Black Actors Who Are Secretly Opera Singers

Many popular actors have surprising backgrounds – often with talents extending beyond what we see in movies and TV. In fact, quite a few well-known Black actors actually started their careers with serious training in classical music and opera. They honed skills like breath control and commanding a stage through vocal performance, which then proved invaluable when they moved into film and television. This list celebrates talented male actors who are equally comfortable performing in an opera house or on a movie set.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker first went to the University of Southern California to study opera, initially on a football scholarship. He switched his focus to develop his talent as a classical tenor singer. This vocal training later proved beneficial for his demanding roles in films like ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘Arrival’, helping him build stage presence and endurance. Despite his success as an Academy Award-winning actor, he still loves and appreciates opera.

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume was a talented tenor with formal training from Washington University and the Aspen Music School. He became well-known after taking over the role of the Phantom in the Los Angeles production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ where he demonstrated his impressive vocal abilities. Before starring in popular TV shows like ‘Benson’ and ‘Soap,’ he performed in many musical and opera productions. Throughout his career, his skillful singing technique allowed him to perform even the most challenging musical pieces with grace.

Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson was a celebrated bass-baritone singer known around the world. He had a remarkable career, successfully juggling law, sports, and the performing arts. While he achieved fame for many roles, he’s particularly remembered for his moving performance of ‘Ol’ Man River’ in the musical ‘Show Boat,’ which showcased his rich, operatic voice. Robeson performed in concerts internationally, captivating audiences with his ability to sing in several languages. Throughout the twentieth century, his powerful voice became an iconic symbol of both artistic achievement and the fight for social justice.

Brock Peters

Brock Peters was a talented actor with a rich, deep voice that he used in both movies and musical theater. He’s best known for his moving portrayal of Tom Robinson in the film ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ He started his career in the musical ‘Porgy and Bess’ and also performed in opera during the 1950s and 60s. His vocal training gave him a powerful presence and the ability to convey deep emotion throughout his career.

Avery Brooks

Avery Brooks is a talented and well-educated performer with a background in theater, having previously taught at Rutgers University. He’s a classically trained singer with a powerful baritone voice and has even played the lead role in the opera ‘X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X’. Many viewers of ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’, where he played Captain Benjamin Sisko, were able to appreciate his musical talent. Brooks regularly incorporates his operatic experience into both his stage performances and public concerts.

Norm Lewis

As a huge musical fan, I was blown away when Norm Lewis made history as the first Black Phantom on Broadway – seriously groundbreaking! He’s not just a singer, though; he’s a classically trained baritone, and you can hear that operatic background in everything he does. I especially loved him in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar Live’ – his voice was just incredible, so rich and technically perfect. He’s easily one of the most respected vocalists working today, and for good reason.

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Brian Stokes Mitchell is widely considered one of Broadway’s last classic leading men, thanks to his strong, resonant voice. Throughout his impressive career, he’s performed with renowned symphony orchestras and in opera houses. He earned a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ and has also appeared on TV shows like ‘Mr. Robot’. What makes him special is his ability to seamlessly move between different musical styles, from jazz to opera, showcasing his remarkable vocal control and range.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is well-known for his hilarious acting in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,’ but he’s also an incredibly talented singer with a powerful tenor voice. He has a remarkably wide vocal range, letting him tackle challenging songs from opera and musical theater. Burgess has recorded albums and performed in concerts, showcasing his strong classical training. His ability to hit high notes and sing with impressive flexibility makes him a memorable performer in both stage and film.

Phillip Boykin

I’m a huge fan of Phillip Boykin! He’s an incredibly powerful bass-baritone – his voice is just amazing and has that classic operatic sound. He studied at both the University of Hartford and Westminster Choir College, and you might even recognize him! He was nominated for a Tony Award for playing Crown in ‘The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess,’ which was fantastic. Plus, he’s also been in films like ‘Freedom’ and ‘Top Five,’ so he’s really versatile. He’s consistently working in opera, but he’s clearly talented across so many areas.

Jordan Donica

I’ve been really impressed with Jordan Donica lately – he’s definitely one to watch. He’s already proven himself on Broadway with roles in huge shows like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Hamilton’, where his classically trained voice really shines. He actually honed that skill at Otterbein University, focusing on both classical technique and musical theater performance. Playing Raoul in ‘Phantom’ was a particularly demanding role, requiring a strong operatic voice, and he absolutely delivered. Plus, his appearance on ‘Charmed’ helped introduce him to a much wider audience, and I think a lot more people are going to be noticing his talent soon.

Joshua Henry

Joshua Henry is a highly acclaimed actor and singer, nominated for three Tony Awards for his work in shows like ‘Violet’ and ‘The Scottboro Boys’. He’s known for his incredibly versatile voice, equally comfortable with modern pop music and classic opera. You can hear his impressive range in the movie ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ and in his stage performance of ‘Carousel’. Because of his strong classical training, he can powerfully deliver challenging songs while also bringing deep emotion to his roles.

Quentin Earl Darrington

Quentin Earl Darrington is a Broadway performer known for his powerful, rich voice. He received training at the University of South Florida, building a strong base in classical vocal technique. He’s given memorable performances in shows like ‘Ragtime’ and ‘MJ The Musical,’ and his ability to fill a theater with sound has made him a popular choice for directors working on big musical productions.

Mykal Kilgore

Mykal Kilgore is a talented singer and actor with an extraordinary voice and impressive technical skill. He’s performed in productions like ‘The Wiz Live!’ and has a strong foundation in vocal training. Though he often sings soul and R&B, his technique is based on classical music principles, allowing him to perform challenging operatic passages that amaze listeners.

