22 Famous Actors Who Secretly Have Incredible Singing Voices

22 Famous Actors Who Secretly Have Incredible Singing Voices

Hollywood is full of surprises, especially when it comes to hidden talents. Many actors who dazzle us on screen also possess amazing singing voices that often go unnoticed. These stars have mastered both acting and singing, yet their vocal abilities remain somewhat of a secret to mainstream audiences. Get ready to be amazed by these familiar faces who can belt out tunes just as impressively as they can deliver dramatic performances.

1. Scarlett Johansson

Audiences may know Scarlett Johansson best for her roles in action-packed blockbusters and emotional dramas, but her creative reach extends into music. Her distinctively husky voice translates beautifully into a singing style that’s both moody and compelling.

She surprised many when she released the album Anywhere I Lay My Head, a collection of Tom Waits covers that showcased her willingness to take musical risks. Later, her collaboration on Break Up with Pete Yorn further confirmed her dedication to recording.

Unlike casual celebrity dabbling, Johansson’s projects reveal a serious commitment to exploring music, blending indie sensibilities with unexpected emotional depth.

2. Sarah Hyland

While Sarah Hyland became a household name through Modern Family, her talents reach far beyond witty sitcom timing. Behind her comedic delivery lies a voice trained for musical theater and ready for demanding melodies.

She has taken on roles in televised musicals such as Dirty Dancing and Hair, where her vocals revealed surprising strength and versatility. These performances proved she could hold her own in productions requiring more than acting alone.

For fans used to seeing her in lighthearted roles, her ability to step into dramatic musical performances underscores a range that feels both refreshing and impressive.

3. Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson first captivated audiences as Edward Cullen in Twilight, but his involvement in the franchise included more than brooding stares. He quietly contributed songs to the soundtrack, revealing a rich and soulful singing voice.

Fans discovered his ability to perform tender, indie-style ballads, with his understated approach adding a raw authenticity to the tracks. Unlike some actors, he avoids flashy presentation, choosing music that feels intimate and personal.

Beyond film, he has occasionally performed in small settings, reinforcing his genuine passion for songwriting and singing. His musicality offers another side of a star often known for enigmatic roles.

4. Angelina Jolie

The Oscar-winning actress is celebrated worldwide for her dramatic intensity, but few realize she has also pursued singing—mostly in private. Jolie herself has admitted she once stopped singing altogether after criticism from a past relationship left her doubting her abilities.

That changed when she took on the role of opera legend Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic Maria. To prepare, she trained extensively in opera and recorded vocals that will be blended with archival recordings of Callas for the film’s soundtrack.

For an actress long associated with powerful screen presence rather than musicality, stepping into the shoes of one of history’s greatest sopranos marks an unexpected and fascinating new chapter in her career.

5. Maya Rudolph

Comedy has long been Maya Rudolph’s calling card, yet her background in music is equally remarkable. She grew up immersed in sound as the daughter of singer Minnie Riperton and developed a natural flair for performance.

Her time on Saturday Night Live often showcased her powerful pipes, especially when sketch material demanded bold parodies or soaring vocals. These comedic moments hinted at a skillset much larger than casual impressions.

Offscreen, Rudolph has performed with bands and contributed musically to various projects. Her strong, soulful voice reveals she is not just a comedian but a seasoned vocalist in her own right.

6. Sterling K. Brown

Audiences usually connect Sterling K. Brown with emotionally charged performances, but his turn in Frozen 2 uncovered another side. Lending his voice to Lieutenant Mattias, he delivered not only dialogue but also music.

His warm baritone brought unexpected depth to the animated feature, capturing attention with its rich texture. Viewers who had never heard him sing before were genuinely impressed by the control and power behind his performance.

Though he hasn’t pursued singing as a career, Brown’s brief showcase proved his versatility. It revealed how seamlessly he can transition from dramatic roles to musical expression.

7. Emmy Rossum

Emmy Rossum’s career might be defined for many by her gritty role in Shameless, but her roots lie in music. She trained as a child at the Metropolitan Opera, performing in more than 20 operas before adulthood.

