Longtime ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum has remained a driving force of the company’s SEC coverage thanks to his charismatic personality and bold takes over the years. But could those skills also potentially translate into Finebaum getting into acting?
The idea was teased by Finebaum on Friday’s edition of The Paul Finebaum Show in a discussion with ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Joe Tessitore
Tessitore previously played himself on the television series The Dead Zone. On top of that, he was formerly the co-host of ABC’s Battle of the Network Stars and currently serves as the head play-by-play commentator for ABC’s sports reality television series Holey Moley.
Tessitore said that he could have seen Finebaum in an acting role as a doctor.
“You would have been a great TV doctor,” Tessitore said to Finebaum.
“Joe, I know you’re a Hollywood mogul. You’ve got your own show. I mean, I do think I can move on from this,” replied Finebaum.
Tessitore then further relayed his stance, agreeing that Finebaum could get into acting if he wanted.
“Oh, in a second,” said Tessitore. “I think you would be a great character actor. Amazing character actor.”
“I am surprised to this point nobody has called me,” replied Finebaum.
“I am putting it out there right now,” added Tessitore. “If anybody is producing any scripted drama, this is your guy. Just look at him. Listen to the voice. Look at the mannerisms. Think about how he goes about things. The character development, the arcs you could have. This is the next great character actor right here, Paul Finebaum. Contract, bring it. I love it for you, I really do.”
Might be time for a career change… Actor Paul Finebaum has a nice ring to it @JoeTessESPN @Katie_George05 pic.twitter.com/x53zO1xF9h
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) October 25, 2024
This may be a bit of a tongue-in-cheek comment from Finebaum. But it certainly would be something to see Finebaum spouting off medical terminology on a hit drama series as he does about SEC football on the SEC Network.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.