In the world of talented performance artists and versatile storytelling, actors use known skills and learn new talents to create richer, more authentic performances. One of the most common acting skill combinations, aside from dancing, is acting and singing. Many actors got their bearings in theatre and musical theatre before they moved from stage to screen.
Some had no vocal training until the moment they were accepted for a role, and others had a music industry background. Although movie musicals provide the best platform for a singing performance, there is no limit to where a singing performance might just pop up, and no actor who isn’t capable of surprising the audience.
Tom Hiddleston – I Saw The Light (2015)
I Saw The Light (2015) is a biographical drama about the life of Hank Williams, a Country and Western singer-songwriter whose relationship with drugs and alcohol affected his personal life and career.
Although the film has a 5.8 out of 10 on IMDb and a score of 18 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, Tom Hiddleston’s dedication to mastering Williams’ singing style lead to an amazing vocal performance that tethered the film together.
Keira Knightley – Begin Again (2013)
Some of the roles Keira Knightley has brought to life during her career include a pirate, a Duchess, a soccer player, the personification of love, and a period drama intellectual.
To add to the list, Knightley also performed as a budding artist in the film Begin Again (2013), alongside Mark Ruffalo and Adam Levine. Knightley’s raw and delicate voice is unique, refreshing, and well suited to the collaborative and dynamic album created for the film.
Zendaya – The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Greatest Showman (2017) is a musical that grabs viewers from the very beginning with its magical atmosphere. The musical talent is second to none with the rich and versatile voices of Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Keala Settle, and Michelle Williams warming viewers’ hearts.
As with most musicals, it’s difficult to determine a stand-out performance when they are all so incredible. But it was Zendaya’s subtle, resolute, emotional, and touching performance that left a lasting impression after the credits rolled.
The Duets Of Markéta Irglová & Glen Hansard – Once (2007)
Markéta Irglová, a Czech singer-songwriter and actress, and Glen Hansard, an Irish songwriter and actor, give enchanting and gorgeous vocal performances in the film Once (2007). The song “Falling Slowly” won the film the Academy Award for Best Original Song and was co-written and performed by Irglová and Hansard.
As well as their duets, the two actors performed solos on the soundtrack that showcased their unique and beautiful voices.
Bradley Cooper – A Star Is Born (2018)
Bradley Cooper wore multiple hats in the creation of A Star Is Born (2018): producing, directing, and acting in the film. Cooper’s role required him to be able to play guitar, piano, and sing confidently.
For lovers of Cooper’s previous roles in films, such as the Guardians of the Galaxy series, American Hustle (2013), and American Sniper (2014), A Star Is Born (2018) was a welcome surprise, as viewers found themselves moved to tears.
Queen Latifah – Hairspray (2007)
Queen Latifah’s incredible, powerful, and chilling vocals as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray (2007) mesmerized viewers.
Latifah’s performances, from the musical numbers “Big, Blonde, and Beautiful” to “I Know Where I’ve Been,” are extremely memorable and make it clear to viewers that this isn’t her first performance, but that she is an experienced singer with a captivating voice.
Anne Hathaway – Les Misérables (2012)
Anne Hathaway starred alongside Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter in the 2012 movie musical, Les Misérables.
Hathaway won the 2013 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Fantine and blew viewers away with her emotional and heartbreaking performance of “I Dreamed A Dream.”
Will Smith – Aladdin (2019)
It takes a specific type of energy to sing in a Disney movie, especially when it isn’t an animated. Will Smith took the beloved role of Robin Williams’ Genie in Aladdin (1992) and gave it his own spin in the 2019 live-action remake.
Smith sings the familiar songs most viewers grew up with – “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali” – and added a bit of hip-hop, flair, and brilliant energy.
Ewan McGregor – Moulin Rouge (2001)
Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman steal the show as star-crossed romantic interests in the movie musical Moulin Rouge (2001).
Kidman and McGregor do their own singing, with McGregor enthralling viewers with his soft, yet passionate and powerful vocals. Audience members can’t help but fall for the couple, as their harmonies combine to create an incredible experience.
Julie Andrews – The Sound Of Music (1965)
The Sound of Music (1965) is a musical romance based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family singers. From “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things,” to “Do-Re-Mi,” the beautifully clear and enchanting voice of Julie Andrews transfixes viewers and soothes the soul.
Every sorrow, joy, and dilemma that Maria faced, the audience was right there with her, and many could even feel as if they were her.
