Oct 02 2008
10 Awesome Singing Performances by Non-Commercial Singing Actors in Movies
I want to thank one of my commenters who decided to add a piece of info that struck a chord in me. In Tuesday’s “Acting Performances by Singers” article someone mentioned Val Kilmer’s performance in The Doors as the complete opposite of the subject and said perhaps I should do an article on great singing performances by non-singing actors in movies.
With a little digging and a little bit of laughter, I think I came up with 10 that are definitely worthy of a mention. Bare in mind that I only added actors who are clearly not singers commercially. So no Jamie Foxx (since he has an album) and obviously no Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, etc etc.
If I’ve missed any, obviously feel free to bash me and set up some commentary.
Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Flat Street
The man isn’t just a good actor, his singing in this movie is pretty damned good. This is very broadway musical sounding though no?
Val Kilmer in The Doors
Word is Val Kilmer had to have some serious therapy after making this movie because he almost thought he was Jim Morrison. Well whatever acting methods he used to pull off worked. He was pretty damned close.
Reece Witherspoon in Walk the Line
What a cutie huh? Damn.
Ewen McGregor in Moulin Rouge
Yes it’s a fruity play-like movie. And yes, any male who likes this movie has problems. But you can’t deny the McGregor’s got a pretty good voice.
John Travolta in Grease
“I got Chillllllllls!…… It’s electrifying!”
Joakim Pheonix in Walk the Line
He wasn’t quite as deep sounding as Mr. Cash but he nailed this role.
Catherine Zeta Jones in Chicago
Ok I admit it, I just wanted to show a video with Zeta Jones in sexy gear.
Hugh Jackman in Oklahoma or Happy Feet
This guy is a stud, period. He’s got the ability to play Wolverine and then can belt out notes like no one’s business. Granted Oklahoma was made for TV I had to include Jackman because he’s got a great voice.
Marlon Brando in Guys and Dolls
For a studly manly guy, he was pretty good at the sensitive stuff. This was one of the most memorable performances of his career.
Renee Zellweger in Chicago
I’m not a huge fan of Zellweger but I had to include this clip. You have to admit she was good.
Bonus Clip: Mark Wahlberg in Boogie Nights
I just wanted to see John C. Reilly in the background and no I wasn’t serious here.
Even More Uncoachable Stuff
i know its a bit obscure, but juliet lewis in strange days- great performance, supposedly she nailed it one take as well!
Rosario Dawson in rent the movie.
Not amazing or very long but pippin in lotr return of the king.
kevin spacey in beyond the sea!
[...] Great singing performances in movies by non-singers. [Uncoached] [...]
samuel l jackson – black snake moan, bar scene
I gotta agree with Juliet Lewis in Strange Days, it may be obscure but her performance was amazing.
I thought Catherine Zeta-Jones had a singing career before she became an actress….
Juliette Lewis doesn’t count as she’s in a band.
I think walk the line is an awesome movie, it shows the great work of jonny cash in a great way and is an adequate way to pay him tribute.