Fla. sheriff’s office names actor, former pro-wrestler Dave Bautista as honorary deputy

TAMPA, Fla. — Actor and former professional wrestler Dave Bautista has been named an honorary deputy sheriff in Hillsborough County, Florida, where he has lived for the past 20 years.

Bautista shared the news in an Instagram post on April 19, posting a photo of himself holding a deputy badge and ID.

“I didn’t see that one coming either,” he wrote in the caption, adding thanks to WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister for the honor.

“Big love and thanks to my brother @titusoneilwwe and Sheriff @chadchronister for the honor and for everything you do for this community,” Bautista wrote. “Tampa’s held a special place in my heart ever since I moved here 20 years ago. Always has. Always will.”

Bautista, best known for roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Dune: Part Two,” is set to star in the upcoming sci-fi thriller “Dreadnought,” as well as a wedding comedy with Anne Hathaway and the ensemble film “Alpha Gang” alongside Cate Blanchett.

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