We adore versatile celebrities who can showcase their talents in dancing, singing, acting, and even handle sky-high heels without stumbling (cue Lady Gaga).
However, several obscure actors had singing careers you may have forgotten entirely about. This is likely because, in some instances, their singing careers were brief due to their quick return to acting.
Some actors have sung for a long time, even since the 1980s, without gaining much attention. Russell Crowe, who used to go by the name "Russ le Roq," is a prime example.
In any case, we're reflecting on 15 actors and actresses who have made music at some point in their careers.
1. Zosia Mamet
Zosia, the star of Girls, collaborated with her sister, Clara, to create a folksy pair named The Cabin Sisters. The moniker is a tribute to their father, playwright David Mamet, who constructed a cabin on their ancestral land in Vermont.
Zosia revealed to Glamour that her father had composed the majority of his masterpieces in the cabin and that it was a genuinely enchanting spot.
2. Zooey Deschanel
She & Him, the folk-rock duo of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, has recently released six studio albums.
Zooey, who contributes her vocals, piano, and ukulele skills to the band, has been praised for her remarkable self-assuredness on their debut album, Volume One, released in 2008, according to Pitchfork. The band has also released two Christmas albums.
3. Ryan Gosling
You may be familiar with Ryan Gosling's impressive singing abilities showcased in La La Land (and even The Mickey Mouse Club), but were you aware that he and his friend Zach Shields formed a band called Dead Man's Bones and released an album in 2009?
The two met in 2005 while Ryan was dating Rachel McAdams and Zach was dating her sister, Kayleen, bonding over their shared fascination with the macabre.
Originally intending to create a spooky musical production, they produced a DIY album featuring the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir instead. Ryan and Zach played all the instruments on the album, even those they weren't formally trained to play.
4. Robert Pattinson
Have you ever seen a picture of Robert Pattinson holding a guitar case at an airport? It was a common sight during the Twilight era, often captured by paparazzi.
On the topic of Twilight, Rob contributed two tracks ("Never Think" and "Let Me Sign") to the movie's soundtrack and was also featured on the soundtrack of his 2018 western comedy Damsel.
5. Meryl Streep
During her teenage years, Meryl Streep delved into the study of opera. However, she soon found it uninteresting and preferred indulging in cheerleading and boys. Consequently, she abandoned her pursuit of opera and took up smoking.
It was not until much later in her career that Meryl's singing abilities resurfaced. She secured roles in productions such as Mamma Mia!, Into the Woods, and Florence Foster Jenkins, a story about a self-assured yet untalented opera singer. Her performance of the 'Queen of the Night's aria is remarkable.
6. Renée Zellweger
Renée Zellweger did the singing in Chicago, but she was unaware she would have to do so. Even the crew was surprised when she took to the stage as Roxie Hart and showed off her vocal skills.
In an interview, she described the experience as "fantastically liberating."
In the 2010 road movie My Own Love Song clip, a younger Renée sings Bob Dylan's "This Land is Your Land."
7. Emily Blunt
Despite not appearing in many blockbuster musicals, Emily Blunt is an incredibly talented singer.
During her performance in Into the Woods, her husband spoke to Vanity Fair about the transformative effect of her singing: "The air changes in the room when she starts doing what she does. It's so honest, pure, and powerful. It's like a superpower that she can unlock with specificity and ease."
Later this year, Emily will take on her first significant musical role in Hollywood, starring in Mary Poppins Returns.
8. Emma Stone
It was through her portrayal of Mia, an aspiring actress who falls in love with struggling jazz pianist Sebastian (played by Ryan Gosling) in La La Land that Emma Stone first showcased her vocal abilities to the world.
The directors were impressed by her performance as Sally Bowles in a 12-week production of Cabaret on Broadway, which ultimately landed her the role. Needless to say, she nailed it.
9. Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze | Everett Collection
Although known for his impressive dance skills, Patrick Swayze also showcased his singing abilities by co-writing and performing the ballad 'She's Like the Wind' on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack in 1984.
The song he created with Stacy Widelitz became a global sensation and continues to receive airplay on numerous radio stations.
10. Eddie Redmayne
An old clip on James Corden's Late Late Show revealed that Eddie Redmayne has been singing since childhood.
However, his poignant performance of "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables" in the film adaptation of Les Misérables truly showcased his vocal abilities.
11. Leighton Meester
In 2009, the "Good Girls Go Bad" track by Cobra Starship, which reached no. 7 on the Hot 100 showcased the talents of the Gossip Girl actress. She also demonstrated her singing abilities in the movie Country Strong in 2010.
However, it wasn't until 2014 that she unveiled her first album, Heartstrings, which she described to Elle as a true reflection of herself that is both sensitive and guarded yet open, vulnerable, and triumphant.
12. Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston, the heartthrob of Hollywood, acquired singing skills for his role in the biopic I Saw the Light, which portrays the life of country music legend Hank Williams.
Although he had never received any prior training in singing, except for a few hymns during his school days, the actor effortlessly sings and yodels throughout the movie.
In the film's production notes, he mentioned that his vocal coach, Rodney, would often point out the influence of his English choirboy background on his singing and advised him to glide behind the beat rather than being right on top of it. This experience proved to be an education in the blues for him.
13. Catherine Zeta-Jones
To play the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago, an actress must possess the charm to deliver 'All That Jazz' and the vocal prowess to perform 'I Can't Do It Alone.' Catherine Zeta-Jones excels in both aspects and delivers an outstanding performance.
Renée Zellweger, who starred alongside her, expressed her admiration for Catherine's performance, saying, "As I watched Catherine perform 'I Can't Do It Alone,' I witnessed the enchantment she created. It was pure magic."
14. Ewan MacGregor
Surprised? Ewan McGregor is also an actor who sings. He flaunted his tenor vocals in the 1996 film adaptation of Emma before his iconic performance of "My Gift is My Song!" in Moulin Rouge! In Emma, McGregor showcased his duet skills with Gwyneth Paltrow on 'Did You Not Hear My Lady?' albeit with a questionable English accent.
In the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, McGregor portrayed the role of Lumiére and added a unique 'Mexican' twist to his singing, as described by the actor himself.
15. Reese Witherspoon
Growing up in Nashville, Reese Witherspoon was exposed to country music during her childhood. This background was helpful when she played the role of June Carter Cash in the movie Walk the Line (2005), as she could accurately mimic her singing style.
However, Reese faced difficulties when it came to pop music. In the animated film Sing!, she had to sing Taylor Swift's hit song 'Shake It Off,' which proved challenging.
Conclusion
It's not rare for individuals in the entertainment field to excel in both acting and music, as demonstrated by Beyoncé, Hilary Duff, and Mandy Moore. However, when considering actors such as Scarlett Johansson and Idris Elba, it's challenging to envision them as recording artists.
Explore these actors' lesser-known albums or songs if you're searching for fresh tunes to add to your playlist or simply seeking a surprising revelation.