Actors you won’t believe can sing

Surprising singing actors

Some actors are famous for their roles in movies and TV shows, but you might be shocked to learn they can sing, too. While some started in music before acting, others picked it up later and nailed it.

Whether it’s rock, pop, country, or Broadway-style vocals, these stars have some serious hidden talent. Here are actors you won’t believe can sing.

Tracey Ullman

Before becoming a comedy icon, Tracey Ullman made catchy New Wave and Synth-pop music in the U.K. She hit the charts with albums like You Broke My Heart in 17 Places (1983) and You Caught Me Out (1984).

Songs like “They Don’t Know” and “Move Over Darling” showed her funny, theatrical style. Her clever lyrics and playful delivery matched her acting talent. Tracey wasn’t just amusing, but she had serious pop-star skills as well.

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel is loved for roles in Elf, 500 Days of Summer, and New Girl. But she’s also a great singer! In her band, She & Him, she brings a dreamy mix of Indie Pop, Retro Pop, and Folk Pop.

Their albums Volume One (2008) and Volume Two (2010) feature her soft, breathy voice that sounds like a 1960s girl group. Songs like “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” and “In the Sun” are warm, sweet, and timeless.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is known for her strong acting, but she also has powerful vocal talent! She sang “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” in Hustle & Flow, showing a real hip-hop attitude.

She also teamed up with jazz legend Marcus Miller on his album Free, where her voice added depth. Taraji is a true vocal chameleon with a range that goes far beyond the screen.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson surprised fans in 2024 with her debut album Glorious, showing she’s more than just a movie star. Her music dives into Americana and Roots Rock, mixing country, folk, and rock as Kate explores her artistic side.

Her acting charm carries over into her songs, making this album feel both fresh and honest. She’s not just trying it, but she means it, and it shows in every note.

Jeremy Renner

You know him as Hawkeye, but Jeremy Renner also has a powerful singing voice. His EPs The Medicine (2020) and Live for Now (2020) feature rock tracks with strong emotion.

On songs like “Heaven Don’t Have a Name,” his control and vocal surprises many fans. Some even hear a near-operatic quality in how he sings. Behind his tough action roles is a serious musician with true range and a passion for storytelling through music.

Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell is known for his goofy roles in Elf, Step Brothers, and Anchorman, but he can sing. In Step Brothers, his dramatic version of “Por Ti Volare” at the wine mixer is funny because he sounds good.

In Eurovision, he brings real feelings to songs like “Volcano Man” and “Husavik,” which was even up for an Oscar. And in Anchorman, his deep voice stands out during “Afternoon Delight.”

Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum is more than just a great actress, as she’s a classically trained soprano. In The Phantom of the Opera (2004), she amazed audiences as Christine, showing her operatic strength. But her music doesn’t stop there.

She’s also made albums like Inside Out (2007) and Sentimental Journey (2013), where she explores Pop and Indie Pop with grace. Emmy’s voice can shift from powerful to soft, proving she’s a true vocalist.

Jim Nabors

Jim Nabors played the lovable Gomer Pyle, a silly TV character, but his singing voice was no joke. He had a rich baritone that amazed fans. He recorded many albums in Traditional Pop and Gospel, earning respect as a serious vocalist.

One of his signature songs was “Back Home Again in Indiana,” full of emotion and power. Jim showed that even the funniest actors can have musical talent hidden just beneath the surface.

Jason Schwartzman

Jason Schwartzman is known for his quirky acting in movies like Rushmore and The Darjeeling Limited. But he’s more than just an actor.

He was the drummer and songwriter for Phantom Planet, the band behind the early 2000s hit “California.” Later, he made indie-pop music at Coconut Records. He writes songs, plays instruments, and sings as well.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph made us laugh on Saturday Night Live with funny voices and wild characters. But she also has strong musical skills. In the mid-1990s, she was a singer and keyboardist in the alternative rock band The Rentals.

Her band had a cool sound, and Maya’s voice added soul. Her music background adds more talent to her amazing comedy.

Michael Cera

Michael Cera is known for awkward roles in Arrested Development and Superbad. But offscreen, he’s a musician with a quieter side.

He released an indie folk album, True That, in 2014, in which he sang, wrote songs, and played instruments. His music is mellow, personal, and thoughtful, which is different from his goofy movie characters.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones brought major star power to the musical film Chicago. Playing Velma Kelly, she stunned audiences with her bold singing, dancing, and strong acting. Her voice and striking presence helped her win an Academy Award.

Before Hollywood, she trained in musical theater, which explains her confident stage style. Catherine’s skills proved she belongs among the top performers who can command both the screen and stage.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx isn’t just great at acting, but he’s also a Grammy-winning singer. He won an Oscar for playing Ray Charles in Ray, where he sang and captured the music legend’s soul.

Off-screen, Foxx records smooth R&B music and has earned Grammy Awards for his vocals. He switches easily between funny roles, serious characters, and songs.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah started her career as a trailblazing rapper in the late 1980s and early ’90s. She stood out with smart, socially aware lyrics and a strong voice that spoke for women in hip-hop.

Her stage name became known across music, then she moved into acting, starring in comedies, dramas, and musicals. She never left music behind and still sings with soul in projects like Chicago and jazz albums.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson first gained national attention on American Idol with her voice and singing. Though she didn’t win the show, she quickly rose to fame.

Her breakout came when she played Effie White in Dreamgirls, which earned her an Academy Award. Off-screen, she continued making music, releasing albums, and performing live.

Jennifer’s journey from TV contestant to award-winning actress proves that true talent always finds the spotlight, and her story is made even more fascinating by 27 half-siblings? Jennifer Hudson’s complex family

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is best known for his roles in The Matrix and John Wick, where he plays intense, action-packed characters, but Keanu’s knees could end John Wick 5 dreams due to the physical toll of such demanding roles.

In the 1990s, he had a very different creative outlet in music. During that time, he played bass guitar for the grunge band Dogstar. The group released several albums and went on tour, giving fans a glimpse of Keanu’s artistic side beyond acting.

Which actor’s hidden talent surprised you the most? Drop your thoughts!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.