When music fame didn’t help: 10 musicians who failed as actors
Harry Styles and Britney Spears (collage by RBC-Ukraine)
Many musicians, after achieving huge popularity on stage, try to conquer the film world as well. However, acting requires a completely different set of skills, and not every pop star manages to look convincing on camera.
RBC-Ukraine highlights 10 famous musicians who tried acting but whose experiments were not successful.
Adam Levine
Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine made his film debut in the musical drama Begin Again.
In the movie, he played a popular musician who rises to success while gradually drifting away from his girlfriend, a young singer played by British actress Keira Knightley.
On paper, the role of a self-absorbed pop star seemed perfect for Levine. However, critics noted that on screen, he appeared quite stiff. Standing next to experienced actors like Mark Ruffalo, the singer seemed dull and lacking charisma.
His character was supposed to convey complex emotions, but in the end, came across as rather flat.
Adam Levine (photo: https://www.instagram.com/adamlevine)
Ed Sheeran
British singer Ed Sheeran appeared in the popular series Game of Thrones. He played a soldier who sings a song by the campfire when Arya Stark arrives at the camp.
Despite his very brief appearance, the scene sparked a wave of criticism. Many viewers claimed that the presence of such a recognizable pop star ruined the atmosphere of the series.
Instead of seeing a character from the fictional world, they saw a famous musician delivering his lines.
Ed Sheeran (scene from Game of Thrones)
Jessica Simpson
Pop singer Jessica Simpson played Daisy Duke in the comedy film The Dukes of Hazzard.
The movie was a remake of the popular TV series about the adventures of two cousins in the southern United States.
The film received very weak reviews, and many critics called Simpson’s performance unconvincing.
Her character mostly revolved around the image of an attractive blonde in short shorts, and her acting came across as rather superficial.
Jessica Simpson (photo: instagram.com/jessicasimpson)
Rihanna
Barbadian singer Rihanna made her big-screen debut in the sci-fi action film Battleship.
In the movie, she played a military specialist who helps fight an alien fleet.
The film received negative reviews from critics, and many described Rihanna’s performance as unnatural.
She even received a Golden Raspberry Award (“Razzie”) for Worst Supporting Actress.
Rihanna (photo: Getty Images)
Mariah Carey
Singer Mariah Carey played the lead role in the musical drama Glitter. In the film, she portrayed a young singer trying to achieve success in the music industry.
The movie became one of the biggest flops of the early 2000s. Critics slammed both the plot and Carey’s acting.
Later, Carey herself admitted that the film turned out very differently from what she had envisioned.
Mariah Carey (photo: instagram.com/mariahcarey)
Elvis Presley
Legendary rock ‘n’ roll singer Elvis Presley dreamed of becoming a serious actor and even wanted to follow in the footsteps of his idols – James Dean and Marlon Brando. His acting debut came in the western Love Me Tender.
Although the film was popular among Presley’s fans, critics noted that he lacked sufficient acting talent.
Often, he simply looked like a musician who happened to be in front of the camera.
Elvis Presley (photo: Getty Images)
Geri Halliwell
Former Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell appeared in a brief cameo on the popular series Sex and the City. Her role lasted only a few dozen seconds.
However, even in such a short appearance, the scene drew criticism. Viewers noted her odd accent, unnatural delivery of lines, and an overly exaggerated acting style.
Geri Halliwell (photo: instagram.com/gerihalliwellhorner)
Harry Styles
Former One Direction member Harry Styles began his acting career in the war drama Dunkirk.
The film’s director insisted that Styles got the role because of his talent, not his popularity.
However, later in My Policeman and Don’t Worry Darling, critics increasingly noted that Styles’ acting range is limited.
Many reviewers felt that, alongside experienced actors, he appeared noticeably weaker.
Harry Styles (photo: instagram.com/harrystyles)
Britney Spears
In the early 2000s, Britney Spears was one of the most popular pop stars in the world. It was during this time that she played the lead role in the teen drama Crossroads.
In the film, she portrayed a high school girl who sets out on a trip with her friends. While the movie later gained cult status among fans, critics described Spears’ acting as stiff and unconvincing.
Britney Spears (photo: Getty Images)
Michael Jackson
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, appeared in a cameo in the sci-fi comedy Men in Black II. His appearance was brief but noticeable.
Many viewers noted that Jackson seemed to be simply reading from the script. The scene came across as more awkward than funny and did not add much to the film.
Michael Jackson (scene from Men in Black II)
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