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Fast Fact Tuesday: 10 Actors Who Can Sing

News
18 August 2015
Some have tried, some have failed. Those who’ve pulled it off have astounded us. We’re talking about actors who can sing. Many have surprised audiences by displaying an impressive set of pipes, belting out show tunes or releasing hit songs.
school of rock

Some have tried, some have failed. Those who’ve pulled it off have astounded us. We’re talking about actors who can sing. Many have surprised audiences by displaying an impressive set of pipes, belting out show tunes or releasing hit songs.

Since M-Net Movies Romance is showcasing the Song & Dance Festival this August, we thought it was an opportune moment to look at actors who can also sing.

  1. Ewan McGregor

As poet Christian in the spectacular musical Moulin Rouge! from Aussie director Baz Lurhmann, McGregor fell in love with Kidman’s courtesan Satine. Audiences fell in love with his voice, as he delivered passionate renditions of pop songs including Elton John’s Your Song and The Police’s Roxanne. He later took his skills to the stage, appearing in Guys and Dolls in London.

Watch Ewan McGregor in Star Wars I – III on the M-Net Movies Star Wars Pop Up Channel on 109 between 31 August and 13 September.

  1. Robert Downey Jr.

Not only did Robert Downey Jr. revive his career with his performance as Larry Paul on Ally McBeal, but he blew everyone away when he showed off his incredible musical ability. The singing highlight of his time on the show was undoubtedly his duo with Sting, singing Every Breath You Take. He took his musical abilities a step further, releasing his debut album, The Futurist, in 2004.

Watch Robert Down Jr. in Chef on 18 September at 20:00 on M-Net Movies Premiere.

  1. Anne Hathaway

Although she lent her voice to the Ella Enchanted soundtrack, it was her role as Fantine in Les Misérables that made people sit up and listen. She won numerous awards for the role, including an Oscar, joining Julie Andrews, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Liza Minnelli in the rank of actresses who have won the coveted award for a musical role.

Watch Anne Hathaway in Get Smart on 31 August at 16:05 on M-Net Movies Showcase.

  1. Iwan Rheon

Outside of Game of Thrones Welsh actor Iwan Rheon is nothing like the sadistic Ramsay Bolton, especially not when it comes to his singing. In addition to his great turns on TV, he has been singing and writing songs since he was a teenager and released his first album, Dinard, this year.

Watch Iwan Rheon in Game of Thrones from Season 3, starting Monday 31 August at 23:00 on M-Net City.

  1. Joseph Gordon-Levitt

From awkward alien to accomplished actor, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has had an amazing career, and it gets better every year. As if his acting plaudits weren’t impressive enough, he released his directorial debut, Don Jon, in 2013. The ambitious artist also owns a production company, hitRECord, that produces short films, books and DVDs. Gordon-Levitt regularly holds showcases for hitRECord, where he performs song covers. In the past these have included You Can’t Hurry Love and Lithium.

Watch Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 10 Things I Hate About You on 20 August at 20:30 on M-Net Movies Comedy.

  1. Scarlet Johansson

Another actor to have released a studio album is Scarlet Johansson. In 2007 she recorded Anywhere I Lay My Head, covering four songs by Tom Waits.  The reviews were mixed; but considering Waits’ distinctive gravelly voice, the actress took on quite a challenge in covering his work.  

Watch Scarlet Johansson in Lucy on 20 September at 20:30 on M-Net Movies Premiere.

  1. Jack Black

He has his own band, Tenacious D. The rock duo produce a fun blend of comedy and rock that allows Black to showcase his talent for both. Perhaps his best musical feat, however, is his stirring cover of Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On in the movie High Fidelity.

Watch Jack Black in School of Rock on 18 August at 20:30 on M-Net Movies Family.

  1. Renee Zellweger

The musical also gave Renée Zellweger the chance to prove that she could sing. Playing Roxie Hart in Chicago, she delighted audiences and critics alike with her sweet yet saucy renditions of Funny Honey and Roxie.

Watch Renée Zellweger in Jerry Maguire on 19 September at 20:50 on M-Net Movies Romance.

  1. Hugh Jackman

Not that anyone needed another reason to fall in love with Hugh Jackman, but audiences certainly got one after his performance in Les Misérables, alongside Anne Hathaway. The role landed him his first Oscar nomination.

Watch Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine on 26 August at 20:00 on M-Net Movies Action+.

  1. Matt Damon

Matt Damon had the craziest cameo in the movie Europtrip , performing as the rocker who sings Scotty Doesn’t Know – a song written especially for the movie. Despite his great performance as the OTT rocker, it’s not him singing. He did, however, sing for real in The Talented Mr. Ripley performing a haunting cover of My Funny Valentine.

Watch Matt Damon in the Bourne movies on 30 August from 16:00 – 22:00 on M-Net Movies Showcase.