Hold onto your headphones, folks, because we’re about to dive deep into a side of Hollywood you might never have suspected! It’s common knowledge that some of our favorite stars, like Jennifer Lopez or Justin Timberlake, effortlessly conquer both the silver screen and the stage. But what if we told you there’s a whole other universe of actors who secretly moonlighted as musicians, dabbling in everything from pop to rap to blues? Get ready to have your mind blown, because this isn’t your average karaoke night; these A-listers actually dropped albums and hit singles!
Think back to the golden age of Old Hollywood, when being a ‘triple threat’ – singing, dancing, and acting – was practically a prerequisite for stardom. While those days might seem long gone, the urge for performers to explore multiple creative outlets is clearly alive and well. Sometimes these ventures led to chart-topping success and critical acclaim, while other times, well, let’s just say they were more of a passion project than a path to a Grammy. But no matter the outcome, each story is a fascinating peek behind the curtain of celebrity ambition.
We’ve rounded up a stellar list of actors whose musical escapades might just make you do a double-take. From those who were surprisingly successful (especially overseas!) to others whose attempts flew completely under the radar, prepare to discover the hidden talents and daring risks taken by some of the biggest names in entertainment. You might even find a new old favorite to add to your playlist. Let’s get this show on the road and uncover which of your beloved celebs tried their hand at belting out a few tunes or even crafting entire albums!
1. **Lindsay Lohan: From Mean Girl to Pop Princess?**Remember when Lindsay Lohan was at the absolute peak of her ’00s fame? Between starring in iconic films like *Mean Girls* and *Freaky Friday*, it might seem like her plate was full. But for anyone who grew up in that era, it’s actually common knowledge that Lindsay had a semi-successful music career bubbling beneath the surface, even if many younger fans have no idea about it now.
Her journey into the music world started early, with a five-album production deal signed with Emilio and Gloria Estefan in 2002. While her debut album took a couple of years to materialize, she did release some memorable singles that got us grooving, including “Ultimate” from *Freaky Friday* and “Drama Queen (That Girl)” from *Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen*. These tracks gave us a taste of what was to come from the budding pop star.
December 2004 saw the release of her debut album, *Speak*, hitting shelves just months after her massive breakout role in *Mean Girls*. The lead single, “Rumors,” was a direct and powerful response to the relentless paparazzi presence that had already started to plague her life, even as a teenager. Imagine being so young and already under such intense scrutiny – it definitely gave her plenty of material, and honestly, she totally gave them lucrative content over the years, for better or worse!
*Speak* garnered mixed reviews from critics; some praised Lohan’s undeniable talent and saw her as a viable competitor to her pop contemporaries, while others felt the album was rushed and a bit too “prefab” pop. Despite the varied reception, Lindsay didn’t slow down, quickly following up with her sophomore album, *A Little More Personal (Raw)*. This second studio effort surprisingly received better reviews than her debut, with critics commending her ambition and raw honesty, especially on the single “Confessions of a Broken Heart (Daughter to Father),” a deeply emotional letter to her father, Michael Lohan, during a complicated time in their relationship. After this, she shifted focus back to acting, but her musical ventures certainly left a mark on the pop landscape of the early 2000s.
2. **Taryn Manning: From Pennsatucky to Electro-Pop Diva**If you know Taryn Manning, it’s probably as the unforgettable Pennsatucky from Netflix’s smash hit *Orange Is The New Black*. But years before she was gracing our screens as a fan-favorite inmate, Taryn was making waves in the music scene! You might be surprised to learn that she was the captivating vocalist for an electronic duo called Boomkat, and while the name itself might not immediately ring a bell, chances are you’ve definitely heard their tunes.
In the early 2000s, Taryn was already building an impressive filmography, starring alongside big names in movies like *Crazy/Beautiful* with Kirsten Dunst, *Crossroads* with Britney Spears, and *8 Mile* with Eminem. She even earned rave reviews for her role in the Oscar-winning film *Hustle & Flow* in 2005. While she was busy making a name for herself onscreen, Taryn and her brother Kellin were hard at work forming Boomkat.
