Though Jennifer Hudson come in 7th blank space onAmerican Idol , her performances on the show caught the attention of theDreamgirlscasting directors , who invited her to audition for Effie White . She succeed an Academy Award , a Golden Globe , and a critic ' Choice Movie Awards for good Supporting Actress for the role .
Plenty of celebs — likeMiley CyrusandJennifer Lopez— started their acting and singing careers at the same time. However, some establish themselves in the music industry before dipping their toes into the water of the acting world. Of course, not all musicians turn out to be good actors, but some are surprisingly great.
Here are 14 roles that proved a musician could surprisingly act:
1.After a few minor roles and cameos,Lady Gagabooked a main role as Elizabeth Johnson/The Countess inAmerican Horror Story: Hotel in 2015. Shewona Golden Globe for Best Actress - Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion Picture.
Here’s a clip of her in the role:
Then, in 2018, she played Ally Maine inA Star Is Born, whichearnedher an Academy Award nom, a Golden Globe nom, and a Critics' Choice Movie Award win for Best Actress.
2.Though Jennifer Hudson came in seventh place onAmerican Idol, her performances on the showcaughtthe attention of theDreamgirlscasting directors, who invited her to audition for Effie White. Shewonan Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress for the role.
3.When Dolly Parton made her movie debut in 1980’s9 to 5, her performance was one of the most widely-praised aspects of the film. For example, film critic Roger Ebertcalledher “a natural-born movie star, a performer who holds our attention so easily that it’s hard to believe it’s her first film,” and theChicago Tribunesaid that Dolly “with this one film establishes herself as a thoroughly engaging movie star.”
4.24 hours after watching Rina Sawayama’s music videos, director Chad Stahelskicalledher on Zoom to discuss casting her as Shimazu Akira inJohn Wick: Chapter 4. Her film debut was well-received, withColliderpraising her “standout performance” and theDaily Beastcalling her “an action movie star to be watched.”
5.Though Will Smith’s first album with DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince was a major commercial success, the secondflopped, and he was facing financial issues due to overspending and failing to pay the IRS. Though he wasn’t initially interested in acting, he ultimately did an impromptu audition forThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He, of course, booked the lead, which laterearnedhim two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy.
Here’s a clip of him in the role:
6.Mandy Moore was aplatinum-sellingpop singer with a few minor roles under her belt when she booked the lead inA Walk to Rememberin 2002. Critic Roger Ebertcalledher performance “quietly convincing,” and shewonan MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Female Performance.
7.Kim Tae-hyung, who also goes by the stage name V, gained worldwide recognition as a member of BTS, but in 2016, hemadehis acting debut as Seok Han-sung inHwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. At the 13th Soompi Awards, hewonBest Idol Actor.
8.Queen Latifah’s leading role as Khadijah James onLiving Singleearnedher three NAACP Image Award noms for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. In 1994,Entertainment Weeklycalled the show an “unexpected hit” that “critics were clearly wrong about,” and it has since beenpraisedfor its influence on other sitcoms.
Then, in 2002, her role as Matron “Mama” Morton inChicagoearned her an Oscar nom for Best Supporting Actress,makingher the first female hip-hop artist to receive an Academy Award nomination.
9.Aside from appearances oniCarlyandSaturday Night Live, Harry Styles made his acting debut as Alex in the 2017 war thrillerDunkirk. Director Christopher Nolan toldAP, “I don’t think I was that aware really of how famous Harry was…So the truth is, I cast Harry because he fit the part wonderfully and truly earned a seat at the table.”
10.After doing several onscreen cameos, Lenny Kravitz made his acting debut as Nurse John in 2009’sPrecious. The roleearnedhim a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.
11.In 1991, Ice Cube made his onscreen debut as Darrin “Doughboy” Baker inBoyz n the Hood, a role that writer/director John Singletonwrotejust for him. HewonMost Promising Actor at the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, and the role went on tobecomeone of his most well-known.
12.After a decline in his successful music and film careers, Frank Sinatramadea big comeback with his role as Private Angelo Maggio in 1953’sFrom Here to Eternity. It was a departure from his typical musical roles, and hewonan Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
13.After doing some commercials and background work as a child actor, Billie Piper launched her pop music career with “Because We Want To,“makingher the youngest singer to have a #1 debut single in the UK. After a few years, she transitioned to acting, making her breakthrough as Rose Tyler onDoctor Whoin 2005. Shewontwo National Television Awards for Most Popular Actress as well as aThe Times Breakthrough Awardfor Rising British Talent.
14.And finally, after getting her start as a rapper and playing a few small roles, Awkafina made her film breakthrough in 2018 with roles as Constance inOcean’s 8and Goh Peik Lin inCrazy Rich Asians.Rolling Stonehailed her as the “breakout star” of the latter.
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