Okieriete Onaodowan

Okieriete Onaodowan became well-known for first playing Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in the hit musical ‘Hamilton’. He honed his skills in theater and voice at the Mason Gross School of the Arts. Later, he starred in ‘Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812’, a role that really showcased his vocal abilities. His strong foundation in the arts allowed him to successfully move into leading roles on TV shows like ‘Station 19’.

Brandon Victor Dixon

As a huge fan of stage and screen, I’ve always been impressed by Brandon Victor Dixon. You might recognize him from shows like ‘Power’ and ‘Empire,’ but he’s a real triple threat. He’s got serious chops – he trained at Columbia University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London! I especially loved him in ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Motown The Musical’; his voice is just incredible. You can tell his time studying in the UK really gave him a solid, classic foundation in both acting and singing.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin became well-known for playing Kristoff in the Broadway hit ‘Frozen’. He trained as a singer at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and has since appeared on TV shows like ‘Fellow Travelers’ and ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’. Years of classical vocal training have given his voice a distinctively clear and powerful sound.

James Monroe Iglehart

James Monroe Iglehart is a Tony Award-winning actor best known for playing the Genie in ‘Aladdin’. He’s a skilled musical theater performer with excellent vocal control and technique. Though he often plays energetic and funny characters, he’s also capable of performing classical pieces. Iglehart’s versatility is clear from his appearances in shows like ‘Spamalot’ and ‘Hamilton’, where he showcased his broad range as both a singer and an actor.

Christopher Jackson

I’m a huge fan of Christopher Jackson! He’s incredibly talented – you probably know him as the original George Washington in ‘Hamilton,’ which was amazing. But he’s been performing for years! He actually started singing in church and then honed his skills with training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. He’s also been on TV – I loved him in ‘Bull’ – and he even sang the voice of Chief Tui in ‘Moana’! It’s no surprise he has such a powerful, consistent voice; he’s clearly dedicated a lot of time to his craft.

Chuck Cooper

Chuck Cooper is a well-established actor known for both stage and screen work, including a Tony Award-winning performance in ‘The Life’. He’s particularly recognized for his rich, deep voice, which makes him a natural fit for playing powerful or complicated characters. With appearances in many Broadway productions and TV shows like ‘Gossip Girl’, Cooper’s extensive training and distinctive voice have kept him working steadily in the entertainment industry for years.

Michael McElroy

Michael McElroy is a talented actor and musician, recognized for his performances in productions like ‘Rent’ and ‘Big River’. He trained at Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on vocal performance and theater. McElroy also established the Broadway Inspirational Voices, demonstrating his dedication to exceptional vocal talent. He’s worked across various platforms, including Broadway, television, and film.

Billy Eugene Jones

Billy Eugene Jones is a skilled actor with extensive experience on Broadway. He honed his talents at the Yale School of Drama, focusing on both acting and vocal performance. While also working in film and television, Jones is known for his stage roles in productions like ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and ‘The Mountaintop’. His classical theater training includes intense vocal exercises similar to those used by opera singers.

Daniel Breaker

Daniel Breaker is an actor recognized for his work in productions like ‘Passing Strange’ and the TV show ‘Girls5eva’. He received exceptional training in acting and voice at the prestigious Juilliard School. Breaker’s talents extend to musical theater, where he’s performed in shows like ‘Shrek The Musical’ and ‘Hamilton’, demonstrating his powerful and versatile voice. His Juilliard education prepared him to excel in a wide range of roles, from classic to modern.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins trained at the prestigious Juilliard School, focusing on drama. While he’s become well-known for his acting in films like ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and ‘In the Heights’, he also has a powerful singing voice. His training included a lot of vocal work, giving him the ability to deliver incredibly strong performances. He recently showed off his musical talent in the movie version of ‘The Color Purple’.

Keith David

Keith David is well-known for his incredibly rich and unique voice, honed during his studies at the renowned Juilliard School. With a strong background in classic theater, he’s appeared in numerous movies and TV shows. He’s also a talented singer, and his vocal skills extend beyond speaking roles to various musical performances. The rigorous training he received at Juilliard continues to be the cornerstone of his successful career.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, celebrated as one of the greatest actors of all time, was known for his powerful, deep voice. He didn’t let a childhood stutter hold him back, working hard on vocal training and learning proper speech techniques. He developed his skills at the University of Michigan and the American Theatre Wing. His voice had the quality and control of an opera singer, and was a key part of his remarkable career.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama, where he received rigorous training in voice and speech – preparation common for actors in classical theater. He’s become well-known for roles in films like ‘Aquaman’ and ‘Watchmen,’ captivating audiences with his powerful voice and commanding presence. The dedication he learned during his studies has clearly helped him succeed in demanding action and dramatic roles.

Sterling K. Brown

As a film fan, I’ve always been impressed by Sterling K. Brown. He’s seriously talented, and it’s no surprise given his training – Stanford and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts are top-notch. He really honed his voice there, which clearly prepared him for the demands of both stage and screen. You can feel the precision and emotional honesty in his performances, especially in shows like ‘This Is Us’ and ‘American Fiction’. It’s obvious he has a really solid, classical foundation that allows him to tackle such a wide range of roles so convincingly.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a highly acclaimed actor known for his roles in ‘Rustin’ and ‘Euphoria’. He started his career in musical theater, appearing in productions like ‘The Scottsboro Boys’ and ‘Passing Strange’. Domingo’s strong, distinctive voice is a result of dedicated training and years on stage. He’s become a popular performer because he can powerfully lead a production through both his acting and singing.

Tell us which of these classically trained performers surprised you the most in the comments.

2026-02-21 06:17