Top 10 Musicians Who Are Unexpectedly Good Actors
#10: Tyler, The Creator
Born Tyler Gregory Okonma, rapper Tyler, The Creator has achieved huge success and acclaim in the world of music. In 2025, the Grammy Award winning artist extended his talents to the big screen. Making his feature film debut in Josh Safdie’s ping pong dramedy, “Marty Supreme”, Tyler stars as Wally, a taxi driver and friend of the title character, played by Timothée Chalamet. Although he's only in the film for a few scenes, he acts with the skill of a seasoned actor, fulfilling commitment to the tension laced and action packed beats. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we see Tyler, The Actor in film.
#9: Harry Styles
When he’s not selling out arenas across the globe, Harry Styles is expanding his filmography. The former One Direction member turned solo musician, has proved to fans that he’s not a one trick pony thanks to his roles in films like Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk”. Although some of his cinematic projects have turned out more successful than others, Styles has shown immense growth as an actor. Take for instance, his part in “Don’t Worry Darling”. Still, the “As It Was” singer remains primarily focused on his music career and touring.
#8: Mary J. Blige
At the 2018 Academy Awards, Mary J. Blige made history, becoming the first Black woman to be nominated in more than one category during the same year. Recognized for her participation in the film, “Mudbound”, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song. A fusion of her two crafts, it was a defining moment for the legendary performer. Since then, she has earned roles on series such as “The Umbrella Academy” and movies like “Respect”. Truth be told, Blige's talent is exceptional in any format.
#7: Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is one of the most beloved artists of all time. From her signature twang to her affecting lyrics, her music is iconic. So, it’s not a huge shock that her infectious spirit would translate into acting. In 1980, she made her cinematic debut as Doralee Rhodes in “9 to 5”. From that point on, she became one of Hollywood's new favourite actresses. From the musical comedy, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” to “Steel Magnolias”, the 80s cinema was blessed with some great performances from Parton. Although she's slowed down her acting career in recent years, she still makes appearances and cameos from time to time which is always a welcomed surprise.
#6: Common
In the 90s, Chicago-born rapper Common became known on the music scene. Over the course of the decade, he released three albums, cementing himself as one of the hardest working musicians around. In 2002, he ventured into new territory: acting. After appearing as himself in the rom-com, “Brown Sugar”, the artist, whose birth name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, started racking up acting credits. Whether he’s playing the romantic lead in movies like “Just Wright” or a ruthless assassin in action flicks like “John Wick: Chapter 2”, Common has proven he can act in any genre.
#5: Janelle Monáe
Long before Janelle Monáe became an award winning singer, she had aspirations to be an actress. With a goal to pursue musical theatre, she eventually pivoted to the recording arts. Her first album, “The ArchAndroid” was released in 2010, and a few years later, she returned to her love of acting. After doing voice work for “Rio 2”, Monáe made her memorable live action debut in the Academy Award winning Best Picture, “Moonlight”. She followed it up playing real life engineer, Mary Jackson, in another Oscar nominated film, “Hidden Figures”. A naturally gifted performer, Janelle Monáe’s acting is golden.
#4: Tim McGraw
After becoming one of the biggest names in country music, Tim McGraw took up a new role: actor. He made a small appearance on “The Jeff Foxworthy Show” back in the late 90s and since then, he’s become quite the thespian. “Friday Night Lights”, “Four Christmases”, “The Blind Side”, and “Country Strong” are just some of the many titles he’s acted in. In 2021, the singer was cast in his biggest acting challenge to date in “1883,” a prequel miniseries to the television phenomenon, “Yellowstone”. Starring as James Dillard Dutton, McGraw acted opposite his wife, Faith Hill, proving that acting runs in his family.
#3: Björk
Known for avant-garde artistry, Icelandic musician, Björk’s musical stylings are boundless. Her memorable voice and experimental projects keep us coming back for more. Outside of music, she has also pursued acting, most notably in her star-turning performance in the bleak musical, “Dancer in the Dark”. The film and Björk made a splash at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival, where the singer took home the coveted Best Actress prize. After its success, Björk starred in one other film, “Drawing Restraint 9” before taking a self imposed 17 year break from acting. In 2022, horror auteur Robert Eggers cast her in his dark Viking epic, “The Northman” in a role she was born to play: The Seeress, a supernatural prophetess.
#2: Jennifer Hudson
From “American Idol” to winning an Oscar, Jennifer Hudson’s career is one that dreams are made of. After finishing in seventh place on the reality series, Hollywood came calling. Two years after her shocking elimination, Hudson made her onscreen debut as Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical, “Dreamgirls”. Her heartbreaking rendition of “And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going” and scene stealing performance, earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Since then she has starred in Broadway musicals and numerous films including starring as the singular, Aretha Franklin in the biopic, “Respect”. Looks like this EGOT winner’s “Spotlight” is brighter than ever.
#1: David Bowie
Over the course of his career, music icon David Bowie assumed many alter-egos. From Ziggy Stardust to The Thin White Duke, he could transform into a character with such ease. So, when it came for the “Starman” to make his transition into acting, it was like second nature. He impressed everyone with his celestial role in “The Man Who Fell to Earth” and wooed us as Jareth, the Goblin King in “Labyrinth”. He played real life figures like Andy Warhol in “Basquiat”, Nikola Tesla in “The Prestige” and made cameos as himself in various projects. With dozens of screen credits to his name, the late musician’s acting career is nothing short of legendary.
Which one of these singers turned actors surprised you the most ? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
