8 Rock Legends Who Failed at Acting Miserably

When Pierce Brosnan belted out tunes in Mamma Mia!, it was clear there’s a fine line between a rockstar and a movie star. Yet, it seems every musician with a gold record thinks they’re just one audition away from an Oscar. Sure, some like Will Smith and Mark Wahlberg manage to juggle microphones and scripts, but then there are those who make Hollywood regret its open-door policy. (Looking at you, Shatner.)

Bob Dylan: As Convincing as a Mime with Laryngitis

Bob Dylan’s acting in “Hearts Of Fire” (1987) could be mistaken for an elaborate attempt to avoid acting. He played a rock star (a stretch, we know) who fails at love, likely because he’s more wooden than Pinocchio on Valium. The film’s budget seemingly vanished into Dylan’s cough syrup stash, leaving its production value at a level you’d expect from a group of over-enthusiastic film students. Dylan somehow evaporates from most scenes, perhaps hiding his embarrassment or the script pages taped to his shoes.

He took another shot in 2003 with “Masked And Anonymous” which, despite a star-studded cast, turned into a cinematic walkout at Sundance. Let’s just say, it didn’t make Dylan the darling of Hollywood he perhaps envisioned.

Mick Jagger — Can’t Always Get What You Want

At 26, Mick Jagger decided acting was his next mountain to conquer but quickly proved it was more of a hill. His debut as an Australian outlaw in “Ned Kelly” (1970) was so cringe-worthy even the director likened it to a traumatic birthing experience. With an Amish beard and a wobbly Irish accent, Jagger’s portrayal was less outlaw, more fashionably confused. He then vanished from the acting scene, only to resurface in “Freejack” (1992), which, despite his best efforts to play a believable villain, ended up being as forgettable as yesterday’s breakfast.

Roger Daltrey — Swings, Mostly Misses

Roger Daltrey of The Who fame dabbled in acting with… let’s call it “unique” choices. After a trippy turn in “Tommy” and “Lisztomania”, which might’ve seemed like a good idea at the time, Daltrey had more hits than misses. Or was it the other way around? Known for being a bit over-the-top, Daltrey’s performances are memorable, if not always for the right reasons.

Prince — When Doves Cry, And Audiences Cringe

Prince, the pint-sized dynamo, had a mixed bag of results on the silver screen. “Purple Rain” worked mainly as a long music video for an iconic album, but his next projects, including “Under The Cherry Moon”, had fans wishing he’d stuck to what he knew best. Prince’s control over “Under The Cherry Moon” was absolute, proving that just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.

Gene Simmons: A Rock Star with an Acting Wish

Gene Simmons from KISS proves that an inflated ego can sometimes lead to inflated expectations. Acting seemed like the next rung on his ladder to world domination, but his performances suggest he might have overestimated his range. Playing a villain in “Runaway” (1984) was less “terrifying antagonist” and more “guy who forgot his lines.”

Ringo Starr — The Beatle Who Acted in Beats and Giggles

Let’s talk about Ringo Starr’s acting career—though “career” might be a strong word when it’s mostly Ringo having the time of his life on camera. Take “Magical Mystery Tour,” a Beatles’ brainchild that feels like the result of what happens when you let a rock band direct a movie after a long night out. Ringo spends the movie joking about, with his pals the Beatles magically appearing as, well, magicians.

Moving on to “Son of Dracula,” where Ringo teamed up with pal Harry Nilsson to gently rib vampire movies with a touch more cheek than fang. Mainly, it was just another excuse to hang out and jam, with acting taking a backseat to the fun. When it comes to over-the-top theatrics, Ringo is unapologetically the ringleader.

Dennis Wilson — Beach Boy with a Manson Connection

Dennis Wilson’s life was like a movie script filled with wild plot twists. He’s the Beach Boy who got tangled up with none other than Charles Manson, a story almost too bizarre to believe. His acting foray amounted to a single credit, a cameo with James Taylor in “Two-Lane Blacktop,” which wasn’t exactly a highway to stardom. Dennis’ on-screen time was about as memorable as a sandcastle at high tide—there one moment and gone the next.

Tom Petty — The Laid-Back Rocker without Acting Petty

The man, the myth, the Petty. Tom Petty proved that you could steal hearts with music that’s like your favorite rocking chair—comfortable, familiar, and always there when you need it. But when it came to acting, let’s say Tom should’ve just “backed down.” Petty’s acting ventures were like a favorite uncle in a holiday play: you’re not sure if it’s good, but you love it anyway because, well, it’s Uncle Tom up there giving it his all.