When we think of actors, we usually picture them on the big screen or TV, bringing characters to life through their performances. But many actors have impressive creative talents that extend far beyond acting. From music to painting to writing, here are 25 multi-talented actors who excel in other artistic pursuits:
1. Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is renowned for his acting skills, but he’s also an accomplished musician. He plays guitar, bass, and drums, and has performed with numerous rock bands including P, the Kids, and Rock City Angels. Depp has also appeared on songs and albums by Oasis, Iggy Pop, Aerosmith, and others. His musical talents were showcased in the 2000 film Chocolat, where he played acoustic guitar.
In addition to music, Depp is a talented painter. He has said, “I’ve always loved to paint and draw. Painting is one of the ways I express myself.” His paintings, which often feature bold colors and abstract designs, have been exhibited in galleries. Depp has also done paintings and drawings for some of the characters he has portrayed, like Jack Sparrow.
2. Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu is best known as an actress but she is also an accomplished visual artist. She began painting in her early 20s and works in media including painting, sculpture, photography, and textiles. Liu’s paintings and artwork have been featured in exhibitions and galleries around the world.
Her painting series “Seventy Two” was exhibited in 2006 and featured canvases of different shades of red meant to express anger, violence, and wrath based on her personal experiences. Other exhibitions of Liu’s paintings, photographs, and sculptures have taken place in cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Manchester. She expresses herself through her art, saying “Painting is a kind of meditation for me and also a kind of discovery.”
3. Steve Martin
Steve Martin is an iconic comedic actor, but he is also an accomplished musician, particularly on the banjo. He has been playing the banjo since he was 17 years old and it has been a part of his comedy routines since the 1970s. Martin is considered an innovator in modern banjo playing.
In addition to live performances, Martin has released several bluegrass and folk music albums, some in collaboration with artists like Edie Brickell and Steep Canyon Rangers. His 2009 album The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album. Martin continues to write new music and perform with his banjo.
4. Viggo Mortensen
Viggo Mortensen is lauded for his acting talents but he is also a skilled painter, photographer, poet, and musician. Mortensen’s paintings are often abstract and he also creates photographs and mixed media works. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries worldwide.
As a musician, Mortensen has released several experimental and indie rock albums under the name Buckethead, sometimes in collaboration with guitarist Buckethead. He writes poetry and has published over 15 books of poetry, photography, and paintings. Mortensen is also multilingual and speaks English, Spanish, Danish, and French, sometimes publishing works in those languages. He is truly a multi-faceted artist.
5. James Franco
James Franco is known for his acting and filmmaking, but he is also a published author. Franco has written several books of short stories and poetry collections. His short story collection Palo Alto was published in 2010 and was adapted into a 2013 film that Franco directed.
Franco has an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University and a PhD in English from Yale University. He has taught film and English classes at universities including NYU, USC, and UCLA. In addition to his own writing, Franco has directed film adaptations of classic novels such as William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying and The Sound and the Fury. He balances his writing and academic pursuits with his ongoing acting career.
6. Jared Leto
Jared Leto is an Oscar-winning actor and also a rock star as the lead vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter for the band Thirty Seconds to Mars. Leto formed the band in 1998 with his older brother Shannon. He serves as the primary songwriter and has released five studio albums with the band, selling over 15 million albums worldwide.
Thirty Seconds to Mars has had several hit singles and has received numerous awards, including MTV Video Music Awards, Kerrang! Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. The band is known for its energetic live performances and Leto’s wide vocal range. Leto balances the demands of touring and recording with his successful acting career in films like Dallas Buyers Club and Suicide Squad.
7. Anthony Hopkins
Sir Anthony Hopkins is one of the most respected actors of his generation, but he is also a talented composer and painter. As a musician, Hopkins has been composing classical music for many years. He released an album of his compositions in 2012 entitled Composer, working with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Hopkins is also an avid painter and has been painting for over 50 years. He often paints landscapes and portraits in a semi-abstract style, using bold colors and brushstrokes. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries in the US and UK. For Hopkins, painting provides a creative outlet and a way to express his emotions. He has said, “Acting and painting are very similar. It’s all a way of trying to find a way to express myself.”
8. Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan is best known for his portrayal of James Bond, but he is also an accomplished painter. Brosnan began painting in the late 1980s and works primarily in acrylics and oil pastels. His colorful, expressive paintings often depict island life and tropical landscapes inspired by his time in Hawaii.
Brosnan’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries in the US, UK, and Cuba. He has donated many of his paintings to charitable causes and auctions. In 2018, one of his paintings sold for $1.4 million at an auction benefiting environmental causes. For Brosnan, painting provides a way to relax and express his creativity separate from the demands of acting.
9. Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is renowned for his comedic acting roles, but in recent years he has also gained recognition as a talented painter and sculptor. Carrey began painting six years ago and works in a variety of styles, from abstract to photorealism. His vibrant and emotionally charged paintings have attracted praise from art critics and collectors.
