Ping pong showed up everywhere famous people gathered — film sets, recording studios, backyards, and even political offices. Long before it became a trendy pastime, celebrities were already picking up paddles between takes and tour dates. Bob Marley was one of the most devoted players, hitting the table in his backyard and at clubs in London. He brought the same rhythmic energy to the game that he put into his music, treating every match like a full workout.
In the 1950s, James Dean picked up the paddle between film shoots, playing in his casual work clothes to keep his focus sharp.
Director Stanley Kubrick took a more unusual approach — he set up a ping pong table right next to the cameras and lighting equipment on the set of Lolita and played a match against actor James Mason mid-production.
Audrey Hepburn was known for her quick returns during breaks on set, while Elizabeth Taylor stepped up to the table in full jewelry and formal dresses without missing a beat.
David Bowie practiced his serve in the mid-1970s, fully dressed in his signature style. The sport gave him a focused break from the recording grind.
Fidel Castro played in Cuba wearing his full military uniform. Meanwhile, Paul Newman and Robert Redford brought their off-screen friendship to the table during production of their films in the late 1960s.
Bette Davis approached the game with sharp concentration, tracking every shot with the same intensity she brought to her roles. Rita Hayworth used ping pong as a fitness tool, playing during publicity photo shoots.
Ray Davies and John Dalton of The Kinks passed travel time between concert shows with friendly matches on the road.
Michael Jackson enjoyed the fast pace of the game during private breaks at home. Bob Dylan and Levon Helm played competitive matches while recording together in the woods of upstate New York.
Rita Hayworth kept her matches lively even under the lens of a camera. And then there was Alice Cooper, who marked the holiday season with a match against someone dressed in a full Santa Claus suit.
