Hollywood’s secret hunks: After Kit Harington surprised Slave Play audiences with his shirtless scenes, here’s a look at the most unassuming actors who are secretly ripped

Game Of Thrones‘ Kit Harington has been wowing West End audiences as of late in the controversial and erotically charged Slave Play, adapted from the Broadway hit of the same name.

More than once in the show, Kit, 37, strips off – and what lies beneath his clothing set tongues wagging. 

Kit’s six-pack and bulging biceps, usually hidden underneath his conservative attire, were on full display.

Yet he’s not the only star hiding a ripped physique: there are several actors whose fans would be surprised to know could very well be taking workout tips from The Rock.

Here, MailOnline lists Hollywood’s buffest actors who look deceivingly unassuming from the outside. 

Daniel Radcliffe 

Fans were left stunned in 2023 when Daniel Radcliffe showed off his incredible body transformation in his new role.

The Harry Potter actor, 35, played several characters in the TBS comedy anthology series Miracle Workers.

For the third season, he played the erratic Reverend Ezekiel Brown, who leads his dying, famine-stricken town for a better life.

In 2022, Daniel credited his parents for his buff figure, telling Entertainment Tonight: ‘My parents do CrossFit. 

‘They’re in their sixties and they’re insanely fit people, so I’ve just got to keep up with [them]. 

‘They’re just setting a crazy bar… I’m not fit enough, probably, for CrossFit. They are phenoms.’

William Jackson Harper 

William Jackson Harper shot to fame in 2016 as the straight-laced Chidi Anagonye in NBC comedy The Good Place.

However, the American actor, 44, and his character Chidi had something up their sleeve. Or shirt.

And, that was that they were secretly ripped! William’s broad shoulders and washboard abs were hidden under the sweater vests and long-sleeved collared shirts that Chidi so adored.

So, when the storyline called for William to strip off, fans could not believe their eyes.

Now, fans can look forward to seeing more of William’s body as he joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Quantumania. 

Gordon Ramsay 

Gordon Ramsay is known for his big personality but it turns out his muscles are even bigger.

The celebrity chef, 57, showed his followers what was going on under his apron when he enjoyed a family holiday in 2022.

Gordon’s broad shoulders and defined abs were impossible to ignore as he strolled along the beach.

The star is an exercise fanatic, known for spending his Sundays on a 112-mile bike ride and not overeating, despite his profession. 

Gordon has been forced to hold off on the exercise for now after suffering a near-fatal collision earlier in the year. 

Dave Chappelle 

American comedian Dave Chappelle is known for cracking the most outrageous jokes, but the most outrageous part of him is his muscles! 

The star, 50, is usually hidden on stage by multiple layers, and his expressive performances keep audiences distracted from what he has going underneath.

So, when Dave was caught on a hot day almost bursting out of a simple vest, fans couldn’t believe their eyes. 

It was a slow but steady progression, because Dave was known for being lanky at the beginning of his career.

Dave has yet to reveal his muscle-building secrets, but he has millions of people ready and waiting. 

Peter Andre 

Peter Andre showed off his incredibly muscular physique during a shirtless gym workout which he posted in June.

While the 90s heartthrob isn’t a stranger to being in shape, after becoming a father of five, his body fell out of the spotlight.

When his song Mysterious Girl catapulted him to stardom, Peter’s six pack became almost as famous as he did. 

And, in June, Peter reminded his almost two million followers on Instagram that he’s still got it with a mirror selfie. 

Though the gym is his preferred method of exercise, this may change when his daughter Belle starts toddling.

Diplo 

Musical artist Diplo showcased his chiselled bod in June when he turned up for the Barry’s Workout Class for his Run Club in Santa Monica.

The American DJ and record producer is known for his smash hits Cold Water and Where Are U Now, but proved he has something else to offer. 

Alongside his scattered black ink tattoos, Diplo displayed an impressive V-line and defined abs. 

He told Men’s Health in 2023: ‘Somehow, I always make time to always train once a day, sweat once a day.’ 

Diplo enjoys boxing and surfing and, in 2023, did the treacherous six-mile Burning Man challenge with Chris Rock.

Busta Rhymes 

In 2023, American rapper Busta Rhymes shocked his fans by unveiling his buff new gym body in a dramatic before and after.

Busta, 51, was known throughout his career for being heavier set, but he decided enough was enough after being unable to go through with an intimate moment due to breathing difficulties.

At his heaviest, the 13-time Grammy nominee weighed 136kg and, as of 2023, he is a trim 92. 

His defined abs are a result of his hard work and his stomach no longer protrudes when he stands to the side.

Busta is known for his early 2000s hits such as I Know What You Want and Break Your Neck and collaborated with the biggest R’n’B artists of the time.