The duo initially signed a major label deal with Randy Jackson, which unfortunately didn’t pan out. However, they soon landed a deal with DreamWorks Records, and that’s when things really started to take off for Boomkat. Their songs quickly gained traction, appearing in prominent campaigns for Gap and being featured in popular films like *The Hot Chick*, *Crossroads*, and, you guessed it, *8 Mile*.
One song you almost certainly recognize, even if you didn’t know it was Boomkat, is their energetic cover of Blondie’s “Rip Her To Shreds.” This track famously played at the very beginning of *Mean Girls*, perfectly setting the scene as Cady Heron (also played by an actor-turned-singer, Lindsay Lohan, coincidentally!) navigated her tumultuous first day at a new high school. The duo released two studio albums: *Boomkatalog.One* in 2003, which received pretty favorable reviews, and *A Million Trillion Stars* in 2009. While the second album flew a bit under the radar, mostly gaining attention on MySpace (throwback, anyone?), Boomkat never officially split, though it’s been years since we’ve heard new music from them. We’re still holding out hope for a surprise comeback!
3. **Tom Hardy: From Bane to Unreleased Rapper**Okay, prepare yourselves, because this one is truly wild. Tom Hardy, the brooding, intense, Oscar-nominated actor known for powerhouse roles in *Inception*, *The Dark Knight Rises*, and *Mad Max: Fury Road*, having a music career? Sure, maybe a brooding rock star, right? Wrong! He was a rapper! Seriously, a rapper. It’s hilariously unexpected and undeniably confusing, but absolutely true.
Before he blew up into the international superstar he is today, Tom actually started his career as a model, winning a contest on England’s *The Big Breakfast* in 1998, and then got his acting start in the HBO-BBC miniseries *Band of Brothers*. But nestled between modeling and acting, Tom was an aspiring rapper, performing alongside his friend Edward Tracy under the delightfully catchy name Tommy No 1 + Eddie Too Tall. They even recorded a mixtape in 1999 called *Falling On Your Arse In 1999*.
While that mixtape was never officially released at the time, Tom has openly joked about his short-lived rap career, candidly acknowledging that “nobody wanted to hear a privileged white boy rapping.” Fast forward to 2018, and that previously-unreleased 18-track EP finally made its way onto the internet, uploaded by Edward Tracy, aka “Eddie Too Tall,” to Bandcamp for the world to discover and enjoy. The internet, bless its heart, truly never forgets.
So, was Tom a lyrical genius? Not exactly, but the consensus is that he really wasn’t that bad either! You might even find yourself nodding along. Who knows, maybe if he had stuck with it, he could have been the next Eminem… or probably not. But given his immense talent, if he had truly wanted that rap career to work out, he very well could have made it happen. It’s just another layer to the enigmatic persona of Tom Hardy.
4. **Bruce Willis: Yippee Ki-Yay, It’s a Blues Singer!**When you think of Bruce Willis, you probably picture him as an unstoppable action hero, saving the day with a smirk and a witty one-liner in films like *Die Hard*, *The Fifth Element*, and *Armageddon*. But beneath that tough exterior lies a surprising passion for music – a passion so strong that he actually released a couple of albums! And guess what? They’re surprisingly decent.
Bruce’s musical journey kicked off in 1987 when he dropped his debut studio album, *The Return of Bruno*, with Motown Records. This wasn’t just some vanity project; it was a cool mix of R&B and blues that showcased a different side of the star. The lead single, “Respect Yourself,” even featured June Pointer of The Pointer Sisters and was a genuine hit, debuting in the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself received mixed reviews, but that didn’t stop him.
