The Transition From Singer to Actor - Can Anyone Do It?
From international superstars exploring new avenues in their career to new talent keeping their options open, moving between singing and acting (and vice versa) is not uncommon, although arguably the results vary enormously.
When it comes to successfully transitioning from singer to actor, Will Smith is a prime example of how to do it well. Although his music career and acting roles overlapped even early on his career, Smith has long been recognised predominantly as an actor (his last album having been released back in 2005). By that time, 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air' had become a household name, Smith had featured in 'Independence Day', 'Enemy of the State' and 'Hitch' among others, and the first two entries in the 'Men in Black' franchise had been released. Then, in 2005 itself, came one of my personal favourites: 'I, Robot'.
A more contemporary example is of course Lady Gaga. 'A Star is Born' showcased her already well-documented abilities as a musician but also opened the world's eyes to her acting talent. Gaga also starred in 'House of Gucci' to mixed reviews, but I'm happy to admit that as a Gaga fan I'd love to see her sink her teeth into more challenging roles in the future as a strong female protagonist (think Jennifer Lawrence in 'Joy', Julia Roberts in 'Erin Brockovich', or Sally Hawkins in 'Made in Dagenham').
There are myriad other examples of famous names who are better known for their singing than their acting, but have historically done a lot or a bit of both. Jack Black, Jimmy Nail, and Cher spring immediately to mind - all of whom have used their singing as a way to supplement or support their acting roles. When Christina Aguilera worked with Cher in 'Burlesque', she did the same thing, with her vocal performance informing the most important part of her character. Miley Cyrus, known formerly for her role as Hannah Montana but now predominantly recognised as a singer, appeared in 'Black Mirror' as Ashley O, an alternate version of musical self. Utilising one's reputation or ability as a musician has worked well for those working in a film role, and indeed often bolsters their performance and acts as a scapegoat for mediocre acting (as fun as 'School of Rock' and 'Still Crazy' are, neither Jack Black nor Jimmy Nail are Oscar-worthy in their respective roles). Black's performance as a music teacher is loaded with elements of 'Tenacious D', and Nail in 'Still Crazy' must deliver just a few gruff lines as a bitter has-been before really coming into his own as a musician in the film's closing scene. The same goes for 'Burlesque' - Aguilera's incredible pipes are undeniable, fan of her singing style or not, but her character largely precludes the need to be a convincing actress.
On the other hand, we have well-known film favourites Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix in Johnny Cash biopic 'Walk The Line'. Phoneix singing Cash classic 'Walk The Line' sounds note for note as good as the man himself (high praise indeed) and the duo's rendition of 'Jackson' crackles with the same chemistry as Carter and Cash's original. Give those guys an album. Equally, Kate Winslet's goosebump-inducing ballad 'What If' still sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it, and indeed it's easy to imagine her 'Titanic' character Rose singing the song for Jack.
There are undoubtedly numerous noteworthy transitions from musician to singer, but my answer would be no, not everyone can do it. Not, at least, unless they rely heavily on their musical talent in the acting role they are given. Even then, the line between musician and actor must not blur to the point where the former persona outperforms the latter.
Written by Amy Watson
Amy is a content manager originally from the UK and now proud to call Hamburg, Germany her new home. She is a passionate lover of cheese, literature, languages, modern art, and enjoys all four with copious amounts of red wine.
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