List of World Series of Poker Playing Celebrities is Star-Studded

LAS VEGAS -- Thanks to the industry of Nolan Dalla, the press maven for the World Series of Poker, we now have a comprehensive list of the "Celebrities Who Have Played in the World Series of Poker"
Mimi Rogers placed high in the money at the WSOP Ladies Event.  (1970-present).  You can be the judge as to how "famous" some of these people are.  And who's the best poker player in the bunch?  That's a question that may have to wait until the end of this year's World Series of Poker.

Telly Savalas, actor
(best known as TV’s “Kojak,” multiple film roles)
* finished in the money three times at WSOP, and made two final table appearances

Gabe Kaplan, actor
(best known as TV’s Kotter,” stand-up comedian)
* finished in the money eight times at WSOP, and made six final table appearances

Larry Flynt, publisher
(controversial free speech advocate)
* cashed once at WSOP, specializes in Seven-Card Stud

Steve Wynn, casino owner
(founded Mirage, Bellagio, Wynn Hotel-Casinos)
*played in several events during the mid-1980s

Milton Berle, television personality
(“Mr. Television” – legendary 1950s showman)
* entered one event in 1997

Wilfred Brimley, actor
(gruff, serious character actor)
* played numerous events during the early 2000s

Hal “Deadman” Kant, famous attorney
(counsel to the Grateful Dead and other celebrity clients)
* finished in the money 12 times at WSOP, made six final tables, WSOP gold bracelet winner in 1987

Matt Damon, actor
(Academy Award winner -- starred in “Rounders,” “The Departed,” many other films)
* entered championship event in 1998, busted out by Doyle Brunson

Ed Norton, Jr., actor
(co-star in “Rounders,” many other films, also directs)
* entered championship event in 1998

Ben Affleck, actor
(Academy Award winner -- many popular film roles)
* entered multiple events in recent years

Tony Curtis, actor
(Oscar-nominated legendary actor of many memorable films, including “Some Like it Hot,” and “The Boston Strangler”)
* played at 2003 World Series of Poker

James Woods, actor
(former Academy Award nominated actor in over 100 films, also TV’s “Shark”)
* cashed once at WSOP, and has played each of the last four years at WSOP

Tobey Maguire, actor
(“Spiderman” star, co-star in “Seabiscuit”)
* played in several events in 2004 and 2005

Jennifer Tilly, actor
(Academy Award nominated actress for “Bullet’s Over Broadway,” many film roles)
* won 2005 Ladies World Poker Championship, currently playing in several events this year

Shannon Elizabeth, actor
(best-known for “American Pie” supporting role)
* cashed once at WSOP, currently playing in several events this year

James Garner, actor
(TV’s “Maverick” and “Rockford (Files),” nominated for Oscar)
* entered championship event in 2006

Lennox Lewis, former boxer
(former heavyweight world champion)
* entered championship event in 2006

Mimi Rogers, actor
(several film roles)
* cashed once at WSOP, entered several events in recent years

Mekhi Phifer, actor
(co-star in “ER)
* entered championship event in 2006

Antonio Tarver, boxer
(former light-heavyweight world champion)
* entered championship event in 2006

Danny Masterson, actor
(co-star in “That ‘70s Show”)
* entered championship event in 2004, and events since then

Laura Prepon, actor
(co-star in “That ‘70s Show”)
* entered championship event in 2004, and events since then

Norm McDonald, actor and comedian
(“Saturday Night Live” star, and stand-up comedian)
* cashed once at WSOP, entered championship events 2004 to present, entered several events in recent years

Shannon Sharpe, former football star
(wide-receiver for Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens)
* entered championship event in 2006

Sam Simon, television executive producer
(co-creator of “The Simpsons”)
* entered several events in recent years

Ron Jeremy, porn star
(porn industry icon)
* entered several events in 2006, including championship event

Chris Masterson, actor
(co-stars in TV’s “Malcolm and the Middle,” appeared in “American History X”)
* entered 2005 championship event

Rocko Mediate, golfer
(five major golf tournament wins, The Golf Channel’s on-course reporter)
* entered 2006 championship event

Mena Suvari, actor
(supporting roles in “American Beauty” and “American Pie”)
* entered 2006 championship event

Jean Smart, actor
(two-time Emmy Award winner, stars in TV’s “24” and appeared in “Lucky You” – over 50 major film and TV roles)
* entered 2006 championship event

Anne Heche, actor
(multiple films roles including “Donnie Brasco,” “Wag the Dog,” Six Days, Seven Nights”)
* entered 2006 championship event

Kelly Hu, actor
(multiple television roles)
* entered 2006 championship event

Ricki Lake, talk show host and actor
(stared in “Hairspray,” host of “The Ricki Lake Show”)
* entered 2006 championship event

Note:  Names and data are through 2007 WSOP, Event #40.  The special celebrity event scheduled for July 5, 2007 “Ante Up for Africa” promises to add significantly to this list.