It’s not just Robin Williams and Henry Cavill who play Warhammer; the number of celebrities in the miniatures hobby may surprise you!
Why Warhammer Appeals to Everyone
The Cultural Impact of Warhammer
Warhammer isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. From its detailed lore to its intricate miniatures, it captures the imagination of players worldwide. The rich history behind each faction and the storytelling potential make it a favorite among both casual and hardcore gamers. Warhammer’s universe offers an escape, a chance to dive into epic battles and complex strategies, making it a beloved pastime and hobby for many.
Celebrities Who Are Passionate About Warhammer
From Trey Parker to Vin Diesel, Brian May to Ansel Elgort, and the late Robin Williams to Ed Sheeran, all these famous personalities have shown their passion for Warhammer. It proves that the game is not just for a specific type of person, but anyone can enjoy it, regardless of their status. Check out this list of celebrities who have (probably) dabbled in tabletop wargaming and Warhammer.
Trey Parker, Co-Creator of South Park
Image Credit: White Metal Games
Trey Parker, co-creator of South Park, has shown his love for tabletop gaming time and again. He’s commissioned custom figures and even included Warhammer 40k in an episode of South Park. It’s clear that Parker enjoys the hobby, bringing his unique humor and creativity into the mix.
Vin Diesel’s Alleged Blood Angels Obsession
Keeping what you kill may not work in 40k
Rumors have long circulated about Vin Diesel’s affinity for Warhammer, specifically the Blood Angels. While it’s never been confirmed, stories of him closing down a Games Workshop store for a private game session fuel the legend. Diesel’s known love for Dungeons & Dragons makes this Warhammer rumor all the more plausible.
Brian May: From Queen to Warhammer
Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, has a soft spot for Warhammer. Visiting the Games Workshop design studio with his son back in 1990, May tried his hand at sculpting miniatures. This iconic rock star’s involvement in the hobby showcases Warhammer’s broad appeal, transcending music and generations.
Peter Cushing and H.G. Wells: Historical Hobbyists
Peter Cushing, famous for his roles in horror films and Star Wars, was an avid painter and modeler. His fascination with toy soldiers, paired with rules written by H.G. Wells, highlights a historical connection to wargaming.
Just look at this extensive collection of miniatures. Enough to make even a veteran hobbyist jealous. These pioneers of the hobby show that Warhammer’s roots run deep in both pop culture and history.
Ansel Elgort: From DJ Booth to Painting Desk
Ansel Elgort, known for his roles in “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Baby Driver,” paints Warhammer miniatures in his spare time. During an interview with Conan O’Brien, he shared his passion for the hobby, detailing the therapeutic process of painting and the satisfaction of creating detailed figures.
Robin Williams: The Beloved Gamer
You will be missed, Robin
Robin Williams wasn’t just a comedic genius and beloved actor; he was also a passionate gamer. His love for tabletop games, especially Warhammer, adds another layer to the multifaceted personality we all adored.
Reddit AMA Confirmation
In a 2013 Reddit AMA, Robin Williams himself confirmed his love for Warhammer. When asked about his hobbies, he proudly mentioned his involvement with the game, making fans everywhere nod in appreciation. His enthusiasm wasn’t just a passing interest; he was genuinely immersed in the hobby, enjoying every aspect from painting miniatures to strategizing battles.
Influence on Other Celebrities
Williams’ passion for Warhammer wasn’t just a personal hobby—it was contagious. Rumor has it that during his time on movie sets, he introduced several fellow actors to the world of tabletop gaming. Names like Billy Crystal, Kirsten Dunst, Bill Murray, and Dustin Hoffman have all been whispered about in the community as having dabbled in Warhammer, thanks to Robin’s influence.
It’s easy to imagine the late, great Robin Williams gathering his friends and co-stars around a table, sharing his love for Warhammer and sparking joy and camaraderie. His legacy lives on not just through his films and comedy but also in the hearts of gamers who found a kindred spirit in him. So, the next time you roll the dice or paint a miniature, think of Robin and the lasting impact he had on the Warhammer community.
Edward Woodward’s Wargaming Show
Edward Woodward, best known for his role in “The Wicker Man,” had a passion for wargaming that extended beyond the screen. In the late ’70s, Woodward hosted a TV series called “Battleground,” where he played out historical battles with miniatures.
This show was ahead of its time, giving viewers a glimpse into the strategic depth and historical context of wargaming. His enthusiasm for the hobby helped lay the groundwork for the modern popularity of tabletop gaming.
