From Monday 2 June 2025

He Acts. He Sings. He’s Unfairly Talented.

Last time, we shined a spotlight on the women — the actresses who stunned us not just with their performances, but with voices that could carry an entire soundtrack. But now… it’s the guys’ turn.

We’re talking about male actors who aren’t pop stars sneaking onto a film set, but real-deal actors who also happen to sing — and sing well. Maybe they trained in musical theatre. Maybe they surprised us in a quiet scene with a guitar. Maybe they’ve got albums tucked away between film shoots.

Who’s the most unforgettable actor-singer you’ve seen?

Hawkeye

Jack Black – “Tribute”
Known first as a scene-stealing comic actor in films like School of Rock, High Fidelity, and Jumanji, and most recently as Steve in the Minecraft movie. Jack Black built his career on unfiltered energy, razor timing, and total commitment.

But here’s the twist. Behind all the chaos is a legit rock vocalist. He didn’t just play a music teacher, he is one, fronting Tenacious D with vocals that can go from tender to thunder in a single line.
As he once joked, he’s what happens when you max out your character’s Charisma stat — and in “Tribute”, that stat gets a full workout.
It’s part epic ballad, part parody, and 100% proof that Jack Black can really sing. (Adjust your expectations according to his character)

Clothes don’t make the man. And actors don’t always sing. I had no idea this one could.

Some of you have also heard of Hank Williams??

You know him as Loki. Tom Hiddleston’s rendition of “Lovesick Blues” in the film “I Saw the Light” is a significant part of his portrayal of Hank Williams. To prepare for the role, Hiddleston worked extensively with country music singer Rodney Crowell to master Williams’ singing style, including the characteristic yodel. He even sang his own vocals for the film, including this iconic song, according to Wikipedia.

Hello musos!
I’m not sure this movie star is a super hero or ‘sings well’ as the brief stated, but he did sing a song that became very popular and that the older population here will remember well, from the 1969 movie ‘Paint Your Wagon’.
Interestingly, on the B side of the original seven-single, was Clint Eastwood singing ‘I Talk to the Trees’. Go figure.
Enjoy!

To continue on the theme of Male Superhero Actors who can sing….

I don’t think he sang in Batman but Val Kilmer (The Dark Knight – Batman) has showcased his singing talent in multiple films including:
– Top Secret! (1984) – He played a rock-and-roll singer and performed several songs, including “Tutti Frutti” and Straighten the Rug.
– The Doors (1991) – He portrayed Jim Morrison and sang many of the vocals himself.
Kilmer’s dedication to his role in The Doors was so convincing that even surviving members of the band mistook his singing for Morrison’s.

There is a lot of conspiracy theory as to why he only made one Batman Movie and why is career floundered after being so successful in his early career, but in the captivating universe of superhero cinema, Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever stands out. Kilmer brought a level of depth and personality to the Dark Knight that continues to spark discussion among fans and film enthusiasts alike. By breaking the mold of previous interpretations, his performance not only redefined Batman but also deepened the franchise’s impact on audiences today.

Jeff Bridges. Astonishing actor and musician. I remember seeing him in the Baker Boys with his brother playing piano as a jazz musician. He won an Oscar for this movie playing a washed out hard drinking country singer. Well worth a watch

My favourite movies in which this well known actor has starred in is “A good year” and “The water diviner” started his own rock group in the 1980’s. Here is Russel Crowe with that group “30 Odd foot of Grunts”

Jared Leto was actually an actor before he became known for his music. He first rose to fame in the ‘90s as Jordan Catalano in My So-Called Life, and went on to star in films like Requiem for a Dream, Fight Club, and American Psycho. He only formed Thirty Seconds to Mars in 1998, with their debut album dropping in 2002—well after his acting chops were firmly established.

As for his foray into the superhero universe—well, that’s where things get a little murky. While Morbius was, let’s be honest, a misfire in almost every way, I’ll admit that I found his Joker in Suicide Squad surprisingly compelling. I know it divided opinions, but there was something in his sinister, unpredictable energy that resonated with my darker side—well before Joaquin Phoenix’s haunting portrayal came along. Leto’s Joker might not be everyone’s favorite, but I think he brought an interesting, unhinged edge to the role that deserves a second look.

Now… onto tonight’s feature. I present “The Kill” – performed by Jared Leto as frontman of Thirty Seconds to Mars. This isn’t just a song; it’s a full-blown movie in a music video—a haunting blend of sound and story, theatrics and tension. True to Leto’s dramatic style, it channels The Shining vibes with a modern rock twist. So settle in… and let the dark energy roll.

I am a great fan of Robert Bennington. When he sings he’s not afraid of doing Beethoven. He is also a keen competitor in British classic car races using the name Rowan.
He is probably best known for his movies and historical documentaries where he uses an alias to fit the characters he plays.

Joaquin Phoenix is known for immersing himself in the characters he portrays, and he embodied Johnny Cash in Walk the Line. (He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for the role.)

He learned to play the guitar and wrote his own songs, to acquaint himself with the process of music-making, and sang every line himself in the film.

Joaquin’s rendition of “Cocaine Blues” (famously performed by Cash at his 1968 Folsom Prison Concert) showcases Phoenix’s gravel-edged voice and total immersion in the role.

Billy Ray Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter and actor.

Having released 16 studio albums and 53 singles since 1992, he is known for his hit single “Achy Breaky Heart”, which topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and became the first single ever to achieve triple platinum status in Australia.