10 Actors Who Have Made Music

It’s easy to forget that some of our favorite actors started their careers with a microphone in hand instead of a script. While the likes of Hugh Jackman and Emmy Rossum are well-known for their dual talents in singing and acting, many A-list stars also have musical roots that are often overshadowed by their success on screen. From Scarlett Johansson’s unique vocal stylings to Keanu Reeves rocking the bass guitar, these actors have explored the music world, some even before they became household names in Hollywood. Here’s a look at ten actors who not only captured our hearts through their acting but also showcased their musical talents, proving that their artistic range goes far beyond the silver screen.ly.

Hugh Jackman and Emmy Rossum: The Obvious Double Threats

Hugh Jackman and Emmy Rossum have wowed audiences with their musical talents. Jackman’s performance in The Greatest Showman and Rossum’s in The Phantom of the Opera showcase their impressive vocal abilities, even though they are primarily known as actors.

Musicians Turned Actors: Harry Styles and Jared Leto

Harry Styles and Jared Leto are two examples of musicians who successfully transitioned into acting. Styles made his acting debut in Dunkirk, while Leto, the frontman of Thirty Seconds to Mars, has been recognized for his roles in films like Dallas Buyers Club.

Stars Who Began as Singers

Beyond these well-known examples, there are several A-list actors whose initial forays into the entertainment world were through music. Here are some celebs you might have forgotten had full-blown singing careers before they became famous on screen.

Scarlett Johansson

Early Music Career

Scarlett Johansson ventured into music in the 2000s, releasing two albums. Her debut studio album, Anywhere I Lay My Head, came out in May 2008, featuring a collection of Tom Waits covers with one original track. Critics had mixed reactions, but Johansson’s vocal performance was praised for its unique, husky quality.

Second Album

In September 2009, she released her second album, Break Up, a collaboration with singer-songwriter Pete Yorn. The album featured a blend of folk and pop influences, exploring themes of love and heartache. Despite her efforts in music, Johansson’s acting career took precedence, and she eventually focused solely on film.

Billie Piper

Pop Star Beginnings

Billie Piper shot to fame as a 90s pop star. Her debut album, Honey to the B, released in October 1998, was a major hit, especially in the UK. The album included the chart-topping single “Because We Want To,” which made Piper the youngest artist to debut at number one on the UK Singles Chart.

Transition to Acting

Piper’s second album, Walk of Life, came out in October 2000 but did not achieve the same level of success. Describing it as a “commercial bomb,” Piper shifted her focus to acting, eventually earning critical acclaim for her role in the TV series Doctor Who and later in Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

Bruce Willis

Musical Ventures

Bruce Willis explored his musical talents in the 80s. His debut album, The Return of Bruno, was released by Motown Records in January 1987. The album featured a mix of R&B and pop-rock tracks and included the hit single “Respect Yourself,” which reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Subsequent Albums

Willis continued his music career with two more albums: If It Don’t Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger (1989) and Classic Bruce Willis: The Universal Masters Collection (2001). Although his music career never reached the heights of his acting career, Willis’s foray into music showcased his versatility as an entertainer.

Zoe Kravitz

The Band Lolawolf

Zoe Kravitz, known for her roles in Big Little Lies and Mad Max: Fury Road, is also a talented musician. She is one half of the duo band Lolawolf, alongside drummer and producer Jimmy Giannopoulos. The band released their debut album, Calm Down, in October 2014, blending electronic and R&B elements.

Continued Musical Efforts

Lolawolf released their second album, Tenderness, in July 2020. Kravitz’s musical style is eclectic, drawing influences from her diverse heritage and personal experiences. While her acting career continues to thrive, her passion for music remains a significant part of her artistic expression.

Keanu Reeves

Dogstar Days

Keanu Reeves, beloved for his roles in The Matrix and John Wick, was also a musician. He played bass guitar and provided backing vocals for the alternative rock band Dogstar. The band released their debut album, Our Little Visionary, in 1996.

Hiatus and Return

Dogstar released another album, Happy Ending, in 2000 before taking a long hiatus in 2002. After 21 years, the band made a comeback with a new album, Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, in 2023. Reeves’s involvement in music has always been a passion project, running parallel to his successful acting career.

Steven Seagal

Blues Music Career

Steven Seagal, known for his action-packed films, also pursued a music career in the 2000s. He released two blues albums: Songs from the Crystal Cave (2004) and Mojo Priest (2006). Seagal showcased his skills as a vocalist and guitarist, blending blues with elements of rock and reggae.

Musical Style and Influence

Seagal’s music reflects his diverse interests and cultural experiences. Despite his fame as an action star, his dedication to music highlights another facet of his multifaceted talents. His concerts have drawn fans from both his music and film careers, demonstrating his broad appeal.

Brie Larson

Teenage Pop Star

Before becoming Captain Marvel, Brie Larson was a teenage pop star. In 2005, she released her debut album, Finally Out of P.E., which featured songs about teenage life and struggles. Although the album sold only 4,000 copies in the US, it showcased Larson’s musical abilities and her early ambitions in the entertainment industry.

Transition to Acting

Larson’s music career was short-lived, but it provided her with valuable experience in the entertainment world. She eventually transitioned to acting, where she found greater success and critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for her role in Room.

Alyssa Milano

Pop Success in the 80s and 90s

Alyssa Milano, known for her roles in Who’s the Boss? and Charmed, had a successful pop career in the late 80s and early 90s. She released four albums: Look in My Heart (1989), Alyssa (1989), Locked Inside a Dream (1991), and Do You See Me? (1992).

Balancing Acting and Singing

While balancing her music and acting careers, Milano focused on TV roles as her music career waned. Her albums were particularly successful in Japan, where she enjoyed a dedicated fanbase. Eventually, acting became her primary focus, leading to her memorable roles in popular TV shows.

Minnie Driver

Singer-Songwriter

Minnie Driver, known for her roles in Good Will Hunting and The Riches, also had a music career. She released three albums: Everything I’ve Got in My Pocket (2004), Seastories (2007), and Ask Me to Dance (2014). Her debut album reached number 43 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart.

Musical Journey

Driver’s music combines folk, pop, and rock elements, reflecting her diverse influences. Despite her acting commitments, she continued to pursue music, performing live and releasing new material. Her dedication to both crafts underscores her versatility and passion for the arts.

Russell Crowe

Rock Band Frontman

Russell Crowe, renowned for his roles in Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind, was the lead vocalist for the Australian rock band 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. The band formed in 1992 and released several albums, including Gaslight (1998), Bastard Life or Clarity (2001), and Other Ways of Speaking (2003).

Indoor Garden Party

Since 2017, Crowe has been part of another musical project, Indoor Garden Party. Despite criticism for his singing in Les Miserables, Crowe’s passion for music remains evident. His involvement in these bands highlights his love for performance, whether on screen or on stage.

Conclusion

These singing actors prove that talent often knows no bounds. Whether starting in music and transitioning to acting or juggling both careers, these celebrities have demonstrated remarkable versatility. Their musical endeavors, whether successful or not, add an interesting layer to their public personas and showcase their multifaceted abilities.