From penniless father to world-class wrestler, from a lover of film to larger-than-life movie star, Dave Bautista has put in the work. He’s also a student of the craft, wants to act alongside the industry’s best, and loves to tell a story through performance.
He wasn’t always this big though. Bautista was a shy, gangly kid growing up on the streets. Since, he’s had to overcome an introverted personality and the financial hardships of a young family to get his start.
For the last two decades, Bautista has enjoyed the life of a six-time WWE wrestling champion, roles in films like Riddick, Blade Runner 2049, and the Guardians of the Galaxy movie franchise as Drax.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed a long list of movie premieres and episodes from our favorite theater, Netflix, Apple, or Hulu feature, the star of Dave Bautista has gotten brighter.
Recently, Innovation & Tech Today caught up with him to talk not only about his time as a wrestling champion and tech interests, but his upcoming projects like Dune, See, and Army of the Dead.
Innovation & Tech Today: Can you tell us how you started in entertainment?
Dave Bautista: It’s not a very glamorous answer. I needed to make some money because I was broke. To be honest, there wasn’t much I was qualified to do. Other than lifting weights, I didn’t pursue a lot right out of high school. I loved working out, it was so therapeutic for me.
But closing in on 30 with two kids and no money, I figured I’d give professional wrestling a try. It was so hot at the time and I looked the part, right? Back then, when I told people about my plans, they looked at me like I was crazy because I was such an introverted person.
I just didn’t have many options, so I went after it. And it wasn’t long before I became obsessed with wrestling. I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the entertainment side of things.
Although I was shy as a kid, I always wanted to be one of those flamboyant guys. I still struggle being in the spotlight. Fame can be a bit overwhelming for someone like me, but I love telling stories through performance.
I&T Today: Your career is firing on all cylinders right now with work on Netflix, Apple, and of course, Dune. What’s the next year look like?
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