Just a couple of years later, in 1989, Bruce followed up with *If It Don’t Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger*, also under the Motown label. While reviews were, yet again, mixed and perhaps a little less favorable this time, it was clear Bruce had a genuine love for playing the harmonica. Critics might have suggested he stick to acting, but they also commended him for sticking to the music he truly loved, rather than chasing fleeting trends. That dedication is something we can all appreciate.
While *If It Don’t Kill You* marked his last full studio album, Bruce has popped back into the music scene several times over the years. He contributed songs to soundtracks for his own films like *Moonlighting*, *Hudson Hawk*, *The Whole Nine Yards*, and even the animated classic *Rugrats Go Wild*. He also appeared on the track “Free Willis (Ruminations from Behind Uncle Bob’s Machine Shop)” on the band Blues Traveler’s album *North Hollywood Shootout*. It’s clear his music career was always more of a passion project, and honestly, if you love doing it, why not keep making music?
5. **Alyssa Milano: The American Star Who Was “Big In Japan”**Prepare for a truly mind-boggling revelation: Alyssa Milano, the beloved star of *Charmed* and *Who’s The Boss*, wasn’t just big in America – she was, quite literally, “Big In Japan”! Her music career never quite found its footing stateside, but in Asia, particularly Japan, Alyssa was a bonafide pop sensation. Bet you didn’t see that coming, did you?
Over the years, Alyssa released an impressive catalog of music, including four studio albums, a reissue, two compilation albums, two video albums, five music videos, and a whopping 13 singles. That might sound like a lot, and it is, but the surprising part is that most of these releases were exclusive to the Japanese market. While her acting career blossomed, she signed a five-album deal with the Japanese label Pony Canyon, a move that clearly paid off across the Pacific.
Her debut album, *Look In My Heart*, released several singles and landed at a respectable #68 on the Japanese charts. But it was her second album, *Alyssa*, that truly cemented her status, going certified platinum in Japan! She went on to release two more studio albums there, *Locked Inside a Dream* and *Do You See Me?*, before seemingly stepping away from her international music career to focus on acting, notably landing her hit role in *Charmed* in 1998.
So, why the Japan-only phenomenon? Alyssa herself has explained her reasoning, stating that she preferred to release her music where it was genuinely appreciated, rather than risking ridicule in America. And honestly, who can argue with that logic? It’s a fascinating example of a star finding immense success and appreciation for their passion in an unexpected corner of the world. Go, Alyssa, go!
6. **Jennifer Love Hewitt: Following in Footsteps, With a Pop Twist**Speaking of American stars who found unexpected musical fame in Japan, Jennifer Love Hewitt is another actress who hit it big in Asia before attempting to cross over in the United States. JLove, as many lovingly call her, signed her first record deal at just 12 years old, releasing her debut album, *Love Songs*, in 1992. This album, initially exclusive to Japan, eventually saw an American release five years later, giving a glimpse into her early musical ambitions.
Her choice for the album’s lead single was certainly… interesting: a cover of ABBA’s iconic “Dancing Queen.” While it might seem like an unusual way to introduce herself as an artist, it worked wonders in Japan, where Hewitt became a certified pop star. She attributed this success to the Japanese audience’s love for “perky music,” noting that “the poppier the music, the better.” Clearly, she understood her market!
After landing her role on the popular sitcom *Party of Five*, Hewitt signed a new record deal stateside with Atlantic Records. Eager to capitalize on her rising fame, the label rushed out her next album, *Let’s Go Bang* (a rather questionable title for a teenager, but hey, it was the ’90s!). Despite her efforts to juggle both acting and music, the album and its singles failed to make a significant impact on the charts. The same fate met her self-titled third studio album the following year, leading to her being dropped from Atlantic.
Undeterred, Jennifer continued to dabble in music, recording the song “How Do I Deal” for the soundtrack of her teen horror flick, *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, in 1999. In 2002, she signed yet another record deal, this time with Jive, and released her fourth album, *BareNaked*. This album proved more successful than her previous attempts, with the lead single, also titled “BareNaked,” charting on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100, Adult Top 40, and Top 40 Mainstream charts. While she’s mostly focused on acting in recent years, JLove has hinted at a country album in the past, proving her love for music runs deep. Who knows what other genres she might conquer next!
