Top 20 musicians who became actors

About this gallery:

To create this list, we decided to take a look at all those actors who started as musical artists, perhaps with few acting credits at first, but later went on to recreate some memorable roles in the world of film and TV.

If you think we missed an essential musical artist, why not mention them in the comments? | © Warner Bros. Pictures, Live Nation Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

20. Tina Turner

Tina Turner, the queen of rock 'n' roll, brought her electrifying presence to the big screen in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. As Aunty Entity, she commands attention, though it’s hard not to wish for a spontaneous musical number in every scene. Her acting is solid, but let’s be honest—no matter how well she delivers her lines, we’ll always prefer her belting out tunes with that powerhouse voice.

| © Kennedy Miller Productions, Warner Bros.

19. Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg, once known as Marky Mark, made the leap from rap to acting with a surprisingly successful career. From Boogie Nights to The Departed, he’s proven that he’s more than just a tough guy. Sure, some roles feel like he’s still trying to rap through the dialogue, but his charisma and action star chops keep audiences coming back. Honestly, he’s carved out a niche where he’s genuinely fun to watch.

| © STXfilms, Huayi Brothers Pictures

18. Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez didn’t just dominate the music charts; she took over Hollywood with roles in Selena, Hustlers, and The Wedding Planner. Her acting has always been hit or miss, but when she hits—like in Hustlers—she hits big. J.Lo brings the same star quality to her films that she does to her music, even if some of her performances leave you wondering if she’s just playing herself.

| © Netflix, Grand Electric

17. Rihanna

Rihanna dipped her toes into acting with roles in Battleship and Ocean’s 8. While her foray into Hollywood hasn’t quite hit superstar levels, you can tell she’s having fun on screen. Her charisma carries her through, but let’s be honest—it’s her musical talent that still keeps her at the top of the game. Acting might be more of a side gig for now, but with RiRi, anything’s possible.

| © Universal Television, Kerry Ehrin Productions

16. Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore started as a bubblegum pop princess, but after A Walk to Remember, she became known for tugging at our heartstrings. She’s since matured into a reliable actress, particularly in the emotional whirlwind of This Is Us. Her acting is surprisingly strong, especially for someone whose early career was filled with sugary sweet hits. You can’t help but root for her, both on screen and off.

| © 20th Television, Rhode Island Ave. Productions

15. Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz might be better known for his rock star persona, but his role as Cinna in The Hunger Games was a pleasant surprise. He didn’t have a ton of screen time, but his cool factor and subtle performance added depth to the character. While acting might not be his primary gig, when Lenny shows up, he leaves an impression. He’s got the screen presence, even if he’s not gunning for leading roles.

| © Lee Daniels Entertainment, 20th Television

14. Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, the King himself, tried his hand at acting with films like Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas. While his movies were more about showcasing his singing and dancing than serious acting chops, they’re still beloved classics. Elvis was never going to win an Oscar, but his charm and iconic status were more than enough to make up for it. Let’s face it—people went to see Elvis, not necessarily his acting.

| © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM?

13. Ice-T

Ice-T went from hardcore rapper to one of the most recognizable faces on television thanks to Law & Order: SVU. As Fin Tutuola, he’s been serving up justice for decades, with a style that’s unmistakably his own. He’s not reinventing acting, but there’s something comfortingly reliable about his performances. Ice-T’s transition to TV was seamless, and honestly, we wouldn’t want it any other way.

| © Cavier, Sawhorse Productions

12. Madonna

Madonna’s journey into acting has been a wild ride, from Evita to Desperately Seeking Susan. While she shines in some roles, her acting has often been as polarizing as her music. Madonna is never boring, but her performances can sometimes feel a bit forced, like she’s trying too hard to embody the next phase of her career. That said, when she’s good, she’s captivating—and you can’t deny her fearlessness.

