Singers Turned Hollywood Stars

Harry Connick Jr. is just one of many singers turned movie stars. As the crooner’s new film, ‘Dolphin Tale 2,’ comes to theaters, here’s a look back at a few notable performers to make the transition to the big screen.

Will Smith

From Fresh Prince to Man in Black, Smith made his mark on Hollywood with a role in the paterfamilias of summer blockbusters – ‘Independence Day.’

Madonna

The Material Girl made her big-screen debut in 1985’s ‘Desperately Seeking Susan,’ but her most memorable role is arguably that of femme fatale Breathless Mahoney in ‘Dick Tracy,’ opposite director and star Warren Beatty.

Whitney Houston

From ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ to ‘Waiting to Exhale,’ the late pop icon had her share of success on the big screen. But audiences best remember Houston for her film debut as Kevin Costner's love interest in ‘The Bodyguard’ and its first-ever onscreen interracial kiss.

Beyoncé

Before starring in the Oscar-nominated musical ‘Dreamgirls,’ the former Destiny’s Child scored her first movie role as Foxxy Cleopatra in ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember.’

Eminem

In addition to winning an Oscar for Best Song, the popular rapper silenced his naysayers with his fierce performance in ‘8 Mile’ – a blockbuster in 2002.

Christina Aguilera

Before becoming a judge on ‘The Voice’ but after getting “Dirrty,” Xtina made the leap from stage to, well, stage in the critically panned movie musical ‘Burlesque.’

Mariah Carey

The pop diva is almost unrecognizable in her supporting role in the emotionally raw drama ‘Precious.’

Justin Timberlake

You know what’s cooler than a million dollars? Timberlake’s strong performance in David Fincher’s film about Facebook. The former ‘N Sync-er is also entertaining in the little-seen rom-com ‘Friends with Benefits.’

Ice Cube

Another rapper turned actor, Ice Cube continues to find success on the big screen, most recently in the hit comedy sequel ’22 Jump Street.’

Mark Wahlberg

Insert obligatory “Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch” joke here about the ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ star. But the guy's been Oscar-nominated for his acting in 'The Departed.' 

Prince

Two words: ‘Purple Rain.’ ‘Nuff said.  

Queen Latifah

The former hip-hop performer scored an Oscar nomination for her supporting work in the award-winning ‘Chicago.’

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese went from making albums to fighting Decepticons and driving with Vin Diesel, with roles in the first three ‘Transformers’ films and several ‘Fast & Furious’ movies, respectively.

LL Cool J

Rapper-turned-actor LL Cool J plays (naturally) a chef with a talking parrot in the people vs. genetically engineered shark movie ‘Deep Blue Sea.’

Cher

Yes, that singer your parents made you listen to on road trips won an Oscar for her role in ‘Moonstruck.’

David Bowie

There is life before and life after watching Bowie as the Goblin King in ‘Labyrinth’ and as inventor Nikola Tesla in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Prestige’ (pictured).

Selena Gomez

This former Disney star went R-rated for ‘Spring Breakers,' playing a college-aged bank robber opposite James Franco.