7. **Eddie Murphy: The Comedy King Who Rocked the Charts**Many know Eddie Murphy as a legendary comedian and one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, but what if we told you he also boasts one of the more surprisingly successful music careers on this list? That’s right, the man who brought us *Beverly Hills Cop* and *Shrek* actually dabbled quite a bit in music, releasing a total of three studio albums throughout his career. And one of them gave us an absolute banger!
His debut musical album, *How Could It Be*, dropped in 1985 and featured the truly iconic hit single “Party All The Time,” produced by none other than the legendary Rick James. This track was a massive success, reaching an impressive #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, and has since become a cult classic and a club staple in various countries, thanks to its irresistible groove and frequent sampling by other artists. Seriously, try not to dance when it comes on!
However, with great success often comes criticism, and “Party All The Time” received its fair share, even being infamously named one of the “50 Worst Songs of Ever” by *Blender* magazine. Ouch! Undeterred, Eddie released his follow-up album, *So Happy*, in 1989, which featured the singles “Put Your Mouth on Me,” peaking at #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, and “Till the Money’s Gone.” Clearly, his musical journey was far from over.
In 1993, Eddie released his third studio album, *Love’s Alright*. This album, unfortunately, didn’t fare as well, despite featuring a mind-blowing collaboration with the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, on the song “Whatzupwitu.” Even a feature from one of the biggest pop stars in the world couldn’t save this album from tanking on the Billboard charts and failing to make a significant impact. In more recent years, Eddie has returned to music, releasing the reggae-infused single “Red Light” with Snoop Dogg (then Snoop Lion) in 2013, and has reportedly been working on a new album. It just goes to show, once a performer, always a performer, especially when it comes to a true passion!”
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Continuing our epic quest through the secret musical lives of Hollywood’s elite, prepare to be even more surprised! We’ve seen pop stars, blues legends, and even a rapping Bane, but trust us, the rabbit hole of celebrity music careers goes even deeper. Get ready to have your playlists updated with some truly unexpected additions, because these next seven stars prove that talent truly knows no bounds – or genres!
8. **Clint Eastwood: The Dirty Harry of Jazz and Country**When you think “Clint Eastwood,” you likely picture steely-eyed cowboys or legendary directors. Singing? Not usually the first thought! But hold onto your hats, because this icon has been passionately involved in music for years, a side of him many might not know.
Turns out, Clint is a trained pianist and composer, exploring his musical interests early on. He immersed himself in jazz and country, genres perfectly fitting his rugged persona. His first album, *Rawhide’s Clint Eastwood Sings Cowboy Favorites*, dropped all the way back in 1963! Talk about a cool throwback.
His musical prowess doesn’t stop at just singing. Clint has recorded songs for his films, contributing to soundtracks like *Paint Your Wagon*, and he’s also composed the scores for many! Think the evocative music in *Mystic River* and *Million Dollar Baby* – that’s his touch, showing a deep connection between his passions.
Beyond his composing, Clint released three more albums, including the live album *Eastwood After Hours: Live at Carnegie Hall* (1997), which received positive reviews. He also released *Music for the Movies of Clint Eastwood* (2001) and *The Singing Cowboys with Frankie Laine* (2014). He seamlessly blended music with film, earning numerous awards for his scores and proving true artistry spans multiple realms.
9. **Joe Pesci: From Barber to “Little Joe” to Wiseguy Crooner**Here’s another name that probably makes you think intense, Oscar-winning acting rather than melodic tunes: Joe Pesci! That’s right, the guy famous for *Goodfellas* and *My Cousin Vinny* has been passionate about music for decades, long before Hollywood came calling.
Back in the 1960s, before his acting career, Joe was a barber with big dreams, playing guitar in various bands, including Joey Dee and the Starliters. Mind-blowing tidbit: after Pesci left, his spot as guitarist was once filled by none other than the legendary Jimi Hendrix! Talk about incredible company.
