20 Actors With Serious Musical Skills Hiding In Plain Sight
Hollywood is full of surprises, and some of the biggest shockers happen when actors step away from the camera and pick up an instrument.
You might know them from blockbuster movies or award-winning TV shows, but did you know many of your favorite stars can rock a stage just as hard as they rock the screen?
Get ready to discover 20 actors whose musical talents will make you see them in a whole new light!
1. Ryan Gosling – Piano
Jazz hands aren’t just for show when it comes to this Hollywood heartthrob.
Gosling taught himself piano for La La Land and actually played all those dreamy melodies live on set, no hand doubles required.
His dedication to the craft was so intense that he practiced for months until his fingers could dance across the keys like a seasoned pro.
2. Russell Crowe – Rock Singer
Before gladiators and maximus speeches, this Aussie powerhouse was belting out rock anthems with his own bands.
Crowe fronted several groups including Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts and later The Ordinary Fear of God, touring venues and releasing albums like a true rock star.
His gravelly voice and stage presence prove he’s just as commanding with a microphone as he is with a sword.
3. Hugh Laurie – Piano and Guitar
The grumpy doctor from House has a secret love affair with the blues that might surprise you.
Laurie is a seriously talented pianist and guitarist who has released multiple blues albums and toured with renowned musicians.
His smooth, soulful playing style shows a completely different side from his sarcastic TV persona, proving he’s got rhythm in his bones along with that brilliant wit.
4. Jamie Foxx – Classically Trained Pianist
This Oscar winner started tickling the ivories long before he won hearts on the big screen.
Foxx received classical piano training as a child and his skills are so impressive that he often incorporates them into his comedy routines and acting roles.
Whether he’s playing Ray Charles or cracking jokes, his finger work on the keyboard is always pitch-perfect and genuinely impressive.
5. Jeff Bridges – Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist
The Dude abides, and apparently, he also strums a mean guitar.
Bridges has released several albums showcasing his folk-rock style and thoughtful songwriting, proving his artistic talents extend far beyond acting.
His raspy voice and authentic guitar playing give his music a laid-back, genuine vibe that fans of his films absolutely love and respect.
6. Steve Martin – Banjo
Comedy genius meets bluegrass virtuoso in this wild-and-crazy-guy package.
Martin isn’t just fooling around with his banjo; he’s a Grammy-winning bluegrass musician who has collaborated with top artists in the genre.
His lightning-fast picking and deep knowledge of traditional American music make him a respected figure in bluegrass circles, not just a comedian with a hobby.
7. Ed Helms – Banjo and Guitar
Andy Bernard wasn’t the only one with musical chops; Helms himself is a talented multi-instrumentalist.
He plays both banjo and guitar with impressive skill, often incorporating his abilities into his comedy work and personal projects.
His genuine love for folk and bluegrass music shines through whenever he picks up an instrument, making him more than just The Office funny guy.
8. Keanu Reeves – Bass
He played bass guitar in the alternative rock band Dogstar, which toured extensively throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
His commitment to the band was genuine and serious, showing that even action heroes need a creative outlet to rock out with their bandmates on tour.
9. Scarlett Johansson – Singer
Johansson has released multiple albums featuring her unique, breathy singing style, often covering classic songs with her own artistic interpretation.
Her music leans toward indie and atmospheric sounds, showcasing a vulnerability and creativity that contrasts beautifully with her action-hero roles on screen.
10. Brie Larson – Singer-Songwriter
Captain Marvel had a whole music career before she started saving the universe.
Larson released a pop album early in her career, showcasing her songwriting abilities and vocal talent before transitioning fully into acting.
Though she doesn’t perform as much now, her musical roots still influence her performances, especially when roles call for singing or emotional musical moments on camera.
11. Joseph Gordon-Levitt – Drummer and Multi-Instrumentalist
This versatile performer doesn’t just act; he creates entire soundscapes with his musical abilities.
Gordon-Levitt plays drums and several other instruments, often showcasing his talents through his creative platform HitRecord.
His rhythmic skills and musical sensibility add another layer to his artistic expression, making him one of Hollywood’s most genuinely creative and collaborative multi-talented performers.
12. John C. Reilly – Vocalist
Step Brothers meet show tunes in this unexpected musical powerhouse.
Reilly possesses a strong, trained singing voice that he’s showcased in films like Chicago and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
His ability to belt out Broadway-style numbers and rock ballads with equal skill proves he’s not just a comedic actor but a legitimate musical theater talent.
13. Emily Blunt – Trained Singer
Blunt received vocal training and has demonstrated her impressive singing abilities in multiple film roles and live performances.
Her clear, powerful voice and natural stage presence make her musical numbers feel effortless and genuine, proving she’s as comfortable with a song as she is with dramatic dialogue.
14. Ewan McGregor – Singer
Obi-Wan Kenobi traded his lightsaber for a microphone in Moulin Rouge, and the results were spectacular.
McGregor’s singing voice is surprisingly powerful and emotional, bringing authenticity to his musical film roles.
His performance of songs like “Your Song” showed audiences that his talents extend well beyond Jedi mind tricks into the realm of heartfelt musical expression.
15. Christian Bale – Trained Singer
Bale received vocal training and has showcased his singing abilities in various projects, including musical numbers in films.
His dedication to mastering every aspect of his roles extends to musical performances, where his controlled, powerful voice adds yet another dimension to his incredible range.
16. Seth MacFarlane – Jazz/Pop Vocalist
The guy who voices Peter Griffin also sounds like a smooth crooner from the 1950s.
MacFarlane has released multiple big-band style albums showcasing his rich baritone voice and love for classic American standards.
His vocal performances channel the golden age of jazz and pop, proving he’s not just an animation genius but a genuinely talented singer with old-school style.
17. Anna Kendrick – Singer
Pitch Perfect wasn’t just movie magic; this Broadway veteran has serious vocal skills.
Kendrick started her career in musical theater and has consistently demonstrated her impressive singing abilities throughout her film work.
Her powerful voice, perfect pitch, and natural rhythm make her one of Hollywood’s most reliable musical performers, whether she’s doing acapella or full orchestral numbers.
18. Mandy Moore – Singer
Before she was Rebecca Pearson crying on This Is Us, Moore was topping pop charts with catchy hits.
She launched her career as a successful pop singer in the late 1990s before transitioning into acting.
Her sweet, clear voice made her a teen pop sensation, and she continues to showcase her vocal talents in both her acting roles and occasional musical projects.
19. Jeremy Renner – Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist
Renner writes and performs his own songs, playing guitar and singing with a gritty, authentic rock style.
He’s released several tracks and often shares his musical side with fans, showing that even Avengers need a creative outlet beyond saving the world from alien invasions.
20. Mary Elizabeth Winstead – Singer
Winstead fronted the music project Got a Girl and has recorded vocals for various musical endeavors throughout her career.
Her cool, alternative style translates perfectly into her music, where her distinctive voice and artistic sensibility create sounds as unique as her on-screen characters.
