10 Times Ryan Gosling Sang And Danced On Screen (Before Barbie)

Ryan Gosling impressed many with his iconic musical performance in Barbie. However, the talented actor has been showcasing his strong musical skills in film and TV for decades, demonstrating his proficiency in singing and dancing over the years. From his early days as a Mouseketeer alongside future pop stars Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, to his memorable performances in the Damien Chazelle movie La La Land and Blue Valentine, Gosling has consistently proven his versatility as a performer. His musical prowess has been evident in various roles throughout his career.

Whether he’s serenading his on-screen love interests, engaging in lively dance numbers, or portraying characters deeply connected to the world of music, Ryan Gosling has continuously showcased his musical talents. While his song in Barbie and his impressive “I’m Just Ken” performance at the 2024 Oscars may have surprised some, those familiar with Gosling’s extensive musical background know that these achievements are the result of years of dedication and skill. When looking at the numerous instances where Gosling has showcased his singing and dancing abilities on screen, it becomes clear that his talent extends far beyond his acting chops.

10
The Mickey Mouse Club (1993-1994)

Sang along with other notable young singers

Ryan Gosling’s talent for singing and dancing was evident from a young age, as demonstrated by his performance on The Mickey Mouse Club at just 12 years old. Alongside future stars like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, Gosling showcased his abilities in all three disciplines, hinting at a potential career in the music industry. Instead, he chose to pursue acting, appearing in various Canadian television shows such as Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Breaker High, where he further developed his skills as a performer, setting the stage for his future success in Hollywood.

9
Breaker High (1997-1998)

Early displays of musical talents on the small screen

In the obscure teen series Breaker High, Ryan Gosling’s character, Sean Hanlon, had the opportunity to showcase his singing and dancing abilities in various episodes. Gosling’s talents were highlighted through his portrayal of Sean, adding depth to the character and the show’s storylines. Although the series primarily focused on the lives of the students attending school on a cruise ship, Gosling’s musical inclinations were not overlooked. His performances in Breaker High gave a stage to his inherent musical skills, which would later be further showcased in his future film and television projects.

8
Remember the Titans (2000)

Sings and dances in a fun and memorable scene

The memorable locker room scene from Remember the Titans features Ryan Gosling’s character, along with his teammates, engaging in a lively rendition of the classic song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” This moment showcases another classic moment of Gosling’s showing off his singing or dancing skills, long before his iconic musical number in Barbie. The scene serves as a testament to Gosling’s versatility as an actor and his willingness to embrace the musical elements of his roles, no matter how brief. The energy displayed in this scene underscores his passion for performance and his commitment to fully inhabiting his characters.

7
Lars And The Real Girl (2007)

Displays talent even when singing to a doll

In one of Ryan Gosling’s best movies, Lars and the Real Girl, his character, Lars, showcases his vocal abilities in a scene where he serenades his unconventional love interest, a sex doll, with Nat King Cole’s classic song “L.O.V.E.” Despite the peculiar nature of the scene, Gosling’s heartfelt performance and charming voice shine through, adding a layer of endearment to his portrayal of the protagonist. This moment in the film serves as another example of Gosling’s willingness to incorporate his musical talents into his acting roles, no matter how brief or unusual the context may be.

6
Blue Valentine (2010)

Gosling sings and plays the ukulele like a pro

Ryan Gosling’s musical talents shine through once again in the surprisingly emotional movie Blue Valentine. In the scene, his character grabs a ukulele and begins to serenade his on-screen love interest, played by Michelle Williams, with a rendition of the Mills Brothers’ classic song “You Always Hurt the One You Love.” Despite his character’s self-deprecating remarks about his singing abilities, claiming he has to “sing goofy,” Gosling delivers a captivating and endearing performance. This heartwarming moment in Blue Valentine perfectly encapsulates Gosling’s ability to infuse his acting roles with his musical talents, creating a more authentic portrayal of his character.

5
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

References an iconic dance move

Ryan Gosling’s nod to the iconic dance lift scene from Dirty Dancing in the romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love might be brief, but it certainly leaves an impression. The scene features Gosling’s character recreating the memorable moment to the tune of one of the classic movie’s most adored original songs. While not a full-fledged dance number, this small, but significant reference highlights Gosling’s readiness to incorporate iconic musical and dance elements into his roles. The inclusion of this scene serves as a testament to Gosling’s knack for infusing his performances with a touch of nostalgia and musicality.

4
The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)

He can even sing in Spanish

Demonstrating his linguistic and musical versatility, Ryan Gosling sings in Spanish during a sweet scene in the crime drama The Place Beyond the Pines. The film, which looks into the complexities of fatherhood and the repercussions of one’s choices, casts Gosling as a motorcycle stunt rider who turns to bank robbery. In this memorable moment, Gosling’s character briefly serenades a heartfelt Spanish ballad. The performance not only shows Gosling’s emotional range as an actor, but also highlights his skill as a performer, seamlessly navigating between languages while maintaining the authenticity and depth of the scene.

3
Saturday Night Live (2015)

Performed an ode to his home country

Ryan Gosling’s hosting gig on Saturday Night Live in 2015 featured a fun opening monologue where he joined forces with fellow Canadian actor Mike Myers to perform a musical tribute to their home country. The duo’s comedic timing and chemistry shone through as they sang about Canada’s quirks and charms. Gosling even showcased some dance moves during the performance, though Myers’ antics somewhat overshadowed his efforts. Nonetheless, the skit highlighted Gosling’s willingness to embrace his musical side and his Canadian roots, all while displaying his comedic chops on one of television’s most iconic stages.

2
La La Land (2016)

Portrays a jazz pianist in this fun musical

In the hit film La La Land, Ryan Gosling’s musical abilities were on full display prior to his unforgettable singing performance in Barbie. Gosling took on the role of Sebastian, a dedicated jazz pianist who becomes romantically involved with an aspiring actress, Mia, portrayed by Emma Stone. The performance garnered Gosling his second Oscar nod in 2017. To authentically portray the character, Gosling devoted himself to an intensive training regimen, practicing the piano daily and immersed himself in the world of dance, mastering numerous styles, further cementing his status as a versatile performer.

1
Song To Song (2017)

Acts alongside several prominent musicians

In Terrence Malick’s avant-garde drama Song to Song, Ryan Gosling once again stepped into the role of a musician, continuing his streak of portraying characters with a strong connection to music. The film features cameo appearances by several prominent musicians, such as Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Anthony Kiedis, and the Canadian duo Tegan and Sara. While Song to Song may not highlight Gosling’s singing or dancing skills as prominently as some of his other roles, it further solidifies his affinity for characters deeply rooted in the world of music.