15 Famous Actors Who Rock the Music World

Lights, camera, action—and a bit of music! Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars aren’t just talented on screen; they also rock the stage with impressive musical skills. These actors have seamlessly blended their acting prowess with their musical passions, creating remarkable careers that span both realms. Here are some famous actors who’ve also made their mark in the music industry.

Ben Barnes

Ben Barnes, known for his role as Prince Caspian, is also a talented vocalist. He has performed on soundtracks for films such as Killing Bono and Jackie & Ryan. Additionally, he shares singing clips on Instagram and released a five-track EP in 2021 titled Songs For You, described as a blue-eyed soul with a crooning piano vibe.

Fred Armisen

Famed for his musical sketches and impressions, Fred Armisen also excels as a musician—his classic SNL skit with Dave Grohl and his Netflix unique showcase of his drumming talent. Armisen recorded the Dirty Dishes EP with Adam Pally and Zoe Lister-Jones, featuring songs from the film Band-Aid. Check out his 2011 performance at New York’s now-closed Other Music store.

Scarlett Johansson

Beyond her iconic roles in blockbuster films, Johansson has also dabbled in the music industry. With a sultry voice, she released two albums showcasing her indie-folk style. Collaborating with artists like Pete Yorn, Johansson brought a fresh perspective to the music scene. Her musical endeavors reveal a softer, more reflective side to the star.

Jeff Bridges

After winning a Best Actor Oscar for Crazy Heart—with six of his songs—he was led to the release of a self-titled Americana album. The album has since then sold over 300,000 copies and reached Billboard’s Top Albums chart, with contributions from T Bone Burnett, Roseanne Cash, and Marc Ribot. In 2015, he shifted dramatically with Sleeping Tapes, a spoken word album.

Minnie Driver

Amid her roles in projects like Gross Pointe Blank and TV’s The Riches, Minnie Driver has released three albums over the past twenty years. Her albums showcase a rootsy, folksy style, beginning with her original compositions. The 2014 album Beloved features her elegant covers of songs by Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder, Neil Finn, and a rustic version of The Killers’ “Human.” 

Zoë Kravitz

With a rock legend like Lenny Kravitz as her father, it’s no surprise that Zoe Kravitz has music in her blood. Yet, she has taken a different path with two albums and two EPs created with drummer/producer Jimmy Giannopoulos under Lolawolf. Their R&B and electro-pop blend, marked by quirky elements, was released on an indie label. Their latest album, Tenderness, was released in 2020.

Hugh Jackman

He’s famous for his roles in action films and a celebrated musical theater performer. His love for the stage shines through in performances like “The Greatest Showman” and “Les Misérables.” Jackman’s ability to switch from Wolverine to Broadway star is awe-inspiring. His powerful singing voice adds another dimension to his already remarkable career.

Juliette Lewis

Juliette Lewis, known for her intense roles in Cape Fear and Yellowjackets, has channeled that energy into her hard rock band, Juliette and the Licks. In the 2000s, the band released one EP and two albums. Lewis also produced two solo albums and the 2009 “Terra Incognita” with the Mars Volta’s Rodríguez-López brothers. The band has performed at numerous major European festivals.

Jennifer Lopez

Also known as J.Lo, Jennifer Lopez is a global superstar who seamlessly blends her acting and music careers. As one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, Lopez has released numerous chart-topping albums that have earned her international fame. Her music features pop and R&B to Latin influences, solidifying her as a multi-talented star.

Steve Martin

Best recognized for his comedy and hit stand-up albums from the ’70s, Steve Martin has also made a mark as a banjo player. Since 2009, he’s released six No. 1 bluegrass albums on Billboard that earned six Grammy nominations, three wins for his 2009 album “The Crow” and the 2013 release with Edie Brickell, “Love Has Come For You.”

Kiefer Sutherland

As the vampire gang leader and counter-terrorist agent from “24,” Keifer Sutherland has a strong passion for country music. Since 2016, the actor has released three records, with “Reckless & Me” topping the U.K. Country charts and hit No. 3 in Scotland. He’s performed nearly 200 concerts across North America and Europe and directed Lifehouse’s “Broken” video.

Kate Hudson 

The iconic actress Kate Hudson first explored music with her role in the 2021 film “Music,” written by Sia. Known for her Oscar-nominated performance in “Almost Famous” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” Hudson officially launched her music career in 2024 with “Talk About Love” and “Live Forever.” Her debut album, “Glorious,” was released on May 18.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has showcased her singing talent in films like “Joyful Noise” and “Grease! Live.” Her debut album, “So Uncool,” reached No. 85 on the Billboard R&B charts in 2007. She’s since released new music, the 2020 EPs “Virgo Tendencies, Pt. 1” and “Pt. 2.” Palmer is also part of the girl group Diva Gurl with three other singers.

Jared Leto

Rising to fame on the ’90s teen drama “My So-Called Life,” Jared Leto later teamed up with his brother Shannon to form Thirty Seconds to Mars. Since the early 2000s, the band has released several albums. Leto earned an Oscar for “Dallas Buyers Club,” and the band’s 2009 single “Kings and Queens” stood out.

Eddie Murphy 

Ranking as one of our time’s most successful comedic actors, Eddie Murphy has a portfolio of modern classics like “Coming to America” and the “Shrek” trilogy. Beyond his acclaimed comedy and SNL years, he’s also a musician with five albums since 1985. His single “Party All the Time” hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.