10 Beloved Actors That Are Also Good Musicians

The arts are a vibrant realm with many branches, including painting, dance, and poetry. Often, these disciplines blend seamlessly, creating richer, more captivating experiences. Some artists excel in multiple areas, finding success not just on screen but also as musicians and songwriters.

Here are ten beloved actors who have also made their mark in music:

Jack Black
Before Jack Black became a household name as an actor, he was half of the comedic rock duo Tenacious D. The band, known for its humorous take on rock, had released four studio albums by 2022 including Post-Apocalypto which came out in 2018. Black’s dual passion for music and film continues to define his multifaceted career.

Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis, best known for his acting, dipped into music in the 1980s. Although his musical career was not as prominent, he released albums like The Return of Bruno in 1987 under the Motown label, featuring some notable hits. Willis’s foray into R&B was a side project that showcased another side of his talents.

Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson’s musical side is less known but quite impressive. She has released three studio albums, with her debut in 2008 and the latest in 2018. Johansson has also performed musically in films, proving her talents extend beyond acting.

Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling isn’t just a musical film star from La La Land, he’s also the frontman of the band Dead Man’s Bones. Since forming the group in 2009, Gosling and his band have been known for their folk and indie rock style. Their unique sound has kept them active on stage for over a decade.

Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp, known for his iconic roles, also had musical ambitions in his youth. He played in several bands before his acting career took off. Today, Depp is part of the band Hollywood Vampires, which he co-founded with Alice Cooper and Joe Perry in 2015. They released their debut album the following year and a live album, Live in Rio in 2019.

David Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff, initially a TV actor, ventured into music with his 1985 album Night Rocker. Although it flopped in the U.S., it found success in Germany. Hasselhoff has since released over a dozen albums, including a surprising heavy metal album in 2019.

Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves, the beloved actor, was also a bassist for the grunge band Dogstar. The band, active from 1992 to 2002, released two albums and performed at major festivals like Glastonbury. Dogstar’s contributions included tracks for the soundtracks of films like Speed and The Matrix.

Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel, known for her role in (500) Days of Summer, is also a talented musician. She formed the folk-pop duo She & Him with M. Ward. They have released six albums, including two Christmas-themed records, showcasing Deschanel’s distinctive voice and indie sensibility.

Jeff Bridges
Jeff Bridges, an Oscar-winning actor for Crazy Heart, leads the band Jeff Bridges and The Abiders. The group blends rock and country, with standout tracks like “Bridges Hold On You.” Bridges’s musical endeavors reflect his deep love for both acting and music.

Juliette Lewis
Juliette Lewis, who gained fame with her controversial role in Cape Fear, is also a punk rock enthusiast. She fronted the band Juliette and The Licks, known for their energetic punk sound. Lewis’s song “Hot Kiss” exemplifies her punk rock style, inspired by legends like Iggy Pop.