J.Lo has built an incredible career for herself as a singer, but also conquered Hollywood along the way. Her impressive performance in the 2019 film 'Hustlers,' starring other big names like Keke Palmer, Constance Wu, Lili Reinhart, Cardi B, and Julia Stiles, even had Oscar buzz.
Carey had already released seven albums when she starred in 'Glitter' in 2001, which was panned by critics, but she later redeemed her acting chops in 'Precious.'
See also: Famous actors who are also musicians
Justin Timberlake is always remembered first as a musician or comedy actor, but he's trying out his first dramatic role in the film 'Palmer,' a coming-of-age story about an ex-convict who takes care of an abandoned boy, and it's set to be a real tearjerker.
Queen Latifah recently exploded onto the TV scene as the lead role in vigilante drama series 'The Equalizer.' The show is a remake of the 1980s series, which later became a Denzel Washington film franchise, and in it Latifah plays Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who seeks justice for those who can’t find it anywhere else. The show was reportedly created with the pioneering musician in mind as the first female equalizer. According to the Washington Post, Latifah is only the fourth Black woman to headline an hour-long network drama.
Lady Gaga had already made her entrance to Hollywood with 'A Star is Born', but the singer is also in Ridley Scott’s upcoming 'House of Gucci' movie with Adam Driver, who will play Italian fashion heir Maurizio Gucci. Gaga herself will play Gucci’s ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani, who was convicted of plotting his murder in 1995.
The film is based on Sara Gay Forden’s book 'The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed,' and will also star Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, and Al Pacino.
'Hustlers' gained a lot of traction among audiences who are impressed with J-Lo's range. Previously she's had roles in 'Selena,' 'Maid in Manhattan,' 'The Back-up Plan,' 'The Wedding Planner,' and more.
The rapper made her film debut in 'Hustlers,' putting the skills she learned from her previous career as a stripper to good use.
Taylor Swift had already made her grand Hollywood entrance with 'Cats,' but now the pop superstar will be cast in human form in David O. Russell's secretive next film, according to Collider. Little is known about the film except that it is a period piece and also counts numerous other A-listers in its cast including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Rami Malek, John David Washington, Zoe Saldana, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Mike Myers, and Robert De Niro.
On June 3, FXX released a new trailer for season two of their comedy 'Dave' starring Lil Dicky. The show follows a neurotic man in his late 20s who convinces himself he's going to be one of the best rappers of all time, and the trailer for the second season proves it's going to be a star-studded affair. In addition to appearances by Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, Doja Cat makes her TV debut as someone whom Dave sets his sights on. It's uncertain how much screen-time the 'Say So' rapper will get, but it's certainly a new career move.
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is taking his talents to the small screen. The singer is teaming up with 'Euphoria' creator Sam Levinson to co-write, executive produce, and star in an upcoming HBO series called 'The Idol.' According to Variety, the show "follows a female pop singer who starts a romance with an enigmatic L.A. club owner who is the leader of a secret cult." This isn't Tesfaye's first TV gig, however, as he wrote and starred in an episode of the popular animated series 'American Dad' in 2020. He also played himself on the big screen in the critically acclaimed film 'Uncut Gems' (2019).
We all got a taste of Eminem's acting skills with '8 Mile,' but he hasn't had a big acting role since 2002. Now, the rapper is making his return. On August 17, 50 Cent confirmed that Eminem will have a guest starring role in his upcoming Starz drama, 'Black Mafia Family,' which is inspired by the real-life story of brothers Demetrius Flenory and Terry Flenory, founders of the titular drug and money laundering organization. Unlike Eminem's appearances in TV and film of the past years, in things like 'Entourage,' 'The Interview,' and 'Funny People,' he will not be playing himself in 'BMF,' but rather former teenage FBI informant White Boy Rick.
Latin Grammy-winning Bad Bunny has entered the acting arena with a bang, particularly after the first footage of his role in the Brad Pitt-led action thriller 'Bullet Train' screened at the Las Vegas CinemaCon on August 23. Directed by David Leitch ('Atomic Blonde'), the film follows five assassins on a high-speed train whose assigned targets are related, and the cast includes stars Sandra Bullock, Joey King, Andrew Koji, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Zazie Beetz, Michael Shannon, and Logan Lerman. He's also been listed as a cast member in Kevin Hart's upcoming movie 'American Sole.'
The singer appeared in cult films including 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and 'Fight Club.'
Famous musicians who got into acting
Dua Lipa passes on the Met Gala to film her first movie
TV Musicians
Celebrities are often known for doing one thing, whether it's singing, acting, or making some seriously scandalous decisions, but many are secretly capable of much more.
Dua Lipa is currently enjoying worldwide success as a pop star, but she's decided it's time to diversify. She has been cast in her first-ever acting role in the movie 'Argylle.' The upcoming spy thriller will also star Samuel L. Jackson, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, and many more. Dua Lipa is reportedly so busy filming that she has turned down her invitation to the prestigious Met Gala on September 13. Let's hope it'll be worth skipping the biggest fashion event of the year!
Of course, not all musicians who venture on-screen achieve fame, and some indeed find shame, but it takes courage to try something new under the careful eye of critics who are poised to tell them not to quit their day job. Click through to see the artists who took their talents to the big screen.