Chris Appleton 

Kim Kardashian’s hairstylist Chris Appleton, 41, showed off his ripped figure which he credited to celebrity trainer Jono Castano in 2023.

Chris was briefly married to Euphoria star Lukas Gage and they reached a divorce settlement in June.

They married after just two months of dating and have kept mum about the reason behind their split.

However, on a chat show, Lukas hinted that he wanted to share what happened but couldn’t due to an NDA, but insisted neither party cheated.

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw shocked fans in 2014 when he graced the cover of Men’s Health…sporting an eight-pack! 

The American country legend, 57, is known for his flamboyant dress sense and seductive stage presence, but fans had no idea that under his cowboy hat, Tim was as ripped as a top athlete. 

Explaining his dramatic change in appearance, Tim told Men’s Health Magazine at the time that he had quit drinking.

He said: ‘When your wife tells you it’s gone too far, that’s a big wake-up call. That, and realizing you’re gonna lose everything you have.’ 

People previously reported that the star ‘replaced throwing back whiskey with weight-training and an intense workout regimen’ nearly seven years ago.

Kumail Nanjiani 

Stand-up comedian Kumail Nanjiani, 46, began getting ripped in 2018 when he earned the role of Kingo in Marvel’s Eternals. 

In 2019, the Oscar-nominated star of The Big Sick wrote on Instagram: ‘I never thought I’d be one of those people who would post a thirsty shirtless, but I’ve worked way too hard for way too long so here we are. 

‘You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. I found out a year ago I was going to be in Marvel’s Eternals and decided I wanted to transform how I looked. 

‘I would not have been able to do this if I didn’t have a full year with the best trainers and nutritionists paid for by the biggest studio in the world. I’m glad I look like this, but I also understand why I never did before. It would have been impossible without these resources and time. 

‘So big thanks to @grantrobertsfit who started working with me at the beginning of the year and made me understand true physical pain for months and months.’

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller is known for his comedic roles, tending to play the funny guy rather than the heartthrob.

Yet in 2000 smash hit Meet The Parents, though Ben’s character was portrayed as hapless, fans couldn’t help but think he was a catch when he stripped down into tiny swimming trunks.

What lay beneath his clothing was washboard abs, defined arm muscles, and a enticing V-line. 

Ben, 58, is yet to reveal his exact workout methods, but he’s been snapped playing tennis and paddleboarding – two extremely demanding sports.

J. K. Simmons

In 2016, J. K. Simmons got impossibly ripped under the watchful eye of celebrity trainer Aaron Williamson, known for working with The Rock.

The reason for this venture? He bagged the role of Commissioner James Gordon in 2017’s Justice League.

Aaron said of J. K.’s efforts: ‘Every time we train together I forget he’s 61 years old. So much respect for this guy. #JKSimmons #OldManCranking.’

J. K, 69,  told Business Insider in 2016: ‘After the second and final time that I got hugely fat in my life and when I lost that weight six or seven years ago, I pretty much decided that I was going to stay in decent shape for the rest of my life.’ 

Anderson Cooper

In 2020, Anderson Cooper had fans swooning when he was snapped shirtless. 

The image was shared by his good friend Andy Cohen, who wrote: ‘If it were a normal year, I’d be on vacation with my pal…threatening to post shirtless pics of him. 

‘Well, it’s 2020 and I’m sitting on my deck so I figured I’d just post without asking and p**s him off! #SilverFox’

As a late-night talk show host, Anderson is almost never not in the suit, which made the photo all the more exciting.

Andy admitted to his followers after he shared the photo: ‘Anderson is so p**(ed at me, you guys. But listen, I’m just sitting here, bored under a blanket.’ 

Conan O’Brien 

Another late-night talk show host, Conan O’Brien showed fans he was secretly ripped in an innocent skit. 

The comedian and host, 61, joined Chelsea Handler on her show in 2013 to depict a couple having an angry fight in the shower. 

Though the aim of the video was to amuse, Conan dropped jaws with his buff bod and defined abs.

The skit kicked off the Chelsea Lately Show and, staying true to the talk show hosts’ form, was rather bawdy.

As if things couldn’t get any weirder, a nude Danny DeVito also joins in the action, riding a mobility scooter and sporting a shower cap. 

Jeff Bezos 

In July 2023, Lauren Sanchez couldn’t resist ogling her fiancé Jeff Bezos’s muscular physique as she watched him climb aboard his $500 million superyacht Koru.

The then newly engaged couple is enjoying another getaway on the high seas just weeks after they returned to Los Angeles following their early summer travels across the Mediterranean.

Lauren, 53, kicked off the week with a photo of a shirtless Bezos, 60 stepping onto the superyacht’s ladder after a dip in the sea. 

