Actor J. LaRose has quite a unique accolade to his name.

He appeared in one of the most gruesome scenes in the hit horror franchise, “Saw.” 

In “Saw III,” LaRose plays the role of Troy, who wakes up in one of Jigsaw’s traps and must rip himself free of the chains attached to his body.

Things didn't work out for Troy, unfortunately, but LaRose is doing just fine.

In fact, he's an avid pickleball player. 

When he isn't on set, LaRose is likely at a court with his neighbors and friends and working up a sweat in the Florida heat.

“I started playing pickleball about five years ago when I was working out with my trainer and I was getting bored with lifting. There was a pickleball court in my neighborhood and I’d been hearing about how fun pickleball was, so I ordered a cheap paddle set on Amazon. My workouts turned into just goofing around and playing pickleball. Then, I called some of my neighbors and taught them how to play, and we’ve all developed into some pretty good players,” he recalled. “The community aspect of it is what I love most. It’s just brilliant. Pickleball came to me at a good time because I needed to meet new people, socialize, and find community. Before pickleball, I didn’t really know my neighbors that well. Now, I’ve become close friends with several of them just because when you get on the court, and everyone’s chatty, you get to know each other well, and soon enough you’re hanging out on weekends and going to live music events in the area. It's all because of pickleball.”

LaRose has also watched lots of pro matches on Pickleballtv, especially when Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters are featured on Championship Court.

But he doesn't necessarily model his play after them, choosing instead to play a “cooperative game.” 

“I like hitting my to opponent that I know pretty well is going to hit it back. For me, it’s about keeping the game going and having those fun rallies,” he said. “I love the athletic part, too, because we’re playing in Florida and during the summer we are burning a crazy amount of calories. It’s just a wonderful way to work out without feeling like you’re working out, and it allows me to eat more cookies at night when I’m back home. Above all my other hobbies and passions, I’m really enjoying pickleball more than anything else.” 

LaRose is also known for his work in HBO’s series “The Righteous Gemstones” and makes an appearance as an unnerving monster in another iconic horror movie, “Insidious.”

“It’s so fun to be the frightening person and get all the makeup. The makeup artists are so good and talented, and you get a front row seat watching them create the character on my own face. It’s just so much fun,” said LaRose. “The “Saw” movies came out on Halloween, so that was always cool. It was a pleasure to be on those films.”

You never know who you could meet on the pickleball court.

Your opponent could have been taken by Jigsaw. 

To keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).