It is no surprise that the theatricality of David Bowie’s stage performance would translate well to the big screen. He has shone in lead roles in films such as The Man Who Fell to Earth and Labyrinth, but he also had the ability to stand out in supporting performances, such as in The Prestige.
Bowie also found himself on the TV screen with roles in shows like Extras and Dream On, and in 2003, he even won a Daytime Emmy! David Bowie is one of those musicians who has an indomitable presence on the stage, and it’s no different on set either. Whether you’re listening to his music on the radio or watching him on TV, you’ll enjoy what he adds to both music and the screen!
The Grammy-winning pop icon and pop cultural figure, Madonna, has made her name known to the media with popular songs, such as “Like A Prayer,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” and “Vogue.” She has a provocative persona that is unforgettable.
Besides music, she’s also acted in a few movie roles. In 1996, Evita stars Madonna as Evita Peron in a musical film that follows the life of the Argentinian actress. The musician also acted in A League of Their Own, Who’s That Girl?, and Swept Away.
The emotion Jennifer Hudson brings to her music career is just as moving in her film performances. She is probably best remembered for Dreamgirls, a role that would earn her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. And who could forget her scrubbing blood off the street in Chi-raq?
Her recent film stint is in the movie Respect, a biopic about Aretha Franklin’s career. Hudson plays Franklin herself and brings the legendary artist to life with her powerful voice and acting presence. Jennifer Hudson has won many notable awards, and if you’ve seen her work, you’ll know they’re well-earned!
There’s likely no one today who doesn’t know the name Harry Styles. You may have known him from the band, One Direction, or as a solo artist. He has many hit songs, including “Watermelon Sugar,” “As It Was,” and “Sign of the Times.” His fans adore him and his catchy music.
Starting in 2017, the musician started acting, and it was an unexpected surprise. First, he starred in Dunkirk, a historical war thriller film, followed by a brief appearance in the MCU film Eternals, and, recently, in Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman.
Ice Cube is known as many things - rapper, producer, songwriter, and influential hip-hop figure - and now there’s one more title to add to his notable repertoire: actor. He’s in many comedy movies that have stood the test of time: Friday, Ride Along, Are We There Yet?, and 21 Jump Street.
He has a powerful persona and presence as a musician, actor, and media figure. Ice Cube has many talents, and there’s no stopping him from solidifying his skills in entertainment mediums. If you find him on screen, or hear one of his many songs, you’re sure to find something of his you’ll like.
Rihanna has a wonderful voice with a bit of raspiness to it; you can’t help but love it! You probably know some of her hit songs, “Umbrella " and “Love on the Brain.” She also created two beautiful songs for the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, called “Lift Me Up” and “Born Again.”
Besides music, Rihanna also stars in a few films. She’s in the 2025 film Smurfs, where she voices Smurfette. She was a voice actor in the adorable film Home and had roles in Ocean’s Eight and Battleship. She’s acted in more than those movies, but it’s safe to say that Rihanna is multi-talented!
Though we'll always hold The Love Guru against him, Justin Timberlake brought his comedic charm to movies such as Friends with Benefits and Bad Teacher. Timberlake’s finest role is undoubtedly that of Napster founder Sean Parker in the critically acclaimed The Social Network.
Justin’s latest acting role was in Netflix’s Reptile, and he reprised his role as Branch in the 2023 animated film Trolls Band Together. Frankly, acting isn’t what I expected to see from Justin, but he has an aptitude for it! If he’s singing on a stage or acting in a film, he’s bound to catch your eye!
Queen Latifah is an American actress, singer, and rapper who is likely known for a few of her films, such as Girls Trip and Bringing Down the House, or for the show The Equalizer. If you lean toward her music more, then you probably know her for songs including “U.N.I.T.Y” and “Just Another Day…”
The prominent hip-hop artist even won a Grammy for her single “U.N.I.T.Y” in the Best Rap Solo Performance category, beating Snoop Dogg himself! Latifah has also played in several musicals, including The Little Mermaid Live! and the musical film Chicago. Queen Latifah has numerous works that display her talent, so enjoying her voice and her presence on screen is attainable for anyone wishing to see some skills!
