Jeremy Allen White takes his turn as Bruce Springsteen in Deliver Me from Nowhere, which hits theaters today. However, The Bear actor is hardly the first actor to try their luck behind the mic, portraying legendary singers in their onscreen life stories.
From Jennifer Lopez’s breakthrough role as Selena to Chadwick Boseman’s electrifying take on James Brown to Rami Malek’s Academy Award-winning impersonation of Freddie Mercury and more, see some of the actors who have expertly portrayed musicians on screen.
Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen
Jeremy Allen White, Bruce Springsteen.
20th Century Studios; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Since getting his break as Lip in Shameless, Jeremy Allen White has been one to watch. His role as Cam on The Bear has garnered him two Emmys and three Golden Globes, and he may want to clear more room on the shelf: His role as Bruce Springsteen in Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere is already generating Oscar buzz.
Chadwick Boseman as James Brown
Chadwick Boseman, James Brown.
Moviestore/Shutterstock; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Chadwick Boseman had his work cut out for him when he took on the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, in Get on Up. Not only was the “Try Me” crooner a powerhouse vocalist, but he also had magnetic moves that inspired the likes of Michael Jackson and Usher and a firecracker personality to match.
Boseman’s masterful portrayal earned him plenty of critical acclaim, and his lack of an Oscar nomination was considered one of the biggest snubs of the following year.
Angela Bassett as Tina Turner
Angela Bassett, Tina Turner.
Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock; Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The biceps, the legs, the signature facial expressions, the dance moves, the wigs … did we mention the legs? Angela Bassett took no prisoners when she stepped into Tina Turner’s stilettos for 1993’s What’s Love Got to Do With It.
The film — which followed Turners rise to fame and tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner — got Bassett her first Oscar nod, but she ultimately lost in another move fans deemed to be a huge snub.
Jennifer Lopez as Selena
Jennifer Lopez, Selena.
Getty; Arlene Richie/Getty
In her breakout role, Jennifer Lopez portrayed the beloved Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla. Between the thick bangs, the precise dance moves, the eye-catching costumes, and, of course, that infectious laugh, it’s no wonder Lopez scored her first Golden Globe nomination back in 1998.
Beyoncé Knowles as Etta James
Beyonce Knowles, Etta James.
Parkwood Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Beyoncé’s epic vocal prowess was on full display when she played a troubled Etta James in Cadillac Records. Though she didn’t win any major awards for her acting, she scored a Golden Globe nod for Best Original Song — Motion Picture for contributing to “Once in a Lifetime” off the film’s soundtrack.
Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury
Rami Malek, Freddie Mercury.
20th Century Fox/Moviestore/Shutterstock; Pete Still/Redferns
There is no denying the Rami Malek put his all into his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. Not only did he work with a movement coach to get into Mercury’s iconic stage moves, but he also took voice and piano lessons and wore prosthetic teeth to bring the character to life.
Malek won the Best Actor trophy at the 2019 Academy Awards.
Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles
Jamie Foxx, Ray Charles.
Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Disney General Entertainment Content via Gett
In another Oscar-winning performance, Jamie Foxx expertly embodied legendary singer, songwriter and pianist Ray Charles in 2004’s Ray. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the movie — which also featured heavy hitters Kerry Washington and Regina King — scored six Academy Award nominations in 2005, with Foxx taking Best Actor.
Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan
Timothée Chalamet, Bob Dylan.
acall Polay, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures; Sigmund Goode/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
Adding to his growing list of critically-acclaimed movies, Timothée Chalamet picked up Bob Dylan’s guitar, his eccentric style, and unique vocal stylings to lead A Complete Unknown. His efforts paid off as Chalamet nabbed a SAG award and was nominated for both an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
Reese Witherspoon as June Carter Cash
Reese Witherspoon, June Carter Cash.
