Shaquille O’Neal is impossible to miss, both figuratively and literally. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, with a frame that fills any room he enters, Shaq is one of the most physically imposing figures not just in basketball, but in the world of sports as a whole. His larger-than-life presence matches his monumental achievements: a four-time NBA champion, basketball Hall of Famer, and a wildly successful businessman.
Now, O’Neal is set to earn another hefty paycheck—$10 million annually for “Inside the NBA,” thanks to the news that ESPN and ABC are licensing the iconic pregame show from Warner Bros. Discovery. His new role ensures that he remains a beloved and influential figure in the sports media landscape.
Physically, Shaq is hard to compare to anyone, with even other tall athletes like the rail-thin, 7-foot-3 Victor Wembenyama appearing diminutive beside him. So when A-list actress Charlize Theron, who stands at a statuesque 5 feet 10 inches, shared an Instagram carousel post featuring herself next to the massive O’Neal, the contrast between them was nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Theron, who is known for her timeless beauty and remains effortlessly ageless at 49, attended the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight as a guest of Netflix.
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The Academy Award-winning actress included a snapshot with Shaq in her Instagram post, showcasing just how much smaller she appears next to the former NBA star. Even though Theron herself is tall by Hollywood standards, she appeared almost petite next to Shaq, whose wide frame and towering height dwarfed her.
The photo captured the stark difference between their sizes, highlighting Shaq’s enormous presence—a characteristic that has always made him larger than life, both on and off the court.
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Theron, for her part, is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. The actress has built a remarkable career with countless accolades, including an Academy Award for her transformative role in “Monster.” Beyond acting, she has proven her talents as a producer.
Most recently, she produced the Netflix documentary “Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter” and is also set to star in and produce the upcoming thriller “Apex.” The film, described as a cross between “Free Solo” and “Silence of the Lambs,” is one of the most highly anticipated releases from the world’s leading streaming platform, further cementing Theron’s place at the top of the entertainment industry.
The image of Theron beside Shaq has drawn plenty of attention on social media, with fans marveling at how flawless Theron looks next to the basketball legend. Despite the obvious difference in size, the two share an undeniable charisma that captivated fans in the post.
Theron, dressed in a chic all-black outfit, looked effortlessly stylish, while Shaq’s presence loomed large beside her—both figuratively and literally.
The juxtaposition was reminiscent of other iconic height contrasts, like the one between Vin Diesel and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who stands at just 4 feet 8 inches. Though Theron is far taller than Biles, the difference in stature between her and Shaq was still striking, highlighting just how towering O’Neal truly is.
Shaq’s latest venture into the media with his $10 million annual contract ensures that his personality will continue to shine, bringing his sense of humor and insights to viewers of “Inside the NBA.” Meanwhile, Theron is gearing up for her next big project, combining her talents both in front of and behind the camera.
As both continue to dominate their respective fields—Shaq in sports media and Theron in entertainment—the photo serves as a reminder of the star power they both bring to any event.
It’s not often you get to see two stars from such different worlds standing side by side, but when they do, it becomes a moment that fans won’t forget.
Whether it’s Shaq continuing to entertain millions with his basketball commentary or Charlize Theron preparing for her next blockbuster project, one thing is certain: both of these stars know how to captivate an audience, even when simply posing for a photo together.
