10 Times Our Favorite Musicians Became Actors!

When not on the stage performing, you may be able to find your favorite musical artist turning in equally amazing work on the big or small screen as actors. Though it only happens on occasion throughout the years, here are some of the most memorable times that singers traded the recording booth for a film set, exciting music fans and Film & TV lovers alike!

1. Billie Eilish in "Swarm"

Earlier this year, 7-time Grammy Award winner Billie Eilish made her acting debut in the Prime Video original series "Swarm", which follows one woman’s fanatical obsession with a pop star. Eilish took on a guest role as Eva, a cult leader who connects with the main character, Dre, played by Dominique Fishback.

2. Alana Haim in Licorice Pizza

You may know the pop-rock band Haim for their collaborations with close friend Taylor Swift, or their own Grammy-nominated music, for that matter – or perhaps you recognize them from Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-nominated 2021 dramedy, Licorice Pizza. The critically-acclaimed film starred Haim guitarist and vocalist Alana Haim and co-starred her sisters and bandmates, Este and Danielle, who fittingly play her sisters in the film as well. Alana's performance as a disillusioned young adult in the 1970s San Fernando Valley garnered her both a BAFTA and Golden Globe nomination. Check out Licorice Pizza on Prime Video!

3. Teyana Taylor in A Thousand and One

Dancer, model, and recording artist Teyana Taylor is no stranger to being in the spotlight, but earlier this year, Taylor starred in the drama film A Thousand and One, which earned her high praise and critical acclaim across the board for her performance as Inez, a single mother who kidnaps her son out of foster care. You can stream A Thousand and One now on Peacock!

4. Andra Day in The United States vs. Billie Holiday

“Rise Up” singer Andra Day earned a Golden Globe in 2021 for her work as legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. Currently streaming on Hulu, The United States vs. Billie Holiday follows the life-altering backlash Holiday faced stemming from the song “Strange Fruit”.

5. Dolly Parton in 9 to 5

Country music legend Dolly Parton made her film debut in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5, starring alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda as coworkers plotting to take down their sexist and abusive boss. The film's theme song, written by Parton, would go on to earn her two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award nomination. You can stream 9 to 5 on Max!

6. Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan

Not long after the release of hit singles like “Holiday”, “Like a Virgin”, and “Borderline”, pop icon Madonna made her acting debut as the titular role of Susan in the 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan, a comedy about two vastly different women who bond between personal ads in the newspaper. You can stream Desperately Seeking Susan on Showtime!

7. Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls

Arguably the most electric acting debut comes in the form of Jennifer Hudson as Effie White in 2006’s Dreamgirls, the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. Hudson’s performance, particularly her rendition of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”, garnered rave reviews and earned her the 2007 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. You can stream Dreamgirls on the TBS/TNT apps!

8. Tupac Shakur in Juice

American hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur did far more than just rap in his short but legendary career – his debut acting performance in 1992's Juice solidified him as a multi-hyphenate for the ages. In the film, Shakur stars as one of four Black young men in 1990s Harlem, New York. You can rent Juice through Prime Video.

9. Eminem in 8 Mile

If Tupac laid the blueprint for rappers-turned-actors, then Eminem would later follow suit for his performance in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, which chronicles the struggle of a young Detroit-based blue-collar worker with a passion for hip-hop and aspirations of a better life. Eminem's original song for the film, "Lose Yourself", would earn him in Oscar in 2003. You can stream 8 Mile on Tubi.

10. Dua Lipa in Barbie

Even before the release of Barbie, Dua Lipa made headlines when it was announced that she would make her acting debut in the Greta Gerwig-directed film portraying the Mermaid Barbie. Check her out when Barbie hits theatres this Friday (July 21)!