Some musicians have transcended their musical talents to excel in the world of acting, leaving a mark in both industries. These artists have proven their versatility by making a smooth transition from the studio to the screen, often landing significant roles in critically acclaimed films. Here’s a look at 10 top musicians who have enjoyed successful acting careers, along with the movies they’ve starred in and the popularity of those films.
1. Will Smith
Movies: Men in Black, The Pursuit of Happyness, Ali, Bad Boys series
Popularity: Will Smith’s transition from rapper to actor is one of the most successful in history. Starting with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996), Smith went on to dominate the box office. Men in Black (1997) and the Bad Boys series became iconic action-comedy films, while his role in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) earned him an Academy Award nomination. Smith’s portrayal of Muhammad Ali in Ali (2001) solidified his status as a serious actor, earning him another Oscar nomination.
2. Lady Gaga
Movies: A Star is Born, House of Gucci
Popularity: Lady Gaga stunned the world with her acting debut in A Star is Born (2018), playing opposite Bradley Cooper. The film was a massive hit, earning eight Academy Award nominations and grossing over $436 million worldwide. Gaga won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Shallow” and was also nominated for Best Actress. In House of Gucci (2021), her portrayal of Patrizia Reggiani was praised, cementing her position as a multi-talented artist.
3. Mark Wahlberg (Marky Mark)
Movies: The Fighter, Ted, Boogie Nights, The Departed
Popularity: Before becoming a Hollywood heavyweight, Mark Wahlberg was known as Marky Mark, a 90s rapper. His acting career took off with Boogie Nights (1997), a critical success. Wahlberg has since starred in major blockbusters like Ted (2012) and Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), but it was his role in The Fighter (2010) and The Departed (2006) that earned him serious critical acclaim, with the latter winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.
4. Jennifer Lopez
Movies: Selena, Maid in Manhattan, Hustlers, Out of Sight
Popularity: Jennifer Lopez first gained fame as a singer but became a Hollywood star through her acting. Her breakout role as the iconic Latin singer in Selena (1997) established her as a top actress. Lopez followed it up with commercial hits like Maid in Manhattan (2002) and The Wedding Planner (2001). Her role in Hustlers (2019) was critically acclaimed, earning her several award nominations, including a Golden Globe nod.
5. Justin Timberlake
Movies: The Social Network, Friends with Benefits, Inside Llewyn Davis
Popularity: After leaving NSYNC, Justin Timberlake proved his acting chops in various genres. His performance in The Social Network (2010), which garnered eight Oscar nominations, was praised, showcasing his ability to take on dramatic roles. He has also appeared in romantic comedies like Friends with Benefits (2011) and indie hits like Inside Llewyn Davis (2013), demonstrating his range as an actor.
6. Beyoncé
Movies: Dreamgirls, The Lion King, Cadillac Records
Popularity: Beyoncé, one of the most successful musicians of all time, made her acting debut in Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) but received widespread acclaim for her role in Dreamgirls (2006). The movie won two Academy Awards, and Beyoncé’s performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She voiced Nala in Disney’s The Lion King (2019), which became a box office hit, grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide.
7. Ice Cube
Movies: Friday, Boyz n the Hood, Barbershop, 21 Jump Street
Popularity: Ice Cube transitioned from being a hardcore rapper with N.W.A to a successful actor and filmmaker. His debut role in Boyz n the Hood (1991) is considered a classic. Cube further showcased his comedic talent in the Friday series, which has become a cultural staple. He continued to star in hit comedies like Barbershop (2002) and 21 Jump Street (2012), which grossed over $200 million worldwide.
8. Queen Latifah
Movies: Chicago, Set It Off, The Equalizer (TV series), Last Holiday
Popularity: Queen Latifah started as a rapper but quickly became a powerhouse in Hollywood. Her role in Chicago (2002) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and the film won Best Picture. She has appeared in a variety of genres, from crime dramas like Set It Off (1996) to family comedies like Last Holiday (2006). She currently stars in the successful TV reboot of The Equalizer.
9. Cher
Movies: Moonstruck, Mermaids, Burlesque
Popularity: Cher is one of the most successful musicians who made the leap into acting. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Moonstruck (1987). Cher has starred in various hit films, including Mermaids (1990) and Burlesque (2010), and continues to be an iconic figure in both the music and film industries.
10. Madonna
Movies: Evita, Desperately Seeking Susan, A League of Their Own
Popularity: Madonna, the “Queen of Pop,” has had a noteworthy acting career, despite some criticism. Her most celebrated role came in Evita (1996), where she played Eva Perón and won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. She also starred in the 1992 hit A League of Their Own and the 1985 cult classic Desperately Seeking Susan.