That classical background set her apart when she starred in The Phantom of the Opera, where her soaring soprano stunned audiences. The role required technical precision and emotional delivery, both of which she handled with elegance.

Rossum later pursued a pop-inspired solo album, blending her operatic training with contemporary style. The result highlighted her unusual range, crossing seamlessly between genres with confidence.

8. Jason Sudeikis

Comedy often dominates discussions of Jason Sudeikis’s career, but tucked within that humor lies a surprising musical streak. His years on Saturday Night Live gave him opportunities to sing in sketches.

What many didn’t expect was how naturally he handled these moments. Instead of simply playing for laughs, his vocal delivery often displayed real musicality, demonstrating pitch accuracy and an easy confidence.

He has occasionally carried this talent beyond comedy, appearing in live performances and benefit events. Each time, audiences discover anew that Sudeikis is more than a comedian—he’s a capable singer as well.

9. Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler is often cast as the rugged hero, so his turn in The Phantom of the Opera caught audiences by surprise. He wasn’t trained in musical theater but undertook extensive vocal coaching to tackle the demanding role.

The intensity he brought to the Phantom character translated into raw, imperfect but deeply moving singing. Fans recognized that while not polished, his voice carried an emotional edge that suited the role’s tortured personality.

Since then, Butler has remained associated with that bold attempt, proving he was willing to step far outside his comfort zone and reveal a vulnerable side on screen.

10. Kate Winslet

Few people realize that Kate Winslet, admired worldwide for her dramatic film roles, once ventured into music. In 2001, she recorded the ballad “What If” for Christmas Carol: The Movie.

The track revealed a tender, expressive side to her artistry, surprising listeners with its sincerity. For fans used to her screen presence, the discovery of her singing voice felt refreshingly unexpected.

Winslet has rarely revisited this path, preferring to let the song remain a singular moment in her career. Even so, that brief foray into music left a lasting impression on her admirers.

11. Chris Pine

Chris Pine may be known as Hollywood’s charming leading man, but he also carries a surprising musical gift. In Into the Woods (2014), his duet “Agony” showcased both humor and vocal strength, winning over audiences with effortless theatricality.

The performance revealed a controlled and confident voice, balancing satire with true singing ability. Viewers discovered that the Star Trek star had a hidden talent that extended far beyond action roles.

He expanded that reputation in Disney’s Wish (2023), providing his own vocals for the villain. With each project, Pine proves his artistry includes a credible and engaging singing voice.

12. Joaquin Phoenix

Transforming into Johnny Cash for Walk the Line demanded more than acting; it required mastering Cash’s unmistakable singing style. Phoenix trained rigorously, surprising both critics and fans with his dedication.

The result was a performance that went beyond imitation. His gravelly vocals carried the same weight and pain that defined Cash’s music, winning praise for their authenticity.

Although Phoenix hasn’t pursued a formal singing career, the role cemented him as an actor capable of inhabiting music as fully as character. His singing remains a fascinating extension of his immersive approach to performance.

13. Michael Cera

Known for portraying awkward charmers in indie comedies, Michael Cera’s musical side can be easy to overlook. Yet his soft-spoken presence translates into delicate, surprisingly heartfelt singing.

He released a full-length album, True That, in 2014, filled with lo-fi tracks that emphasized honesty over polish. The quiet vulnerability in his voice appealed to fans of understated folk and indie sounds.

Cera has also performed live, reinforcing his authenticity as a musician. For audiences accustomed to his comedic awkwardness, his ability to write and sing original music revealed a new, sensitive dimension of his artistry.

14. Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson’s bold energy on screen is undeniable, yet many forget she has also contributed musically. Her most memorable vocal performance came in Hustle & Flow, where she sang the hook on “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” The song went on to win an Academy Award, cementing her unexpected role in music history.

That moment showed audiences a different side of Henson. Her voice carried emotion and grit, elevating the track beyond novelty and giving the film’s story an added layer of authenticity.

Music producers who’ve worked with her note her natural sense of rhythm and phrasing – qualities that can’t be taught. While acting ultimately became her primary focus, Taraji maintains her vocal skills and has expressed interest in recording original music that showcases her soulful style.