‘Is it just me, or is it hot outside?’ Lauren cheekily captioned the image on Instagram.

Lauren’s saucy post earned thousands of likes and hundreds of comments in just a few hours, including messages from their celebrity friends. 

John Krasinski

John Krasinski transformed his entire body for the little appreciated 2016 action thriller 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.

The actor-turned-director, 44, is known for starring in the Quiet Place film series where he is largely clothed alongside his wife Emily Blunt.

In 2016, John revealed he screen-tested for the role of Marvel superhero Captain America/Steve Rogers, which eventually went to Chris Evans who had the more fit physique. 

‘I was putting on the suit, just watching it like, “This is so amazing!” And I got to right about my waist, I was still shirtless, feeling pretty good about myself. I wasn’t 13 Hours [shape] yet but I felt pretty good,’ he told Conan.

But as soon as Chris Hemsworth strutted in full Thor regalia, John felt defeated. John recalled: ‘He’s like, “Hey mate,” and I went, “I’m good! This is stupid. I shouldn’t. It’s okay, I’m not Captain America. It’s fine.”‘ 

Alfonso Ribeiro 

Alfonso Ribeiro is best-known for playing the hapless but rich Carlton Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. 

In the show, he was lucky in school but not so much with the ladies – but little did fans know, he had a great bod!

As Carlton dressed in classic and sophisticated clothing, Alfonso, 52, rarely needed to bare flesh.

However, in season 2 episode 24, when Carlton and his cousin Will, whom the show revolves around, decide to become strippers, the need arises.

Performing on stage to make some much desperately needed money, Carlton is shirtless and though the comedy serves as a good distraction, it’s impossible to ignore his bulging biceps.

Unfortunately, Carlton’s sister and mother arrive to put an end to the fun. But, fans still have the memories.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake is currently fighting to get his DWI overturned so as to not miss any more of his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour.

But, in happier times, his wife Jessica Biel delighted fans when she revealed that the *NSYNC star, 44, had  rock-hard abs.

In March, Justin lifted up his white vest top to showcase his six-pack and he playfully snarled at the camera. 

The image was shared to Instagram by Jessica, 42, who wrote with it: ‘My husband would never post these… BUT I WILL. You’re welcome.’

Justin and Jessica married in 2012 and have been the perfect couple with their two children until a blip in 2019 involving Justin’s co-star. 

Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale played the lovable wheelchair-bound Artie Abrams for six seasons on the Emmy-winning comedy series Glee.

In 2018, Kevin, 36, who co-hosts podcast And That’s What You Really Missed with his Glee co-star Jenna Ushkowitz, showcased his incredible 12-week fitness transformation.  

Dropping seven pounds through Ultimate Performance Los Angeles, recommended by BBC’s Scott Mills, the then-30-year-old revealed he knew he had to do something about his health after becoming ‘skinny fat’.   

‘I had been working through an intestinal/digestion issue that was eluding diagnosis and that really took a toll on me. I was constantly in pain, I had tried so many different elimination diets – nothing was working.

Kevin decreased his body weight from 140lbs to 133lbs and incredibly lost 8.2 percent body fat while gaining five pounds of muscle.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal first got into shape for his 2015 film Southpaw, but, in 2023, he revealed he was back on it as he filmed for 2024’s Road House.

Southpaw follows a boxer (Jake) who sets out to get his life back on track after his wife (Rachel McAdams) is gunned down and his young daughter taken into child protective services. 

Road House, released in March, is a remake of the 1989 film of the same name and follows ex-UFC fighter Dalton (Jake) as he takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.

Southpaw and Road House performed similarly at box office, earning $90million and $85million respectively. 

On levelling up his physique, Jake told Men’s Health in March: ‘For me, it’s a lifestyle; it always has been since I was a kid… I’m always trying to find roles that allow me to stay physical.’

Paul Rudd

Ant-Man star Paul Rudd claimed in 2023 it was ‘pointless’ getting in shape for his new film because he starred alongside the permanently ripped Jonathan Majors.

However, he still had fans swooning with his incredible physique.  

Paul’s fifth foray as Ant-Man came the 2023 film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania in which Jonathan, 34, starred as supervillain, Kang the Conqueror. 

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, Paul admitted: ‘He [Jonathan] was terrifying, and it was pretty intense. I tried to bulk up and get in shape, but it was pointless compared to Jon and why do it when Ant-Man never takes his shirt off!’ 

Underselling himself, Paul continued: ‘Every shirtless scene I had ever done was for comedy’s sake. I had no business doing a shirtless scene [in a superhero movie].’

Paul advised: ‘People ask me, “Can you send me your meal plan? How many times a week do you work out? Do you drink? Do you eat carbs? Do you have a cheat day?” The most important part of training is sleep.’