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12 Actors Who Used Their Fame To Start Music Careers
Back in the days of old Hollywood, it wasn't uncommon to encounter actors who could be considered a "triple-threat;" they could act, dance, AND sing. As the years went on, these kinds of actors became increasingly rare, but there have still been a few that have also tried their hands at a music career. These 12 all released albums, with varying levels of success.
Cesar Romero
Best-known for his portrayal of The Joker alongside Adam West's Batman, Romero actually released an album in 1958 called Songs From A Latino Lover, a tongue-in-cheek reference to his most common roles at the time.
Billy Bob Thornton
That's right, turns out the star of Bad Santa is also an accomplished musician! He even wrote a song back in 2001 about his ex-girlfriend, Angelina Jolie.
Clint Eastwood
In a move that I'm sure surprised absolutely nobody, the world's greatest movie cowboy released an album during his Rawhide days called Clint Eastwood Sings Cowboy Favorites. The biggest surprise is probably that it's actually pretty good!
Steven Seagal
Yes, one of the most mediocre action stars of all time actively tours with his mediocre music, which he describes as “outsider country meets world music meets aikido.” Are we even surprised?
Don Johnson
Don Johnson was a big deal in the 80s thanks to his leading role on Miami Vice, so it's no surprise that he tried his hand at singing as well. The song "Heartbeat" actually hit the Billboard Top 10.
Some of these albums just get crazier from here...
Corey Feldman
Everyone's favorite Corey has released a few albums in the last few years, often lamenting the trials of being famous at a young age. It's honestly kind of weird.
Robert Mitchum
That's right, I bet you didn't know that the squinty-eyed acting legend behind Cape Fear and Night of the Hunter was also a singer! Turns out he's not half bad!
Eddie Murphy
Usually comedians go on to make comedy albums, but Eddie Murphy tried his hand at being a legitimate pop sensations in the mid-80s. It's really funny, but not for any of the reasons that Eddie would want it to be.
Jeff Daniels
The star of Dumb and Dumber and The Newsroom put out a live acoustic album in 2004 in order to benefit his theater company, Purple Rose.
Russel Crowe
Long before he was a Hollywood A-lister, the Australian actor released several songs in his native country. Even after an Oscar win and plenty of roles, he still has an affection for music; he's released four albums with his band, Thirty Odd Foot of Grunt.
Anthony "Tony" Perkins
In the ultimate example of never judging a book by its cover, the man who played one of the best horror villains of all time, Psycho's Norman Bates, released a whopping THREE pop music albums under the moniker "Tony Perkins." The song "Moonlight Swim" even hit the Top 40!
Sir Christopher Lee
The late, great Sir Christopher Lee was a man of many talents. He served in the British Commados in World War II, had an extensive acting career (including roles like Dracula in the Hammer Horror films, and Saruman the White in The Lord of the Rings), and as it turns out, had a hell of a voice. He teamed up with friends from symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire to record a metal album in 2010!