Joe eventually stepped into the spotlight, releasing his own studio album in 1968 under the moniker “Little Joe.” Titled *Little Joe Sure Can Sing!*, it was a collection of cover songs, featuring tunes like The Beatles’ “Got to Get You into My Life” and several Bee Gees classics. It was a charming, if under-the-radar, attempt at pop stardom.
His musical journey didn’t end there! In 1998, Joe released another album, completely in character. Titled *Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You*, it came out six years after *My Cousin Vinny* and featured songs like “Yo Cousin Vinny.” As you might expect, this one didn’t get rave reviews, with many calling it a collection of bad jokes. The album mostly fell flat, proving even a beloved character can’t guarantee a musical hit.
10. **Zooey Deschanel: The Indie Darling Who Sang Her Way to a Grammy Nod**Okay, this one might not be a huge shocker if you’re a fan of her whimsical charm and distinctive voice. Zooey Deschanel has been deeply immersed in music for years, proving she’s more than just an actress – she’s a serious musician!
Zooey began exploring music around 2001, as her acting career blossomed. She teamed up with actress Samantha Shelton for a jazz cabaret act in Los Angeles. But her music career truly took flight when she met Matt Ward on the set of *The Go-Getter*. Their collaboration on a song for the film’s end credits was the spark, and the rest is history!
Since that fateful meeting, the duo, known affectionately as She & Him, have released an impressive six studio albums. Their debut, *Volume One*, came out in 2008, and they’ve since charmed audiences with two Christmas albums and a covers album, *Classics*. Their unique blend of indie folk and pop, coupled with Zooey’s enchanting vocals, has earned them critical acclaim.
But wait, there’s more! Zooey is also a Grammy nominee! Her song “So Long” from the 2011 film *Winnie The Pooh* earned a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media. While it lost to “I See The Light” from *Tangled*, the nomination is a testament to her talent. Beyond She & Him, Zooey has lent her voice to numerous film soundtracks, including *Elf* and *(500) Days of Summer*, and even co-wrote and performed the theme song for her hit TV show *New Girl*. She also performed with *Prince*! Talk about iconic collaborations!
11. **Scarlett Johansson: From Black Widow to Sultry Songstress**From one indie darling to another, Scarlett Johansson, global superstar known for Black Widow and her sultry voice, has also ventured into music with unique projects. After years on screen, Scarlett dropped her debut studio album in 2008, taking a bold leap.
Her debut album, *Anywhere I Lay My Head*, was a fascinating collection of Tom Waits covers and one original track, featuring big names like David Bowie. While it got mixed reviews and didn’t hit big on US charts, it found more success in Europe. Some critics found it refreshingly unique, others less impressed. Still, *NME* magazine named it one of their Top 50 Albums of 2008!
Scarlett clearly treats music as a passion project, unafraid to take risks. Her second album was a collaborative project with Pete Yorn, *Break Up*, reportedly inspired by Serge Gainsbourg’s albums with Brigitte Bardot. Reviews were again mixed, but it impressively climbed to #6 on the Billboard US Top Alternative Albums chart, striking a chord with alternative fans.
The musical partnership continued with an EP titled *Apart*. Beyond her albums, Scarlett has lent her distinctive vocals to movie soundtracks, including *Chasing Ice* and the animated film *Sing*. It just goes to show that some stars aren’t content with just one art form – they want to conquer them all!
12. **Penn Badgley: Not Just Gossip Girl, But a Rock Star Too!**Alright, Upper East Siders, this one’s for you! Not only is he THE Gossip Girl (spoiler alert!), but Penn Badgley, known for Dan Humphrey and Joe Goldberg, is also a serious musician. Prepare to see him as a frontman of a band!
Penn’s acting career began early, but *Gossip Girl* truly catapulted him to international fame. He continued acting in films like *Easy A*, all while a secret musical ambition was brewing.