15. Sarah Jessica Parker

Before she became synonymous with Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker had deep roots in Broadway. As a teenager, she starred in Annie, where her vocal ability was already clear.

Later in her career, Parker revisited music through roles that required singing, including film musicals and special performances. Each appearance reminded audiences that her talents stretch far beyond television drama.

Her voice, while not her most publicized skill, adds texture to her career. For those who only associate her with Carrie Bradshaw’s urban sophistication, discovering her musical past can feel like uncovering a hidden gem.

16. Kerry Washington

Dramatic intensity is Kerry Washington’s hallmark, yet she occasionally surprises fans by stepping confidently into musical territory. Her projects have included moments where her singing revealed both warmth and poise.

Although she hasn’t built a career around music, Washington’s voice has appeared in live performances and special showcases. Audiences who know her primarily from Scandal are often startled by her vocal command.

What makes her singing notable is its seamless connection to her acting style. She channels the same emotional clarity into music, creating performances that feel authentic, intimate, and far richer than casual dabbling.

17. Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.’s magnetic screen presence extends surprisingly well into song. Long before Iron Man, he was performing original music and recording tracks that showcased his warm, soulful voice.

In 2004, he released the album The Futurist, filled with introspective, jazzy tunes that revealed his deep love for music. Though not a mainstream chart hit, the record earned respect for its sincerity.

Downey has also performed live, often catching fans off guard with his smooth phrasing and emotional delivery. It’s a reminder that his artistry is multifaceted, capable of captivating through melody as much as through acting.

18. Daniel Radcliffe

Audiences grew up watching Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, so seeing him leap into musical theater was a revelation. His starring role in Broadway’s How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying demanded strong vocal ability.

Radcliffe delivered with charm and precision, showing that his talents extended far beyond wizardry. The discipline required for live theater made his transition all the more impressive.

Since then, he has continued exploring varied stage work, occasionally revisiting roles that involve singing. His willingness to take risks musically underscores a restless creativity that keeps him from being typecast.

19. Zooey Deschanel

Quirky film roles made Zooey Deschanel famous, but long before New Girl she was already building a reputation in music. Her honeyed, vintage-tinged vocals carry a nostalgic warmth that set her apart.

Forming the indie duo She & Him with M. Ward, she released several albums filled with whimsical, folksy charm. Critics praised her ability to balance modern sensibility with retro influences.

Her singing career proved to be more than a side project—it became a parallel passion. For audiences who only knew her as a comedic actress, her success as a recording artist came as a delightful surprise.

20. Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas built his career on charisma and intensity, but his stage work revealed a powerful vocal gift. His performance in Evita opposite Madonna showcased his commanding tenor, surprising many who knew him only from films.

He later revisited musical roles, even performing The Phantom of the Opera in concert with Sarah Brightman. The strength of his delivery matched his dramatic presence, merging two crafts seamlessly.

Banderas’s singing ability remains a lesser-known dimension of his career, yet those who have heard him perform understand his range. He is a true double talent, equally magnetic in song and cinema.

21. Katey Sagal

Most people remember Katey Sagal as a sitcom icon from Married… with Children, but her first love was music. She worked as a backup vocalist for stars like Bob Dylan and Bette Midler before acting fame arrived.

Her singing voice is rich and soulful, reflecting years of stage and studio experience. She has released solo albums and contributed music to various soundtracks, including those of Sons of Anarchy.

For viewers who only knew her as Peggy Bundy or Leela, discovering her professional music background is eye-opening. Her career proves she’s as accomplished a singer as she is an actress.

22. Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is celebrated for her Oscar-winning acting, but her singing voice proved equally unforgettable. In Les Misérables (2012), she delivered a live, unpolished performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” that stunned audiences worldwide with its aching vulnerability.

The raw intensity of her vocals earned her an Academy Award and revealed a talent few expected from the actress of The Devil Wears Prada. Critics praised the way she merged emotional honesty with musical skill.

Outside of film, Hathaway has demonstrated her voice on stage and television, including memorable moments on Saturday Night Live. Each performance reinforced her musical credibility.