Actors Who Are Secretly Musicians

As a total movie buff, I’ve always been amazed by actors who can do more than just act. It turns out a lot of the big names are seriously talented musicians too! Some play in bands, tour, or even record albums – it’s like they have a whole secret life outside of Hollywood. For some, it’s just a fun hobby to do when they’re not filming, but others have actually become really successful musicians in their own right. They cover all sorts of genres, from jazz and blues to indie rock and country, and they’re genuinely good – playing instruments, singing, the whole nine yards. I’ve put together a list of actors who’ve really made a name for themselves in the music world alongside their film careers, and it’s pretty impressive.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling isn’t just an actor – he’s also one half of the indie rock band Dead Man’s Bones. He formed the duo with Zach Shields in 2007, and they released their first and only album in 2009. Gosling played vocals, piano, and bass on the album, which notably included performances by the Silverlake Conservatory Children’s Choir. Their concerts were unique, often featuring puppet shows and talent contests. The band hasn’t released any new music since that first album.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves played bass guitar in the alternative rock band Dogstar throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. The band released two albums – ‘Our Little Visionary’ and ‘Happy Ending’ – and then took a long break. In 2023, they got back together and released their third album, ‘Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees’. Reeves has often performed live with Dogstar, both on international tours and at large music festivals. Music continues to be an important creative outlet for him, alongside his acting career.

Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum is also a dedicated jazz pianist who leads his own band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. They frequently play at places like Rockwell Table & Stage in Los Angeles and have toured the world. In 2018, Goldblum signed a record deal with Decca Records and released his first album, ‘The Capitol Studios Sessions’. He’s since released two more albums, ‘I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This’ and ‘Plays Well with Others’, both of which include songs with guest singers. Goldblum is known for adding funny stories and improvisation to his live shows.

Steve Martin

Steve Martin is an award-winning banjo player who started using the instrument as part of his comedy routines. He later became a dedicated bluegrass musician, releasing several albums, including ‘The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo’ which won a Grammy. He regularly performs and records with the band The Steep Canyon Rangers, and also co-wrote the musical ‘Bright Star’ with Edie Brickell.

Hugh Laurie

I’ve always been amazed by Hugh Laurie – he’s so much more than just an actor! It’s incredible to me that he’s a seriously skilled, classically trained pianist and singer. He’s actually released two really fantastic blues albums! His first, ‘Let Them Talk’ from 2011, was full of beautiful interpretations of classic New Orleans blues. Then, in 2013, he followed it up with ‘Didn’t It Rain,’ which showed off his love for all kinds of American roots music. I’ve read he’s toured all over with ‘The Copper Bottom Band,’ and you can really feel his deep respect for the history of jazz and blues in everything he plays. He’s a true musician!

Joe Keery

Joe Keery, known for his acting, also creates music as ‘Djo’. His music blends psychedelic pop with electronic sounds. Before starting his solo project, he played guitar and sang in the Chicago band ‘Post Animal’. He released his first solo album, ‘Twenty Twenty’, in 2019, and followed it up with the well-received ‘Decide’ in 2022. His song ‘End of Beginning’ went viral and became a hit around the world. Keery continues to write and record music independently, alongside his acting work, including his role in ‘Stranger Things’.

Michael Cera

In 2014, actor Michael Cera surprised many by releasing a solo album called ‘True That’. It’s an indie-folk record with both instrumental pieces and songs featuring his vocals, showcasing his talent on guitar and piano. Cera is also a musician with other groups; he toured as the bassist for the indie supergroup ‘Mister Heavenly’ and played bass and sang backing vocals on songs by ‘Weezer’. His music, like his acting roles, tends to be subtle and a little quirky.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp is one of the original members of the rock band ‘Hollywood Vampires,’ which also includes Alice Cooper and Joe Perry. The band started in 2015 as a tribute to rock legends who tragically died young due to the excesses of the 1970s. Depp plays several guitar roles – slide, rhythm, and lead – and sings backing vocals on both the band’s albums and during their concerts. They’ve released two albums, including ‘Rise,’ which features songs written by the band members themselves. Beyond the ‘Hollywood Vampires,’ Depp has also played guitar on recordings with artists like Oasis and Marilyn Manson.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is a talented actor who also pursues a career as a DJ and rapper, known as DJ Big Driis and 7Dub. He’s played at famous festivals like Coachella and regularly performs at clubs in Ibiza. In 2015, he released an album called ‘Murdah Loves John’, which tied into his role in the TV show ‘Luther’. Elba also runs his own record label, 7Wallace, to help new musicians. His music style is a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and house music.