It wasn’t until 2014 that Penn officially moved into music. He formed a band, initially called Mother, and released their debut single, “Easy,” on SoundCloud. Fun fact: they changed their name to MOTHXR (yes, the stylized name can be a bit of a head-scratcher!) due to legal action.
MOTHXR signed a label deal in 2015 and released their debut album, *Centerfold*, in February 2016. While they haven’t taken the industry by storm, they’ve built a solid following and toured with cool acts like San Cisco and The Neighbourhood. For Penn, his music career is a genuine passion project, running parallel to his acting, showing he’s a true artist at heart.
13. **Keanu Reeves: Whoa! The Bassist from Dogstar?**Get ready for another “whoa!” moment, because Keanu Reeves, the enigmatic star of *The Matrix* and *John Wick*, is full of surprises. Before dodging bullets, Keanu dreamed of being a hockey player, but an injury steered him to acting. Turns out, acting wasn’t his only other talent!
For years, Keanu was a founding member of an alternative rock band called Dogstar. Yes, *the* Keanu Reeves was the bassist and provided backing vocals! They released their debut EP, *Quatro Formaggi*, in 1996, followed by two studio albums. While Dogstar never broke mainstream, they had impressive opening acts like Rancid and Weezer. Imagine seeing Keanu play bass before Weezer blew up!
Keanu eventually left the band to focus on his acting career, with their last performance in Japan in 2002. However, the musical bug wasn’t completely shaken off. He and bandmate Robert Mailhouse later reunited in another band named Becky, making a few TV appearances, though this venture was short-lived.
Given his monumental success in films like *Point Break* and *The Matrix*, his movie career has been a tad more successful. But knowing Keanu, he’s never seemed driven by money or praise. He’s that mysterious star who marches to his own drum. Honestly, you could find him busking somewhere, and not only would nobody be surprised, but everyone would probably just join in, because that’s just Keanu!
14. **Brie Larson: From Teen Pop Star to Oscar-Winning Marvel Hero**Talk about a glow-up! From teen actor to aspiring pop star to Oscar-winning actress and Marvel superhero – Brie Larson’s journey is truly inspiring. While many child stars dabble in music, Brie wasn’t just another pretty face trying to make it in pop. Music was a genuine passion, and she co-wrote many of her songs from an early age.
Brie’s love for music blossomed early; she started writing songs by age 11 after learning guitar. She posted original tracks on her website, leading to a record deal with Tommy Mottola from Casablanca Records. In 2005, she released her debut album, *Finally Out Of P.E.*, showcasing her songwriting talents.
Her singles, like “She Said,” were popular on MTV’s *Total Request Live* (remember those days?). She toured with teen heartthrob Jesse McCartney – talk about peak 2000s vibes! She performed in malls and even at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Despite the buzz, the album didn’t achieve the commercial success hoped for.
But hey, when one door closes, another opens, often leading to an Oscar! After smaller movie roles, Brie landed a starring role on *United States of Tara* in 2009, getting serious acting attention. She even sang in *Scott Pilgrim vs. The World*, playing Envy Adams, the badass rock chick. She performed “Black Sheep” with Metric for the soundtrack, proving her musical chops were still alive. So, whether her pop career was a bust or not, who cares? Brie Larson is now an Oscar-winning actress and a literal Marvel hero – that’s an epic win!
**And there you have it, folks!** From legendary action heroes who secretly moonlighted as blues singers, to indie darlings with Grammy nominations, and even a certain Gossip Girl who traded secrets for rock anthems, it’s clear that the stars of Hollywood are full of surprising musical talents. These journeys, whether chart-topping successes or quiet passion projects, remind us that creativity is boundless, and sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead to the most interesting destinations. So next time you’re scrolling through your favorite celeb’s filmography, take a moment to wonder: could they also be secretly rocking out somewhere? You never know what hidden talents are lurking beneath the surface!
