G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra star Channing Tatum began his career in 1999 as a stripper under the name Chan Crawford, according to Us magazine. Then 18, Tatum danced in a Chippendales-style revue called Male Encounter, earning $50 a night plus tips. “He was shy at first, but he really knew how to work the stage,” club owner London Steele told Us. “The women went crazy for him!” The revue had a strict no-nudity policy, so Tatum stripped down only to a thong. During his year-long stint, Tatum caught the eye of a female casting agent who got him a part in Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” music video. He then left stripping behind for fashion shows and a modelling career. His acting took off in 2004 following a guest role on the hit series CSI: Miami.