7 Singers Who Became Actresses

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The world of entertainment is full of multi-talented individuals who excel in more than one field. Among them, several iconic singers have made a notable mark in the acting world, showcasing their versatility and talent beyond music. From emotional dramas to powerful performances, legendary singers like the great Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, the late great Whitney Houston , and Chlöe Bailey have successfully transitioned to acting and have won a few awards along the way for their stellar onscreen performances. Here are some of our favorite singer-turned-actresses.

Whitney Houston – The GOAT

Whitney Houston’s talent was limitless. Houston laid the blueprint for artists-turned-singers and proved she was a multihyphenate force with her film debut in 1992 when she starred in The Bodyguard . The romantic thriller was a box-office success becoming the second-highest-grossing film that year. Not only did she prove she had acting skills, her iconic version Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You shattered records and became one of the best-selling songs of all time. The soundtrack for The Bodyguard became the best-selling soundtrack of all time, selling more than 45 million copies worldwide.

The incomparable entertainer forged a friendship with her co-star Kevin Costner , who only speaks highly of her. In an interview with ET, revealed he fought for Whitney to have the big I Will Always Love You Moment in the film.

“I knew she could handle the part but she wasn’t sure she could handle it,” Costner said. “There came a moment where she had to make a decision and I saw her trust me and we had that, from that moment on.”

He added, “That was my promise to her, that she’d look great and be great,” he added with a smile. The film went on to earn two Oscar nominations — both for Best Original Song — and became an international box office smash.

Houston’s next role as Savannah in Waiting To Exhale was instantly praised and the film became an instant classic with an award-winning soundtrack. The beloved disc topped the US Billboard 200 album chart for five weeks and the Top R&B Albums chart for ten weeks and went seven times platinum.

She would go on to star in The Preacher’s Wife and a remake of the 70s classic Sparkle .

Beyonce- From Queen of Pop to Hollywood actress

Beyoncé’s journey from music sensation to acting powerhouse exploded following her role as Deanna Jones in the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls, a film loosely based on the incredible career of the Motown super group, The Supremes. Her portrayal of Jones, a character inspired by the dynamic Diana Ross, earned her critical acclaim, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotions and perform captivating musical numbers on the big screen.

The film’s Director Bill Condon told The Hollywood Reporter it was a treat getting to see the inimitable star shine her light in front of the Hollywood camera. “One of the great pleasures of making Dreamgirls was being able to capture Beyoncé and her brilliance in a moment in time — even if it’s one that represents just a sliver of her vast artistic life.”

Before Beyoncé stole the spotlight in Dreamgirls , she made her film debut in 2001 with a standout role in Robert Townsend’s Carmen: A Hip Hopera. In this modern retelling of the classic opera, Beyoncé played Carmen, a captivating and fearless actress who sets the stage ablaze. The following year, the singer showcased her comedic flair in Austin Powers in Goldmember, where she portrayed Foxxy Cleopatra, Austin’s bold and dazzling sidekick. These early roles laid the groundwork for her future success in film, demonstrating her versatility and on-screen charisma.

In recent years, Beyoncé has ventured into voiceover work, showcasing her vocal and acting skills in new ways. She lent her voice to Nala in Disney’s The Lion King (2019), bringing depth and grace to the beloved character. Excitingly, Beyoncé is set to reprise her role in Mufasa: The Lion King , the highly anticipated sequel. This time, the famous singer will be joined by her daughter, Blue Ivy, who will voice Kiara, the daughter of Queen Nala and King Simba, portrayed once again by Donald Glover. Fans can look forward to this new chapter in the Lion King saga when it hits theaters on Dec. 20.

Keep scrolling for our favorite singers-turned-actresses.