Portraying people with special needs hasn't always been done in an entirely politically correct manner in Hollywood. The further back in history one looks, the more likely a film's content

Television actors must deal with the stigma of being TV stars instead of movie stars. However, some of our favorite movie stars started their acting careers on a TV show. So there is hope for all the celebs who have big-screen aspirations. Here is a look at some of the biggest stars in Hollywood who have made the leap from the small screen to the big screen:

Johnny Knoxville will never quit performing dangerous and sick stunts in Jackass, despite forging a successful acting career for himself. Knoxville felt like his time in Jackass had come to an end when the movie version of the hit TV series hit screens in 2002, and he went on to star in a string of movies including The Dukes Of Hazzard and The Ringer.

In movie stores this week, or perhaps in your Netflix queue, is The Ringer starring Johnny Knoxville. The Jackass stars as Steve Barker, a man who fakes a mental disability in order to win a cash prize at the Special Olympics. Although his teammates are aware of his scheme and can outdo him athletically, they need Barker to help defeat Jimmy, the arrogant reigning champion of the games. Also on DVD: The Producers, When A Stranger Calls, Duma and Something New.

Johnny Knoxville has leaped to the defense of his controversial film The Ringer, insisting it doesn't mock mentally disabled people. The star insists the Farrelly brothers-produced comedy, about a man called Steve (Knoxville) who enters the Special Olympics pretending to be developmentally disabled, is not intended to offend audiences.

Johnny Knoxville has revealed he is trying to pen a novel - but keeps getting sidetracked by whisky. The Dukes of Hazzard star said his weakness for the liquor is stopping him from one of his favorite hobbies - writing.

Memoirs of a Geisha opens in wide release. A young girl from a poor family winds up blossoming into a legendary geisha. She can captivate all the men around her but is haunted by a secret love. The Ringer stars Johnny Knoxville as Steve Barker, a man who fakes a mental disability in order to win a cash prize at the Special Olympics.