| © Hollywood Pictures, Cinergi Pictures, Dirty Hands Productions

11. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez, originally a Disney Channel darling, has shown surprising depth in films like Spring Breakers and the TV show Only Murders in the Building. While she may not have the broadest range just yet, Selena’s natural charm makes her endearing to audiences. She’s come a long way from her days as a tween star, and though her acting is still developing, she’s carving out a space for herself in Hollywood.

| © Why Not Productions

10. Cher

Cher is an icon in every sense of the word, and her acting career, with roles in Moonstruck and Mermaids, is as legendary as her music. Cher has a way of making even the most outlandish roles seem relatable. Whether she’s belting out a power ballad or delivering a knockout line, she exudes confidence and presence. Frankly, she’s so good at everything that we’re not even surprised she nailed acting too.

| © TriStar Pictures

9. Beyoncé

Beyoncé might be the queen of music, but her acting career has been... well, a bit of a mixed bag. While she shined in Dreamgirls and brought her iconic voice to The Lion King, her acting hasn’t quite reached the same legendary status as her music. Still, with her star power, every role she takes on is a major event. Let’s just say that when it comes to acting, Beyoncé is still finding her groove.

| © Rainforest Films, Will Packer Productions

8. Common

Common’s acting career may not be as high-profile as his music, but he’s proven his versatility with roles in John Wick 2 and Selma. There’s a quiet intensity to his performances that make him stand out, even in supporting roles. Common doesn’t try to outshine his co-stars, but instead, he brings a grounded, steady presence to every scene. He’s the kind of actor you can always count on to deliver.

| © AMC Studios, MRC Television

7. Ice Cube

Ice Cube made the transition from gangsta rap to movies with surprising ease. From Friday to 21 Jump Street, he’s managed to keep his signature scowl while effortlessly shifting between comedy and drama. Cube’s acting is simple but effective—he knows what works for him, and he sticks to it. Honestly, his on-screen persona is so solid, we wouldn’t be surprised if he’s just playing a version of himself.

6. David Bowie

David Bowie’s transition into acting gave us unforgettable performances in The Man Who Fell to Earth and Labyrinth. His ethereal presence and eccentricity translated perfectly onto the screen, where he often played otherworldly characters. Bowie’s acting may not have been for everyone, but that was part of the charm—he was unapologetically himself, whether performing on stage or in front of a camera.

5. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has been a bit of a surprise in the acting world, with solid performances in films like The Social Network and Friends with Benefits. He’s definitely more than just a pop star who wanted to try acting—JT has a natural charisma that works on screen. Still, there are moments where it feels like he’s just being himself in a different outfit. But hey, if it works, why mess with it?

4. Harry Styles

Harry Styles surprised critics with his understated performance in Dunkirk and has since continued acting in films like Don’t Worry Darling. So far, he’s shown he’s more than just a pop star dabbling in film—he’s got the potential for a real acting career. While he’s still growing as an actor, there’s no denying his screen presence. We’re all curious to see where he goes from here.

3. Will Smith

Will Smith is probably the most successful musician-turned-actor on this list, going from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to starring in blockbusters like Men in Black and Ali. Will’s acting is often a perfect mix of humor and heart, and he’s shown incredible range throughout his career. Honestly, there’s not much to critique here—he’s a superstar in every sense of the word, whether he’s rapping or acting.

2. Jared Leto

Jared Leto might be as famous for his band 30 Seconds to Mars as he is for his acting, but his performances in Dallas Buyers Club and Suicide Squad have been... divisive. He goes all in, and while that can be great, sometimes it feels like he’s pushing a little too hard. Jared’s the kind of actor who’s always swinging for the fences, but it doesn’t always land. Still, you’ve got to respect the commitment.

1. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga stunned everyone with her performance in A Star Is Born, proving she’s not just a pop sensation—she’s got serious acting talent too. Her ability to deliver emotionally charged performances was a revelation, and it’s clear that acting is more than just a side project for her. Gaga is a true triple threat, and if her debut is any indication, she’s here to stay in Hollywood.