What they don`t know about Channing Tatum: 5 surprising facts for his anniversary

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How are Ricky Martin and porcelain dolls connected to the star of the screens?

It seems we know everything about Channing Tatum: perfect abs, "Step Up", a past in stripping—classic. But behind this shiny facade lies much more interesting stuff.

For the actor's anniversary, we've gathered five little-known and sometimes completely unexpected facts about Tatum that will make you see him in a new light. Ready to be surprised? Let's go!
Actor Channing Tatum close-up at a social event
Channing Tatum
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From Credit Cards to Dogs: The Many Roles He Played

Before becoming a sex symbol and movie star, worked in far less glamorous jobs. He sold perfumes, pushed credit cards, and even worked as a mortgage broker (probably in a suit—because shirtless, he might distract a client from the deal).

Channing also worked at an animal shelter. "It was incredible! I just played with dogs all day, gave them medicine, and took care of puppies," the actor told Vanity Fair. Just imagine: Tatum and a bunch of puppies. It's not even a scene from a romantic comedy—it's almost a crime against women's hearts.
Young actor Channing Tatum poses in American football gear
Young Channing Tatum
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He Just Danced... and Made History

Channing's first appearance in pop culture is easy to miss. In 2000, when Tatum was still working part-time at a strip club while dreaming of fame, he appeared in Ricky Martin's music video for the song “She Bangs.”

The role—a dancer with a face tattoo. Screen time—next to nothing, fee—$400 for four days. But you have to start somewhere on the path to blockbusters, right?
Ricky Martin - She Bangs

Without Amanda Bynes, Would There Be Tatum?

You may have mixed feelings about Amanda Bynes, but if you're a Channing fan — thank her. It was she who insisted that her partner in the movie “She's the Man” (2006) be a then-unknown 25-year-old guy whom producers didn't want to hire due to being too mature-looking.

Bynes was confident: female viewers would be crazy about Tatum. Spoiler — she was absolutely right. The film received decent ratings on IMDb, and the actor's career immediately took off.
Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum in red sports t-shirts surrounded by other young people
Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum in the film "She's the Man"
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Tatum's Nightmare

It seems that Channing fears nothing: he fights supervillains, dances half-naked, and calmly talks to journalists. But on Ellen DeGeneres's show, the actor suddenly admitted that his biggest fear is porcelain dolls.

They are really very strange. They seem to have real eyes, and they look real overall. When I walk past them, it feels like they turn their heads to follow me., Channing shared. Who said that tough men can't have unusual phobias?
Ellen DeGeneres scares Channing Tatum with porcelain dolls

Channing in "War of the Worlds": Find Him and Win a Prize!

Do you love quests as much as I do? Then try to find Tatum in Steven Spielberg's film "War of the Worlds" (which users of Rotten Tomatoes called "a solid classic alien movie"). He's there — honestly!

At the 23rd second of the movie, you can spot a guy in a baseball cap running in front of Tom Cruise. It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo, but for Tatum fans, it's a real Easter egg hunt. Channing Tatum is not just a heartthrob from blockbusters and rom-coms. His journey is a mix of unexpected turns, trials and errors, self-irony, and perseverance. And for this genuine drive for growth and ability to stay true to himself, we at zoomboola.com appreciate him much more than for his perfect abs and charming smile.