Comingsoon.net is turning up the music to figure out which of these singing actors deserve recognition. Check out our picks in the gallery below!
Singers are performers, undoubtedly. The ability to go up on a stage and put on a show or go into a booth and perform heartfelt songs takes an amount of courage and confidence that is possessed by actors and singers alike. Making one’s self vulnerable and open takes a channelling of the mind, body, and soul. That’s why it’s not surprising when a singer decides to take on acting.
It’s been happening almost as long as the medium of film has been around—not just in music videos or concert films, but in actual feature films themselves. This collection consists of equal parts contemporary artists and 20th century icons, proving that this phenomenon isn’t going away any time soon. Frankly, some of these singers are good enough to be welcome on-screen any time.
Singers who act
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Art Garfunkel
One half of Simon & Garfunkel, Art appeared in a few movies throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s—the best being Bad Timing, Carnal Knowledge, and Catch-22.
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Beyoncé
As recently as 2019, Beyoncé has proven her chops as an actress and a singer both. From the Lion King remake to the third Austin Powers movie, Goldmember, she refuses to stay boxed in (no matter how good or bad the project may end up being).
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Cher
Throughout the 80s and 90s (and even into the 2010s, like with Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!), Cher proved to be a romantic lead worth watching as well as an artist worth listening to.
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David Bowie
Like Art Garfunkel, David Bowie’s feature film appearances proved to be as unique as his singing career. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, The Man Who Fell to Earth, Labyrinth—he was the man.
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Justin Timberlake
Don’t believe Justin Timberlake is a good actor? Check out Inside Llewyn Davis.
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Lady Gaga
She might not have many credits to her name yet beyond American Horror Story and A Star Is Born, but it’s enough to show her worth as an actress and singer alike.
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Madonna
Desperately Seeking Susan remains an 80s classic, right up there alongside some of Madonna’s greatest hits.
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Nicki Minaj
Her music’s not for everybody, but Nicki Minaj is relatively inoffensive across the various comedies like The Other Woman and Steven Universe.
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Taylor Swift
From Valentine’s Day to The Lorax to multiple television appearances on shows like SNL and New Girl, Taylor Swift continues to be versatile across multiple fields.
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The Rat Pack
It’s impossible to choose just one—Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the rest of the Rat Pack were a great addition to any song or movie.
