In the entertainment world, it’s not uncommon for musicians to try their hand at acting, sometimes with surprising success. Here are 21 unforgettable moments when we found out musicians were great actors.
Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock
Kicking off his film career in 1956 with Love Me Tender, Elvis Presley truly made a mark as Vince Everett in Jailhouse Rock. His electrifying presence captivated audiences, establishing him as a versatile entertainer beyond the stage. The film showcased Presley’s legendary dance sequence, marking a defining moment in his on-screen legacy.
Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard
In her film debut, Whitney Houston delivered a stellar performance as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. Houston’s natural on-screen presence, coupled with her remarkable vocals, brought her character to life, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Mariah Carey – Precious
The only thing more famous than Mariah Carey’s transformational role in Precious, is her christmas song. However, Precious highlighted her acting prowess, showcasing her growth since her earlier film endeavors. Her ability to immerse herself in complex characters with depth and authenticity earned her critical acclaim.
David Bowie – Labyrinth
David Bowie’s portrayal of Jareth, the Goblin King, in the cult classic Labyrinth mesmerized audiences. His enigmatic presence and musical talent seamlessly blended with his acting, leaving an indelible mark on the film’s legacy. Bowie’s ability to embody complex characters further cemented his reputation as an artist who transcended boundaries.
Queen Latifah – Chicago
Transitioning seamlessly into acting, Queen Latifah showcased her exceptional range and charisma as Mama Morton in Chicago. Her performance earned her international acclaim and an Oscar nomination, highlighting her versatility beyond the realm of music. Her portrayal of strong, multifaceted characters ensured a successful career in film and television.
Barbra Streisand – Funny Girl
Barbra Streisand’s electrifying stage presence and powerful vocals earned her an Oscar for Best Actress in her acting debut in Funny Girl. The musical solidified Streisand’s reputation as a multifaceted artist with unparalleled talent. Streisand’s ability to captivate audiences with her emotive performances set her apart as a true cinematic legend.
Ice Cube – Boyz n the Hood
In his acting debut, Ice Cube’s portrayal of Doughboy in Boyz n the Hood showcased his natural talent and authenticity. Ice Cube’s ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters made him a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Subsequent roles in major films further proved his versatility as an actor beyond his rap career.
Cher – Moonstruck
Cher’s captivating performance as Loretta Castorini in Moonstruck earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her successful acting career includes notable roles in films like Tea With Mussolini and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Cher’s ability to embody diverse roles with authenticity and nuance solidified her as a cinematic icon.
Justin Timberlake – The Social Network
While Justin Timberlake has graced the screens in various roles, his portrayal of Sean Parker in The Social Network stands out. The chemistry with Mila Kunis was unmatched. Timberlake showcased his acting prowess, further solidifying his presence in Hollywood beyond his music career.
Dolly Parton – 9 to 5
Dolly is iconic, and her performance in 9 to 5 kickstarted her successful acting journey, leading to roles in films like Rhinestone and Joyful Noise. Her transition from country music star to acclaimed actress was seamless. Parton’s ability to infuse humor and heart into her roles endeared her to audiences worldwide.
Janelle Monae – Moonlight
Janelle Monae’s talents extend beyond music, as evidenced by her role in Moonlight. Her portrayal of Teresa showcased her acting abilities, contributing to the film’s critical acclaim and Academy Award success. Monae’s ability to embody complex characters with depth and authenticity solidified her as a rising star in the world of cinema.
Jennifer Hudson – Dreamgirls
Hudson’s breathtaking performance as Effie White in Dreamgirls earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Her remarkable acting and soul-stirring vocals left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Hudson established herself as a Hollywood powerhouse.
Mark Wahlberg – The Departed
In The Departed, Mark Wahlberg delivered a standout performance, earning him an Oscar nomination. His ability to inhabit complex characters with authenticity and intensity continues to captivate audiences. Wahlberg’s successful transition from rapper to acclaimed actor showcases his versatility and talent.
Eminem – 8 Mile
Eminem surprised everyone when he starred in 8 Mile. He was a natural as the role required him to draw from his own life experiences and the film remains a defining moment in his acting career. Eminem’s ability to bring honesty and vulnerability to his characters made him a compelling presence on screen.
Lady Gaga – A Star Is Born
Her breakthrough role in A Star Is Born demonstrated her versatility as a gifted actress, earning her critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. Her raw and authentic performance, coupled with her powerful vocals, captivated audiences worldwide. Gaga’s ability to inhabit complex characters with depth and vulnerability. We will all look forward to her performance in Joker 2.
Frank Sinatra – From Here to Eternity
Frank Sinatra’s unforgettable performance as Angelo Maggio in From Here to Eternity earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, showcasing his talent beyond his music career. Iconic singer and actor, what can’t this man do?
Diana Ross – Lady Sings the Blues
Ss Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Diana Ross delivered a powerful performance, Her ability to capture the iconic singer’s raw emotion and vulnerability resonated with audiences worldwide.
Beyoncé – Dreamgirls
Not only an incredible artist but a good actress too, Beyoncé impressed audiences with her performance in Dreamgirls, further solidifying her status as a multi-talented artist. Her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability in her portrayal of Deena Jones captivated audiences worldwide.
Liza Minnelli – Cabaret
Liza Minnelli’s mesmerizing portrayal in Cabaret earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, showcasing her talent in both acting and singing. Her ability to captivate audiences with her emotive performances solidified her as a true cinematic legend.
Kris Kristofferson – A Star Is Born
A Star is Born and so was Kris Kristofferson’s acting career, in the 1976 remake. It displayed his acting range alongside his music career, earning him a Golden Globe Award. His ability to inhabit complex characters with authenticity and depth resonated with audiences worldwide.
Up Next: 25 Iconic Movie Roles That Can Never Be Played by Another Actor
When it comes to iconic movie roles, some performances are so legendary that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in those shoes. Here are 25 movie characters whose casting was so spot-on that we can’t even fathom the thought of a different actor taking over the part.
25 ICONIC MOVIE ROLES THAT CAN NEVER BE PLAYED BY ANOTHER ACTOR
19 Movies With Endings So Wild, We’re Still Arguing About Them
Movies are supposed to wrap things up nicely, giving us that satisfying end to the stories we’ve been glued to for a couple of hours. But then there are those movies that just love to mess with our heads, leaving us with more questions than answers as the credits roll. Let’s dive into 20 films that kept us up at night, debating their wild endings.
19 MOVIES WITH ENDINGS SO WILD, WE’RE STILL ARGUING ABOUT THEM
17 Actors Who Never Star in Flop Movies
We all have our favorite actors, and that’s for a reason. There are simply some performers who are able to deliver every single time and who seem to avoid the ‘flops’. Let’s take a look at 17 actors who are superstars not only on the screen but also at picking great movies.
17 ACTORS WHO NEVER STAR IN FLOP MOVIES
Part of this article was created with the help of AI – fully edited by humans