Jordan from Axis of Awesome’s Warhammer Collection
Jordan pictured middle
Jordan, from the comedy band Axis of Awesome, is not just serious about her music but also her Warhammer collection. Known for their hit “Four Chords Song,” Jordan has been vocal about her love for Warhammer 40k. In interviews, she mentioned her extensive collection of miniatures, showcasing her dedication to the hobby.
Her bandmates even joke about her obsession, proving that Warhammer can be both a personal passion and a source of humor among friends.
Ed Sheeran’s Nostalgic Hobby
Ed Sheeran, the chart-topping singer-songwriter, has a soft spot for Warhammer that dates back to his childhood. In a candid social media post, Sheeran shared a picture of himself building Space Marines, reminiscing about how the hobby makes him feel like a kid again.
This nostalgic connection to Warhammer highlights its timeless appeal and the way it can bring joy and relaxation, even to those with busy, high-profile careers.
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Jason Mewes: The Painter
Jason Mewes, famous for his role as Jay in “Jay & Silent Bob,” might not play Warhammer, but he loves painting the miniatures.
In a video interview, Mewes talks about his enjoyment of the artistic side of the hobby. His appreciation for the intricate details and the calming nature of painting shows another facet of Warhammer’s appeal, proving that even non-players can find joy in the creative aspects of the game.
He comes from the age of pewter minis, so you know you really have to like modeling if you’re willing to do it on those!
It’s interesting to see how Warhammer has attracted a diverse range of celebrities over the years. From Trey Parker of South Park to Vin Diesel, Brian May of Queen, and even the late Robin Williams, it’s clear that tabletop wargaming has a broad appeal. Send this to someone who says tabletop gaming isn’t cool, and show them just how many celebs play!
Gary Oldman and Family’s Warhammer World Visits
Gary Oldman, a celebrated actor known for his diverse roles, shares his love for Warhammer with his family. Recently spotted at Warhammer World with his sons, Oldman has been a long-time fan of the hobby.
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Though he hasn’t showcased his painted miniatures publicly, other hobbyists have reported seeing him in local Warhammer stores. His rumored interest in Ad Mech and Kastelan Robots adds to his Warhammer credentials, proving that the hobby is a family affair for the Oldmans.
Shayna Baszler’s Warhammer-Inspired Gear
WWE wrestler Shayna Baszler brought Warhammer into the spotlight with her Dark Angels-inspired gear during a Monday Night Raw match. Her love for Warhammer doesn’t stop at cosplay; she regularly incorporates elements from the game into her wrestling persona.
Baszler’s coach, Josh Barnett, also a hobbyist, adds to her credibility in the Warhammer community. Her visible enthusiasm for the hobby shows that Warhammer’s influence extends even into the world of professional sports.
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Henry Cavill’s Custodes
Henry Cavill, famously known as Superman, has become a beacon for Warhammer enthusiasts everywhere. His Instagram post showcasing his work on Custodes miniatures sent waves through both the Warhammer and general fan communities.
Cavill’s passion for the hobby is evident in the meticulous detail of his painting, and he has openly discussed his love for the game in numerous interviews. His involvement in the upcoming Amazon and Games Workshop collaboration further cements his role as Warhammer’s most prominent celebrity ambassador.
The Impact of Celebrity Endorsement on Warhammer
Popularizing Tabletop Miniatures Gaming
Let’s face it, when someone like Superman (yes, Henry Cavill, we’re looking at you) paints tiny soldiers, people notice. Celebrity endorsements have a way of making even the nerdiest hobbies look ultra-cool. Suddenly, your neighbor who thought Warhammer was “just a kid’s game” is eyeing that starter set at the local hobby shop. Thanks to these star-studded hobbyists, tabletop gaming is having a serious glow-up.
Creating a Modern Community
Celebrities have this magical power to bring people together, and Warhammer is no exception. When Vin Diesel drops a hint about his Blood Angels, or Ed Sheeran shares a snap of his Space Marines, it’s like an open invitation to a geeky party where everyone’s welcome. Fans bond over their mutual love for the game and the shared excitement of knowing their favorite stars are rolling dice too. It’s like a global clubhouse, and the secret handshake is knowing your Orks from your Eldar.
Warhammer 40k in Media and Pop Culture
Remember when Trey Parker slipped Warhammer 40k into an episode of South Park? That’s the kind of pop culture crossover that makes fans squeal with delight. These nods and winks in mainstream media do wonders for the game’s visibility. Suddenly, Warhammer isn’t just a niche hobby—it’s a part of the zeitgeist. And let’s be real, if it’s cool enough for South Park, it’s cool enough for everyone.
Check out more articles on Warhammer going mainstream below!
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What do you think about the list of celebrities who play and hobby on Warhammer 40k?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
