in Momentum Generation, a documentary that chronicled the lives of a group of young surfers, including Slater, who revolutionized the sport in the 1990s. The film provided an intimate look into their camaraderie, challenges, and the impact they had on surfing's evolution.

Television Cameos

Beyond Baywatch, Slater made guest appearances on various television shows. Notably, he appeared as himself in an episode of the HBO series Arliss in 2001, further cementing his status as a cultural icon beyond the surfing world.

Producer Credits

Demonstrating his multifaceted talents, Slater took on the role of executive producer for the mini-series Continuance: Part One in 2017 and Continuance: Part Two in 2018. These projects allowed him to contribute behind the scenes, showcasing his commitment to storytelling within the surfing community.

Video Game Features

Slater's influence extended into the gaming industry with the release of Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer in 2002, where players could experience the thrill of surfing through his perspective. He also appeared as a playable character in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 in 2001, blending the worlds of skateboarding and surfing in the virtual realm.