5 movies and TV shows John McEnroe has featured in ft. Never Have I Ever, 30 Rock
John McEnroe was arguably one of the most charismatic players on tour back in the day, particularly renowned for his shot-making, volleying skills, and confrontational on-court behavior. A lesser-known fact is that he is also a natural on the big screen, appearing in around 30 movies and TV shows.
The American legend won seven singles majors during his career, along with nine men's doubles majors and one mixed doubles major. With a total of 77 career singles titles, 77 doubles and 1 mixed doubles titles, he holds the record for the most combined men's titles in the Open era, totaling 155.
His fluidity made him the only male player since the inception of the rankings to hold the No. 1 spot in both singles and doubles simultaneously. He was also named ATP Player of the Year and ITF World Champion three times each.
After retiring, McEnroe turned to commentary and has since become a household name on the tour, participating as a pundit and in the occasional exhibition match.
He’s also made time for the big screen with several surprising cameos over the years. Here are our top five picks of his best movies.
#5. 7 Days in Hell
John McEnroe made a brief cameo in the 2015 sports mockumentary 7 Days in Hell. The film was inspired by the 2010 Wimbledon marathon match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut, humorously reimagined as an epic seven-day showdown between two tennis rivals played by Andy Samberg and Kit Harrington.
McEnroe's part had him recount the moment in the film when the hero, Aaron Williams, accidentally killed a line judge with an errant serve, leading to his death from a heart attack.
"It was one of the great tragedies of all time," McEnroe was quoted as saying.
Serena Williams also famously starred in the mockumentary as Aaron's fictional adopted brother.
#4. Anger Management
Having famously opened up about visiting a therapist for anger management in the past, it was ironic that John McEnroe was cast in the 2003 buddy comedy Anger Management. The film also featured big names like Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson.
It was about an angry businessman seeking help from a renowned therapist using her unconventional methods.
McEnroe appeared as a fictionalized version of himself, playing the role of Sandler's character, Dave Buznik's therapist. His persona fit the situation perfectly, contributing to the film's success.
His most famous scene in the movie featured him receiving a certificate of graduation in Anger Management from Dr. Buddy Rydell, played by Jack Nicholson.
#3. Jack and Jill
McEnroe made another brief cameo alongside Adam Sandler in the 2011 American comedy Jack and Jill, which also stars Katie Holmes and Al Pacino.
The story revolves around the titular twin siblings Jack and Jill, played by Sandler, focusing on Jack dreading Jill's visit during Thanksgiving and her subsequent overstay until Hanukkah.
McEnroe made a brief cameo as himself during the 'atheist scene' at Jack's birthday party. He could be seen hilariously arguing with Nick Swardson about his faith in God and threatened to beat him up when he learned about his beliefs.
"Idiots like you make me real mad," was his most famous verse.
The film also featured big-name cameos from the likes of Johnny Depp, Regis Philbin, Dan Patrick, Shaquille O'Neal, Drew Carey, John McEnroe, Christie Brinkley, Bill Romanowski, Michael Irvin, Jared Fogle, Billy Blanks, Vince Offer, Günter Schlierkamp, and Caitlyn Jenner.
He won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Ensemble along with the entire cast for their role in the movie.
#2. 30 Rock
John McEnroe famously appeared in four episodes of 30 Rock, an American satirical sitcom created by Tina Fey. The story was inspired by Fey's time with Saturday Night Live as a head writer, set behind the scenes of a fictional live sketch comedy program.
McEnroe's first appearance was in the eleventh episode of the first season, titled The Head and the Hair, where he played himself as the host of the game show Gold Case. His second appearance was in the fourth episode of the third season, Gavin Volure, where he again played himself at a dinner party hosted by Gavin, representing art collecting and yelling.
McEnroe's third and fourth appearances occurred in the first episode of the sixth season, Dance Like Nobody's Watching, and the ninth episode of the seventh season, Game Over.
#1. Never Have I Ever
McEnroe's most recent big-screen appearance was as the narrator of the American comedy-drama television series Never Have I Ever.
The story is based on Mindy Kaling's experiences growing up in Boston. It revolves around an Indian-American high school student, played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who is coping with the sudden death of her father and the ensuing bumpy road through her final years of high school in the United States.
His narration in the drama series was critically acclaimed for its quirkiness and energy. He also made a brief appearance in the final episode of the first season, where he had a heartfelt conversation with Devi about her father and family.
Special Mentions: You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, Groundfloor, CSI: NY, Mr. Deeds, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Saturday Night Live, and Suddenly Susan.