Top 10 Modern Triple Threat Performers
#10: Lin-Manuel Miranda
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Miranda first made waves in the 2000s when he created and starred in his debut musical “In the Heights”, scooping up a handful of awards. Afterwards, he wrote and performed in a number of other projects before moving on to the smash-hit musical “Hamilton” - and naturally, making the title role his own. Worldwide recognition followed, as did more Tonys, some Grammys, an Oscar, a Pulitzer prize and a number one album on the Billboard 200. He also displayed his acting, singing and dancing on screen in the 2018 movie “Mary Poppins Returns.” We think that’s what you call a good allrounder.
#9: Hugh Jackman
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From Wolverine to P. T. Barnum, this Aussie actor has embodied some iconic roles across his long career. But his journey began in the theater. After bagging an Olivier award for his role as Curly in “Oklahoma!”, Jackman’s star was born. He moved into movies and has since tried his hand at everything from rom-coms to action roles to movie musicals. In “Les Miserables” he took on the central role of Jean Valjean. Here his stage training came in handy, as the cast were required to sing live. In “The Greatest Showman” Jackman proved that he could still do it all, and in 2021 he returned to Broadway for a revival of “The Music Man.” Now in his 50s, Jackman shows no signs of slowing down.
#8: Donald Glover
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Donald Glover is probably best known as an actor, thanks to his breakout role as Troy Barnes in “Community”, and later for his work on the drama “Atlanta.” The latter series, which he created and occasionally directed, won him two Emmys and two Golden Globes. Glover has a big-screen presence too, and his CV even includes some voice acting. In “The Lion King” he shows off his musical chops as adult Simba and even gets to duet with Beyoncé. His singing talent wasn’t a secret to those in the know, as since 2008 Glover has been releasing music under the pseudonym “Childish Gambino.” In the video for his number one hit “This is America”, Glover cemented his triple-threat credentials with an extremely memorable dance routine.
#7: Amy Adams
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Multitalented from the get go, Amy Adams started out as a dancer and singer in dinner theater. Her breakthrough role on screen came with 2005’s “Junebug”, which earned her an Oscar nod. But it was 2007’s “Enchanted” that established her as a leading lady. Her Giselle is a proper Disney Princess - she sings, dances and charms us all. Adams also proved herself a real comedy talent. However, she refused to be typecast. As her star ascended, the actress took on a variety of roles, from serious Oscar bait projects to fun romantic comedies. She’s the winner of two Golden Globes and also has six Oscar nominations under her belt.
#6: Jamie Foxx
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Jamie Foxx began his career as a comedian and actor, but became equally famous for his musical talent, which has always been linked to his work. From 2003 to 2005, he racked up two number one hits on the US Billboard Chart, an Oscar nomination for “Collateral”, and his first Oscar win with “Ray”. Playing Ray Charles in the musical biopic catapulted Foxx into the big leagues. He later revealed a flair for musical theater while starring opposite Beyoncé and Eddie Murphy in the movie musical “Dreamgirls.” Foxx’s varied film career also includes leading roles in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” and the Pixar movie “Soul.” As a performer, he’s incredibly versatile.
#5: Ariana DeBose
The 2021 remake of West Side Story is full to bursting with triple threats, but even among such talented company, Ariana DeBose stands out. Taking on the coveted role of Anita, made famous by Rita Moreno, DeBose earned herself an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Her emotional powerhouse performance is strong and vulnerable by turns, and her big dance scene is a worthy tribute to the original. Prior to her breakthrough in “West Side Story” she was already Tony nominated for her theater work and had appeared in Ryan Murphy’s movie musical “The Prom.” She’s also the first queer woman of color to win an Academy Award in an acting category.
#4: Zendaya
Like her “Greatest Showman” co-star Zac Efron, Zendaya is an ex-Disney star whose talent and charisma helped her break out of the cookie cutter mold. From MJ in the “Spiderman” movies, to troubled teen Rue Bennet in “Euphoria”, Zendaya has already demonstrated her versatility. The latter role made her the youngest ever winner of two Outstanding Lead Actress Emmys. In “The Greatest Showman” she showed off her vocal talent and danced up a storm. She’s also dabbled in the music industry, and her self-titled album earned her a top 40 hit for the lead single “Replay.”
#3: Beyoncé
From her early days in “Destiny’s Child”, Beyoncé’s proved herself a star and just kept going from strength to strength. Her live performances are legendary, while her studio albums - particularly later work like “Lemonade” - have garnered critical acclaim. In the 2006 movie musical “Dreamgirls”, the singer showed off her acting abilities. She held her own amongst an immensely talented cast including Eddie Murphy, Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson. She later took the lead role in another musical biopic, about the life of Etta James. Queen Bey can basically do anything.
#2: Neil Patrick Harris
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Many know Neil Patrick Harris best as Barney Stinson from “How I Met Your Mother.” The comedy role got him nominated for four Primetime Emmys, but sitcom star is only one string in the actor’s bow. He’s also a critically acclaimed Broadway performer, and won a Tony for his starring role in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” He’s often hosted major awards shows and has guest starred on “Glee.” Although Harris is mostly thought of as a musical theater and comedy performer, he’s equally good in serious roles. In the British miniseries “It’s a Sin” he presented a new side of himself and gave an emotionally devastating performance in a smaller role. We think he ticks all the boxes. Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions. Janelle Monáe The Singer Showed Off Her Acting Chops in “Moonlight” & “Hidden Figures” Tom Holland The Spiderman Will Play Fred Astaire in a New Biopic, But He Also Does a Pretty Amazing Rihanna! Anna Kendrick The Self-Titled “Scrappy Little Nobody” Has a Lot of Talent Joseph Gordon-Levitt He Danced in “500 Days of Summer” & Sang Live on Jimmy Fallon Emily Blunt She’s the Star of Movie Musicals “Into the Woods” & “Mary Poppins Returns”
#1: Lady Gaga
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Lady Gaga’s music career skyrocketed during the 2000s and she was soon one of the biggest stars in the world. She’s sold 170 million records and has 13 Grammys to her name. We’d seen her dance and clearly she could sing. However, it wasn’t until her Oscar nominated performance in the 2018 remake of “A Star is Born” that the extent of her talent became clear. Stripped back and raw, Gaga’s voice alone was capable of bringing the house down and her acting talent blew us all away. The singer has since gone on to star in “House of Gucci”, which earned her a New York Film Critics Circle award for Best Actress. It seems that her star is still on the rise.