Reba McEntire is an extremely successful country music artist. In the 1980s and ‘90s, she was considered the most successful female country music artist, and since then, she has sold over 75 million records across the globe. Singing country music isn’t her only strong suit, though.
She has starred in several popular movies and TV shows. The show most people may know her from is Reba. Then there’s Happy’s Place, Young Sheldon, Tremors, and even The Little Rascals. It appears her forte is sitcoms, and she definitely does a bang-up job in them!
The King of Rock and Roll. We all know him from parents, grandparents, or the fact that he is still a prominent figure in the modern world. You can’t escape his legacy! You likely know him from his many hit songs, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “In the Ghetto,” and many more.
If you know Elvis’s career like the back of your hand, then you know that he didn’t just sing but also act. The renowned singer was in many films, such as Frankie and Johnny, G.I. Blues, King Creole, and Blue Hawaii. Even if Elvis isn’t your cup of tea, you can’t deny the man had talent! If you’re new to the name Elvis Presley, but really who is, then you have many mediums to discover him from!
Also known as Childish Gambino, Donald Glover is many things: actor, comedian, musician, and filmmaker. At the young age of 23, Tina Fey hired him to write for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock, which solidified his career and established what he’s most known for as an actor.
Childish Gambino's music is unique and eclectic. Some titles you may recognize are “This is America,” “Redbone,” and “Me and Your Mama.” Films and shows you will likely recognize him from are Community, The Lion King, the 2024 series Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Martian, etc. If you’re just hearing about Donald Glover, do yourself a favor and check out some of his work; you won’t be disappointed!
Hugh Laurie is famously known for his captivating role in the medical drama television series House. He’s also been in Stuart Little, The Night Manager, Tomorrowland, and more. If you know Laurie for his acting roles, then you may not know him for his catchy tunes.
He’s not just an actor and comedian, but also a singer and musician. Laurie has many songs you may or may not have heard: “Unchain My Heart,” “Kiss of Fire,” “You Don’t Know My Mind,” etc. When you finish watching House, you can move over to Spotify or Apple Music and listen to some of Hugh’s music.
Another name most people still know today, Bing Crosby, was the first multimedia star who became the most popular and influential artist of the 20th century worldwide. You either know him from family members or from today’s media, and there’s a reason why his name is still spoken today!
A few movies of his are White Christmas, High Society, and The Bells of St. Mary’s. Some songs you probably know him from, but didn’t realize it, are “White Christmas,” Mele Kalikimake,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” If you couldn’t tell by the song titles, Crosby has made some Christmas bangers! If his songs don’t hit the spot, check out his films, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the talent.
Jumping across the pond here, Johnny Flynn is a British actor and musician who is known for his roles as David Bowie in the film Stardust, Mr. Knightley in Emma, and a young Nicholas Winton in the film One Life. He also starred in the Netflix sitcom Lovesick.
It’s obvious Flynn has set the foundations for his acting career, but what about his singing career? Well, he’s made a name for himself as a folk-rock artist! Some of his songs include “Detectorists,” “Song with no Name,” and “The Sun Also Rises.” If American talent isn’t enough, check out Johnny Flynn and his successful career!
Probably one of the most dazzling and impressive stage presences in modern times is Lady Gaga. She knows how to command a stage and grab her audience’s attention. If you know the name, it’s probably from a few of her hit songs, such as “Bad Romance,” “Poker Face,” or her latest single “Abracadabra.”
In recent years, Gaga has dabbled in acting, and no surprise, she’s great at it! She’s been in The House of Gucci, Kingsman: The Secret Service, and her latest role was in Joker: Folie à Deux. Her recent film combined both her skills, singing and acting, into one pleasing blend of talent.
