Actors often do more than just act. Some are producers, some are directors, and some are even musicians. These actors rock out even if a camera isn’t on them!
While it’s not unheard of for actors to also be musicians (and vice-versa), this is a group with a secret love for more obscure sounds – and discographies to back up their appreciation. Here are five actors that have music careers that go beyond a simple verse on a soundtrack single.
Ryan Gosling
There’s more to Gosling than “I’m Just Ken.” He’s a member of a proper band, Dead Man’s Bones, active since 2007. Performing under the name “Baby Goose,” they even had a song (“In the Room Where You Sleep”) featured in the modern-day horror classic The Conjuring.
Scarlett Johansson
It’s shocking to discover, but Johansson actually has a deep appreciation for the quirky songwriter Tom Waits, who has more in common with Jack Kerouac than today’s Hollywood stars. She made a full album covering his songs – even featuring David Bowie on the project. She has also worked with Este Haim from HAIM and has sung on various film soundtracks.
Johnny Depp
While he’s pretty well known for being a member of the rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires, Depp actually got his musical start much earlier, in the ‘90s, with the band P. It’s a band with a lot of street cred (lead singer is Gibby Haynes, frontman of the influential weirdo Texas band Butthole Surfers) and pairs well with Depp’s role as Hunter S. Thompson in Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas.
Robert Pattinson
Outside of the Twilight soundtrack (which he has sung on!), Pattinson has some unusual musical credits to his name. For one: his guitar playing on the song “Birds” by extreme rap group Death Grips, recorded by drummer Zach Hill on his phone during a jam session.
Jason Momoa
Besides being featured in the song “Doom” by Scour, a black metal band, Momoa is an outspoken fan of unusual bands like Primus and Tool. He enjoys playing bass and guitar and regularly hangs with Primus frontman Les Claypool. It’s cool that his music taste matches his intimidating looks!
