ONTD Originals: Actors You Didn't Know Were Also Successful Recording Artists
For many actors trying to slide into music (or vice versa), the resulting music becomes something of a running joke among fans and onlookers. For some actors, though, they have actual musical talent and have released successful albums in a variety of genres spanning from jazz to heavy metal to folk music. Most of these actors have featured their musical skills in their various projects, such as performing on screen or stage, but many have also found a second career as singers, songwriters, guitarists, pianists, and musicians in general. Join me as we examine the work of some actors you may or may not know have released albums, either as solo artists or as part of groups/bands across a variety of genres. I hope this post inspires you to add a few new songs to your playlists and gives you a greater appreciation for actors who actually can act and play music (unlike a certain few...). I will also be skipping some more well-known ones, so no Keanu Reeves/Dogstar, Childish Gambino, and Jared Leto/30 Seconds to Mars. If you guys like this post, I can always do a follow-up!
Christopher Lee
Did you know Sir Christopher Lee released a conceptual symphonic metal album about the story of Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and even did a full follow-up heavy metal album? The albums - Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross and Charlemagne: The Omens of Death feature music inspired by Sir Christopher's ancestor, Charlemagne himself. Lee also worked previously with Rhapsody of Fire and Manowar on other heavy metal projects, but many fans seem unaware of Christopher Lee's rather long discography, including four studio albums, three EPs (including two heavy metal Christmas projects), several singles, and many guest appearances with other artists.
Milla Jovovich
Before her career took off, Milla Jovovich (billed simply as Milla) released a folk rock/pop album called The Divine Comedy in 1994 which peaked at 23 in the US Heatseakers chart and was given positive reviews by music critics upon its release. Entertainment Weekly's Dimitri Ehrlich highlighted Jovovich as a gifted songwriter and melodist, noting "an ear for delicate, medieval tunes and aching drama that would make Tori Amos envious." There are two music videos for the song, which are very different, so enjoy both versions! This album includes music Milla was composing and writing at 16, was recorded when she was 18 and came out when she was 19. OP note: I was actually surprised how much I really like this song since she wasn't even on my list when I started writing this post! It's very inspired by Kate Bush.
Juliette Lewis
Probably one of the more well-known entries on this list, Juliette Lewis has released two albums with Juliette and the Licks and one solo album, plus two EPs. Working mostly in the realm of indie and punk rock, she is a noted performer as well as a Scientologist. In 1995's Strange Days, she played a singer and performed a cover of PJ Harvey's Hardly Wait in a memorable scene in the movie featuring Ralph Fiennes at peak hotness.
Jeff Goldblum
An accomplished jazz pianist, Jeff Goldblum has performed for several decades with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. The group has released three studio albums (the latest being in 2023) and they regularly play in NYC clubs and on tour in the US and Europe.
Matt Berry
The British comedian and writer known for his work on The IT Crowd, What We Do in the Shadows, and Toast of London (among many other series and movies - including multiple Spongebob Squarepants movies), he has made his singing and playing abilities known in many of his acting credits, but he has also released nine studio albums, among other projects, covering a variety of genres (sometimes in the same song). He's been playing guitar and making original music since childhood (and also plays the piano and organ), before he made the leap into acting and comedy. Every episode of Toast of London includes at least one song by Matt Berry, and the theme song is also his work (and briefly appeared in an episode of What We Do in the Shadows, performed by Matt on piano in character as Laszlo Cravensworth). OP note: Since he is that prolific, I will probably post some more faves in the comments LMAO - this post is already long.
Fin.
SOURCE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Reddit Inspiration Post
Post some of your favorite music by performers most/first known for acting!
Christopher Lee
Click to viewDid you know Sir Christopher Lee released a conceptual symphonic metal album about the story of Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor, and even did a full follow-up heavy metal album? The albums - Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross and Charlemagne: The Omens of Death feature music inspired by Sir Christopher's ancestor, Charlemagne himself. Lee also worked previously with Rhapsody of Fire and Manowar on other heavy metal projects, but many fans seem unaware of Christopher Lee's rather long discography, including four studio albums, three EPs (including two heavy metal Christmas projects), several singles, and many guest appearances with other artists.
Milla Jovovich
Before her career took off, Milla Jovovich (billed simply as Milla) released a folk rock/pop album called The Divine Comedy in 1994 which peaked at 23 in the US Heatseakers chart and was given positive reviews by music critics upon its release. Entertainment Weekly's Dimitri Ehrlich highlighted Jovovich as a gifted songwriter and melodist, noting "an ear for delicate, medieval tunes and aching drama that would make Tori Amos envious." There are two music videos for the song, which are very different, so enjoy both versions! This album includes music Milla was composing and writing at 16, was recorded when she was 18 and came out when she was 19. OP note: I was actually surprised how much I really like this song since she wasn't even on my list when I started writing this post! It's very inspired by Kate Bush.
Juliette Lewis
Probably one of the more well-known entries on this list, Juliette Lewis has released two albums with Juliette and the Licks and one solo album, plus two EPs. Working mostly in the realm of indie and punk rock, she is a noted performer as well as a Scientologist. In 1995's Strange Days, she played a singer and performed a cover of PJ Harvey's Hardly Wait in a memorable scene in the movie featuring Ralph Fiennes at peak hotness.
Jeff Goldblum
An accomplished jazz pianist, Jeff Goldblum has performed for several decades with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. The group has released three studio albums (the latest being in 2023) and they regularly play in NYC clubs and on tour in the US and Europe.
Matt Berry
The British comedian and writer known for his work on The IT Crowd, What We Do in the Shadows, and Toast of London (among many other series and movies - including multiple Spongebob Squarepants movies), he has made his singing and playing abilities known in many of his acting credits, but he has also released nine studio albums, among other projects, covering a variety of genres (sometimes in the same song). He's been playing guitar and making original music since childhood (and also plays the piano and organ), before he made the leap into acting and comedy. Every episode of Toast of London includes at least one song by Matt Berry, and the theme song is also his work (and briefly appeared in an episode of What We Do in the Shadows, performed by Matt on piano in character as Laszlo Cravensworth). OP note: Since he is that prolific, I will probably post some more faves in the comments LMAO - this post is already long.
Fin.
SOURCE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Reddit Inspiration Post
Post some of your favorite music by performers most/first known for acting!