Carrey’s paintings often reflect his inner thoughts and struggles, such as his series of political paintings criticizing the Trump administration. He has said “I think what makes someone an artist is they make models of their inner life.” Carrey’s artwork has been exhibited in galleries in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs. For him, art is a way to express himself and connect with others on a deeper level.
10. Jeff Bridges
Jeff Bridges has been a successful actor for decades, but he is also a talented musician and photographer. As a musician, Bridges plays guitar and piano and often incorporates music into his films. He released his debut album Be Here Soon in 2000 and another self-titled country and rock album in 2011. Bridges frequently performs at benefit concerts for various charitable causes.
As a photographer, Bridges takes behind-the-scenes photos on the sets of his movies using a Widelux panoramic camera. He has released two photography books, Pictures and Pictures Volume 2, featuring his black-and-white photos taken on film sets over the years. Bridges’ photography provides a unique and intimate look at the filmmaking process.
11. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus rose to fame as a teen actress on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, where she showcased her acting and singing skills. As a musician, Cyrus has released seven studio albums across different genres including pop, country, and rock. She has had numerous hit singles, including “Party in the U.S.A.,” “Wrecking Ball,” and “Malibu.”
In addition to her music career, Cyrus has also continued acting in films like The Last Song, LOL, and the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. She has served as a coach on the singing competition show The Voice. Outside of entertainment, Cyrus is known for her philanthropy and social activism, supporting causes such as LGBT rights, animal welfare, and youth homelessness.
12. Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx is an Academy Award-winning actor, but he first gained fame as a stand-up comedian and musician. As a pianist, Foxx began playing at the age of five. He released his debut R&B album Peep This in 1994, followed by three more studio albums. Foxx has collaborated with artists like Kanye West, Twista, and T-Pain.
Foxx often incorporates music into his acting roles, such as his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biopic Ray, for which he won an Oscar. He also starred in the film Dreamgirls, a adaptation of the Broadway musical. Foxx continues to balance his music and acting careers, releasing his fifth studio album Hollywood: A Story of a Dozen Roses in 2015.
13. Jemima Kirke
Jemima Kirke is best known for her acting role as Jessa on the HBO series Girls, but she is also a talented painter. Kirke studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design and has been painting for over a decade. Her artwork often features portraits of women in a raw, realistic style with visible brushstrokes and bold colors.
Kirke’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries in New York City and London. She had her first solo exhibition “Platforms” in 2011 and has since had several other solo shows. Kirke’s artwork has also been featured in publications like Vogue and V Magazine. For Kirke, painting provides a creative outlet and a way to express her unique perspective as a woman and artist.
14. Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw is one of the most successful country music artists of all time, but he is also a talented actor. McGraw has released fifteen studio albums and had over 25 number one country singles, including hits like “Just to See You Smile,” “Live Like You Were Dying,” and “Humble and Kind.”
As an actor, McGraw has appeared in films such as Friday Night Lights, The Blind Side, Country Strong, and The Shack. He often plays strong, stoic characters and has received praise for his natural acting abilities. McGraw has said that he approaches acting in a similar way to his music, by finding the truth and emotion in the story. He continues to balance his successful careers in both music and acting.
15. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is a legendary singer-songwriter, but she is also an accomplished painter and poet. As a musician, Mitchell is known for her introspective lyrics, unique guitar tunings, and blending of folk, pop, and jazz. She has released 19 studio albums including classics like Blue, Court and Spark, and Hejira.
As a visual artist, Mitchell has been creating paintings, drawings, and photography since the 1960s. Her artwork has been featured on many of her album covers. Mitchell’s paintings are often colorful, abstract landscapes and self-portraits that reflect her inner emotional world. She has said “I’m a painter first, and a musician second.” Mitchell has published several books of her paintings, poems, and lyrics, showcasing the full range of her artistic talents.
16. Nikki Reed
Nikki Reed is best known for her role as Rosalie in the Twilight film franchise, but she is also a singer-songwriter and screenwriter. As a musician, Reed plays piano and guitar and writes her own songs. She released her debut EP This Is Me in 2012, featuring folk-influenced pop songs.
Reed co-wrote the screenplay for the semi-autobiographical film Thirteen at the age of 14, based on her own experiences with drugs and rebellion. The film earned her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance. Reed has continued to pursue writing, releasing a novel called Aftermath in 2010. She balances her music and writing projects with her ongoing acting career.
17. Jason Schwartzman
Jason Schwartzman is known for his quirky acting roles in films like Rushmore and I Heart Huckabees, but he is also a talented musician. Schwartzman was the drummer for the indie rock band Phantom Planet from 1994 to 2003, during which time they released two albums and had a hit single with “California.”
After leaving Phantom Planet, Schwartzman pursued a solo music career, releasing two albums under the name Coconut Records. His music blends indie pop with folk and electronic elements. Schwartzman has also composed film scores for movies like Funny People and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. He continues to act and make music, often collaborating with director Wes Anderson.
18. Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel is a popular actress known for her “adorkable” persona in films like 500 Days of Summer and Elf, but she is also a successful musician. Deschanel is one half of the indie folk duo She & Him along with musician M. Ward. The duo has released six studio albums featuring Deschanel’s vocals and songwriting.
Deschanel plays piano, ukulele, and banjo, and writes much of the music for She & Him. Their retro-inspired sound draws from 1960s pop and country music. She & Him’s songs have been featured in many of Deschanel’s films. In addition to her music with She & Him, Deschanel has also sung in several of her acting roles, showcasing her vocal abilities.
19. Kevin Bacon
Kevin Bacon is a prolific actor with a career spanning decades, but he is also a musician. Bacon has been writing songs and playing music since he was a teenager. For over 20 years, he has been the lead singer and guitarist for the rock band The Bacon Brothers alongside his brother Michael.
The Bacon Brothers have released eight studio albums and toured extensively. Their music incorporates elements of rock, country, folk, and soul. Bacon writes many of the songs and has said that music is just as important to him as acting. The Bacon Brothers frequently perform at charity events and benefits. Bacon continues to balance his successful acting career with his musical pursuits.
20. Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson is one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, but she has also dabbled in music. In 2008, Johansson released her debut album Anywhere I Lay My Head, which featured covers of Tom Waits songs. The album received mixed reviews but showcased Johansson’s smoky singing voice.
Johansson has also sung in several of her films, including The Other Boleyn Girl, He’s Just Not That Into You, and Her. She formed a girl group called The Singles in 2015, releasing one single called “Candy.” While music is not her primary focus, Johansson’s musical endeavors showcase her willingness to take creative risks and explore other artistic avenues.
21. Jeff Daniels
Jeff Daniels is an Emmy-winning actor known for roles in films like Dumb and Dumber and The Purple Rose of Cairo, as well as TV series like The Newsroom. But Daniels is also an accomplished musician and playwright. He has been writing and performing songs since the 1970s and released his debut album Jeff Daniels Live and Unplugged in 2005.
Daniels plays guitar and writes folk-inspired songs, often with humorous lyrics. He has released five more albums and frequently performs live. As a playwright, Daniels has written over a dozen plays, many of which have been performed at his own theater company, The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Michigan. Daniels’ creative pursuits showcase his versatility as an artist.
22. Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Brownstein is best known as a member of the influential indie rock band Sleater-Kinney and as the co-creator and star of the sketch comedy series Portlandia. But Brownstein is also a talented writer. She has written for publications like The New York Times, Slate, and The Believer on music and culture.
In 2015, Brownstein published a memoir called Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl, which chronicled her life and career in music. The book received critical acclaim for its insightful and candid look at the riot grrrl movement and the challenges of being a woman in the male-dominated music industry. Brownstein continues to write and perform music with Sleater-Kinney and pursue acting and directing projects.
23. Lola Kirke
Lola Kirke is an actress who has appeared in films like Gone Girl and Mistress America and TV series like Mozart in the Jungle. But Kirke is also a talented musician. She plays guitar and writes her own songs, drawing inspiration from classic country and folk music.
In 2018, Kirke released her debut album Heart Head West, which showcased her skills as a songwriter and vocalist. The album features introspective lyrics and stripped-down instrumentation. Kirke has said that music allows her to express herself in a different way than acting does. She continues to balance her acting career with her musical pursuits, performing live and writing new songs.
24. Brie Larson
Brie Larson is an Academy Award-winning actress known for roles in films like Room, Short Term 12, and Captain Marvel. But before pursuing acting full-time, Larson had a brief career as a pop star in the early 2000s. As a teenager, she released an album called Finally Out of P.E. in 2005.
The album featured teen pop songs co-written by Larson and received some radio airplay. Larson ultimately decided to focus on acting but has continued to showcase her musical abilities in some of her roles. She performed songs in the films Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Basmati Blues. Larson’s early music career is a testament to her diverse talents and artistic pursuits.
25. Donald Glover
Donald Glover is a multi-talented artist who excels as an actor, writer, director, comedian, and musician under the stage name Childish Gambino. As an actor, Glover is known for roles on TV series like Community and Atlanta (which he also created). He has appeared in films like The Martian, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and the live-action remake of The Lion King.
As Childish Gambino, Glover has released four studio albums that blend hip-hop, R&B, funk, and soul. His music often features introspective lyrics that tackle issues of race, identity, and politics. Gambino’s song “This Is America” went viral in 2018 for its powerful social commentary and provocative music video. It won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, making Glover the first rapper to win the award for a song he wrote and performed solo.
Glover’s talents extend to writing as well. He has written for TV shows like 30 Rock and has published a book of short stories called Palo Alto. Glover’s unique blend of acting, music, and writing showcases his versatility and creativity as an artist.
These 25 actors showcase the incredible diversity of talent in Hollywood. From music to painting to writing, these multi-faceted artists prove that creativity knows no bounds. Their artistic pursuits outside of acting enrich their performances on screen and inspire us to explore our own creative passions. Whether through songwriting, visual art, or the written word, these actors remind us of the power of artistic expression in all its forms.