Kevin Bacon

Since 1995, Kevin Bacon has performed with his brother Michael as ‘The Bacon Brothers.’ They create a unique sound they call ‘Forosoco,’ which combines elements of folk, rock, soul, and country music. The duo has released more than ten albums, including ‘Play’ and ‘The Way We Love,’ and frequently tours, even playing at famous locations like the Grand Ole Opry. Kevin Bacon contributes vocals and plays instruments like guitar and percussion in the band.

Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard balances a successful acting career with his passion for music, having fronted two indie rock bands. He first gained recognition as the singer and guitarist for Calpurnia, releasing their EP ‘Scout’ in 2018. After Calpurnia disbanded, he formed The Aubreys, a duo known for its blend of garage and psychedelic rock. Their first album, ‘Karaoke Alone’, came out in 2021, and Wolfhard’s music has also appeared in several independent films.

Jack Black

Jack Black is one half of the comedic rock duo Tenacious D, which he formed with Kyle Gass in 1994. They became well-known with their first album and the popular song ‘Tribute’. The band also made a movie called ‘Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny’, a funny take on how they got their start. They even won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance with their cover of ‘The Last in Line’. Jack Black’s powerful vocals and guitar playing are key parts of what makes Tenacious D unique.

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner isn’t just an actor – he’s also a musician! He writes and performs his own songs, playing multiple instruments. He’s released a couple of projects recently, including the EPs ‘The Medicine’ and ‘Live For Now’, which combine rock and pop sounds with his distinctive voice and piano playing. He’s even contributed music to films like ‘Arctic Dogs’ and regularly shares his music-making process with fans online.

Penn Badgley

Penn Badgley is the singer for the indie pop band MOTHXR, based in Brooklyn, New York. They released their first album, ‘Centrefold,’ in 2016, recording it in different cities whenever Badgley had breaks from filming. Their music combines elements of electronic sounds, R&B, and synth-pop. Badgley sings lead vocals, and the band has toured the world and played at major music festivals. He sees making music as a vital creative passion alongside his acting work, like his role in the series ‘You’.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto fronts the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars as the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and main songwriter. He formed the band with his brother, Shannon Leto, in 1998, and they’ve since released several highly successful albums like ‘A Beautiful Lie’ and ‘This Is War’. The band has earned multiple MTV Video Music Awards and even set a Guinness World Record for the longest concert tour ever by a rock band. Jared Leto often directs their music videos using the name Bartholomew Cubbins. Thirty Seconds to Mars continues to create new music and perform at large music festivals around the world.

Dennis Quaid

You might know Dennis Quaid as an actor, but I’m a big fan of his other passion: music! He’s the frontman for a rock and roll band called Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, which he started way back in 2000. They play a really fun mix of original songs and classic rock covers – think Jerry Lee Lewis and that vibe. It took almost twenty years, but they finally released their first studio album, ‘Out of the Box,’ in 2018. I’ve seen them live a few times, and they’re fantastic – Dennis sings lead and plays acoustic guitar, and they put on a really energetic show. They’ve been touring all over the US, playing festivals and a lot of charity events, which is awesome.

Robert Downey Jr.

In 2004, Robert Downey Jr. surprised many by releasing a complete studio album called ‘The Futurist’. The album is a blend of jazz and pop, featuring eight songs he wrote himself, along with some cover versions. Downey Jr. not only sings lead vocals but also plays the piano, revealing a hidden musical talent. Although he hasn’t released another full album since, he has lent his voice to movie soundtracks, such as ‘The Singing Detective’. This musical side of his career is often overshadowed by his success in film.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin, known for his role in ‘Stranger Things’, is also building a career as an R&B singer. He started releasing music in 2021 with his first single, ‘Neighborhood’, and has since released songs like ‘Soul Travel’. He’s involved in the visual side of his music too, often choreographing his own music videos, drawing on his background in dance. His songs blend modern R&B sounds with lyrics that are personal and relatable, and he continues to create music whenever his schedule allows between acting projects.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe has been making music since the 1980s, initially performing as Russ le Roq. He later fronted the rock band ’30 Odd Foot of Grunts’ as their singer and guitarist. More recently, he collaborated with Alan Doyle in the band ‘The Ordinary Fear of God’. Crowe has released several albums, including ‘Gaslight’ and ‘My Hand, My Heart’, and still performs concerts around the world. His music blends folk and rock styles, often drawing on his own life experiences for lyrical inspiration.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland launched a music career in 2016 with his first country album, ‘Down in a Hole’. He followed up with ‘Reckless & Me’ in 2019, which did well on the UK country music charts. Sutherland also co-founded Ironworks, a record label dedicated to supporting a variety of artists. He regularly tours with his band, playing at large venues and festivals like Glastonbury. His songs are inspired by classic outlaw country and Americana styles.

Share which of these talented actor-musicians has your favorite sound in the comments.

2026-02-13 00:56