10 Rockstars That Have Acting Chops

Music to Movies

Over the years, there have been numerous rockstars who made the leap into acting. Especially those who have experienced acting in their own music videos, how hard can it be right? But there are a few who are stellar musicians but also great actors. Let’s take a look at this immensely talented bunch.

10. Kris Kristofferson

Though mostly known for being a prolific songwriter who has penned several classic hits and a member of the country supergroup The Highwaymen, Kristofferson has proven his acting chops with films like Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, Blume in Love, and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. In the 1976 film A Star Is Born, he even received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

9. Prince

Prince was an artist through and through. And so it came as no surprise that he eventually dabbled in acting. From his own rock musical drama to appearing on popular TV shows like New Girl and Muppets Tonight, he was just as cool & charismatic on screen as he was on stage.

8. Sting

Sting rose to prominence as a member of The Police and after they split up, he launched a successful solo career. His artistry isn’t limited to music as he has more than a dozen film and television roles under his belt including the Quadrophenia movie based on The Who’s iconic rock opera.

7. Lenny Kravitz

This Grammy-Award winning rockstar famously played the fashionable Cinna in the Hunger Games film series but he also starred in the critically acclaimed Precious and other supporting roles. He’s even taken on photography and designing.

6. Tom Waits

He may not be as commercially successful as some of his contemporaries but Tom Waits heavily influenced several genres with this music. When it came to acting, he showed he’s also talented in that department with his role in Down by Law. After which, he continued to appear in films, most recently in 2019’s The Dead Don’t Die.

5. Meat Loaf

Aside from his powerful vocals and classic hits, Meat Loaf also increased his popularity by playing Eddie in 1975’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Robert “Bob” Paulson in 1999’s Fight Club.

4. Steven Van Zandt

Known for being a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, his most famous roles include Silvio Dante on The Sopranos and Frank Tagliano on Lilyhammer. He’s also a musical director and radio host.

3. Elvis Presley

A pop culture icon, he starred in over two dozen films. Sure not all of them were great and some even flopped but it was interesting to see another side of him that’s not singing and performing on stage. Still, some of his films achieved classic status.

2. Jared Leto

Jared Leto received a lot of hate for his portrayal of Joker in Suicide Squad but he’s far from being an awful actor. From Requiem for a Dream to Dallas Buyers Club, his acting definitely deserves more appreciation and recognition. In Dallas Buyers Club, he earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

1. David Bowie

There was absolutely nothing David Bowie couldn’t do. Aside from being an innovative and revolutionary rockstar, he landed acting gigs in numerous iconic films like Labyrinth, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, and The Prestige.