The music and film industries often crossover, with leading talent lending their vocal skills to the soundtrack of a big blockbuster experience or small indie hits. However, there are multiple examples of musicians taking their passion for Hollywood further and actually starring in a movie or TV show, flexing their acting abilities.
While the transition isn’t always a smooth one, there’s plenty of instances where huge music names have managed to make a successful jump into the land of live action or animated entertainment. Whether it’s in a musical role in in a complete departure from the types of project they usually work on, plenty of singers have made a successful career from film.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga was the talk of the awards season after her big role in A Star Is Born. The film about a singer rising to stardom has been made quite a few times, usually with unbelievable talent such as Barbra Streisand in the lead role.
While it wasn’t her first big screen role, with the singer turned actress actually being a supporting member of the Machete Kills cast, it’s fair to say that this was her breakout performance. It’s very likely that more film opportunities are on the horizon.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé made a few appearances on the big screen in the past. While some of her initial outings in the world of acting were less than well received, including a minor role in The Pink Panther and a leading role in Obsessed, it seems she is finally conquering yet another industry.
Beyoncé put her voice acting talents to good use in both the animated adventure Epic and Disney’s The Lion King alongside a starring role in Dreamgirls. Lion King then lead to the release of the Disney+ exclusive Black is King which is a hugely well received visual album, showcasing the musician’s diverse talents.
David Bowie
David Bowie created a career from the many characters that her portrayed in movies. The former Ziggy Stardust put his entertainment talents to good use putting in an incredibly performance in Labyrinth. Over they years he has created a number of iconic roles on screen.
With a stint in a Nolan blockbuster as Nicola Tesla in The Prestige, as well as guest roles in cult hits such as Twin Peaks, Bowie created a legacy in film that would have only carried on going if he had been able to complete his work on Disney’s Moana as the original voice of Tamotoa.
Whitney Houston
After having a fantastic music career, Whitney Houston turned her talents to the world of acting. Her performance in The Bodyguard, which was partially based on a true story, catapulted Houston into a level of stardom she hadn’t previously experienced.
The iconic movie has even gone on to become a successful theatre production and allowed her to appear in other films such as The Preacher’s Wife and Waiting To Exhale, confirming her place as an icon in both the music and film industries.
Cardi B
Cardi B has only recently become a huge hit on the music scene, but she’s also just made her way into film as well. Her performance in Hustlers showcased the fact that the future is bright for this rap star.
With an upcoming role in the 9th installment of the Fast and the Furious franchise as well, Cardi B is clearly not slowing down after gaining momentum from Hustlers.
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timerblake was already a well known star thanks to his role in NSYNC and his solo career in the music industry. However, after taking on comedy roles in films like Bad Teacher and Friends With Benefits, Timberlake may now be a bigger star in the movie world.
The singer turned actor has started to build up a robust filmography, with voice acting appearances in Dreamworks franchises such as Trolls and the Shrek franchise, alongside sci-fi and action roles like In Time.
Will Smith
Will Smith started out as the Fresh Prince, using his rapping skills to become well known in the music industry. This developed into the sitcom known as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air where Smith really got his big break.
After huge franchises like Men In Black and Independence Day Smith became a household name while still cultivating his music career. He’s now one of the highest paid actors in the world and there’s talk of Fresh Prince reunion on HBO Max.
Ice Cube
Ice Cube worked in the music industry for many years before transitioning into film, which is where he spends most of his time now. While he had roles in series such as Are We There Yet which have become cult favorites, he really cemented his role as a comedic force with the Jump Street films.
The actor is now carving out a career starring in other series such as Ride Along and with a large number of upcoming roles it seems that Ice Cube is really only just starting to full flex his acting abilities.
Harry Styles
Harry Styles is still pretty early into his music career. After launching into stardom with the British group One Direction, the young singer then moved into a solo career were he is enjoying both critical and commercial success.
When the pop star was cast in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk many were confused by the choice. But after the fantastic performance of Styles he is now rumored to be appearing in Faster, Cheaper, Better a science fiction adventure.
Rihanna
Rihanna has been stepping in and out of the movie industry for a number of years. While she was one of the best parts of the ill received Battleship she’s quickly become quite the name in the acting scene.
Action roles like Ocean’s 8, sci-fi performances like Valerian and artistic short films such as Guava Island have all demonstrated that the icon has what it takes to last in Hollywood. On the small screen, she appeared in Bates Motel.