Suzanne Tenner/Fox 2000/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock; ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Sure, Joaquin Phoenix was unforgettable as Johnny Cash in 2005’s Walk the Line but it was Reese Witherspoon’s bold embodiment of June Carter Cash that had everyone talking. The Legally Blonde alum swept the awards circuit that year, winning the Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG and Critics Choice Award for her work.
Taron Egerton as Elton John
Taron Egerton, Elton John.
David Appleby/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock; George Wilkes/Hulton Archive/Getty
When it came to taking on the role of iconic Brit Elton John, it was only right that fellow countryman Taron Egerton step into his sparkly shoes. Egerton channeled Elton John’s early days so well, he nabbed the Golden Globe for Best Actor, Musical or Comedy and was also nominated for an Oscar and BAFTA.
Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith
Queen Latifah, Bessie Smith.
Frank Masi/HBO; Shutterstock
Though Queen Latifah had been in classic films such as Set It Off, Barbershop, and Beauty Shop by the time she starred in Bessie, it was her turn as classic blues singer Bessie Smith that alerted everyone of what a powerhouse she is on screen.
The actress won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, as well as the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries. Latifah also scored Oscar and Golden Globe nods for the film.
Austin Butler as Elvis Presley
Austin Butler as Elvis.
Warner Bros.; Liaison
Austin Butler delved so deep into the world of Elvis Presley, he needed experts to help him come back. For the role, the actor worked with a voice coach to master the King of Rock and Roll’s signature sound — but after three years perfecting the character, Butler told Stephen Colbert he not only “had a hard time remembering who I was,” but he also needed a voice coach to help restore his natural speaking voice for his next project.
Butler won the Golden Globe and SAG Award for his performance in Elvis and also scored an Oscar nomination.
Paul Dano as Brian Wilson
Paul Dano, Brian Wilson.
Moviestore/Shutterstock; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Paul Dano played the younger version of Brian Wilson in 2014’s Love & Mercy (while John Cusack took on Wilson in his later years). Dano was nominated for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role Golden Globe for portrayal of the Beach Boys co-founder.
Andra Day as Billie Holiday
Andra Day, Billie Holiday.
Takashi Seida/Paramount Pictures/Hulu; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Singre Andra Day broke out as an actress in a huge way with her first major role n the 2021’s The United States vs. Billie Holiday, a Lee Daniels biopic about how the Federal Bureau of Narcotics targeted the jazz singer back in the 1940s. Day won the Golden Globe for Best Actress and was also nominated for a Oscar.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Ice Cube
O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Ice Cube.
AJ Pics/alamay; Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Sure, O’Shea Jackson Jr. may have had an advantage when playing Ice Cube (birth name: O’Shea Jackson Sr.) in 2015’s Straight Outta Compton, but that doesn’t mean his performance wasn’t impeccable. Along with co-stars Jason Mitchell, who played Eazy-E ,and Corey Hawkins, who played Dr. Dre, in the N.W.A. biopic, Jackson got critical acclaim for playing his father so well.
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley
Kingsley Ben-Adir, Bob Marley.
Paramount Pictures – Plan B Entertainment – Tuff Gong Pictures; Ian Dickson/Redferns
Kingsley Ben-Adir had his work cut out for him when he portrayed reggae pioneer Bob Marley, because not only are fans of the late musician passionate about his legacy, but his family was at the helm of the film as well. Regardless, Ben-Adir delivered in capturing the spirit and creativity of Bob Marley, though Bob Marley: One Love was met with mixed reviews.
The film won a Grammy for its music and scored six NAACP Image Award nominations, including Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Ben-Adir.
Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston
Naomi Ackie, Whitney Houston.
Sony Pictures Entertainment/Moviestore/Shutterstock; Michael Zagaris/Getty
Several actresses have played Whitney Houston in various films and series and none have gone over well, partially because of how protective fans are of the late legend. So when Naomi Ackie played the powerhouse singer in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, fans had their reservations. However, Ackie’s ability to capture Houston’s passion for music, emotional depth and cheeky (or was it shady?) sense of humor won audiences over.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings