15 Celebrities Who Became Actors — Ranked by Talent

The path to Hollywood stardom is not always a straight line. Many of the most recognizable faces on screen today started their careers in entirely different fields, from recording studios and concert stages to athletic arenas. Making the leap from one highly competitive industry to another is a difficult feat, requiring a unique blend of charisma, dedication, and raw talent that doesn’t always translate from one medium to the next.

However, some individuals manage to not only make the switch but also achieve remarkable success, proving that their ability to captivate an audience extends far beyond their original claim to fame. These are the celebrities who successfully reinvented themselves, trading microphones and championship belts for scripts and screen time. They have since built impressive filmographies, earned critical acclaim, and proven that they are just as compelling in a dramatic scene as they were on a stadium tour or in a wrestling ring.

15. Ronda Rousey

Before she was trading blows on the big screen, Ronda Rousey was a dominant force in the world of mixed martial arts. As a former Olympic judoka and the first-ever UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, her intensity and physical prowess were undeniable. Rousey’s transition into acting seemed like a natural fit, allowing her to channel her tough persona into action-heavy roles that played to her strengths.

Her move to Hollywood saw her join major franchises, appearing in films like ‘The Expendables 3’ (2014) and ‘Furious 7’ (2015). She also had a role in ‘Mile 22’ (2018), often cast in parts that utilize her fighting skills and intimidating presence. While she often plays characters that echo her athletic background, Rousey has successfully carved out a niche for herself as a go-to action star.

14. Terry Crews

Many people know Terry Crews for his memorable comedic roles, but his journey to Hollywood began on the football field. Crews was a defensive end and linebacker in the NFL for several years in the 1990s, playing for teams like the Los Angeles Rams. After retiring from football, he pursued acting, and his larger-than-life personality and impressive physique quickly made him a standout presence.

Crews has demonstrated incredible range, starring as the frugal father Julius Rock in the sitcom ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ (2005-2009) and the lovable Sergeant Terry Jeffords in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013-2021). He’s also appeared in numerous films, including comedies like ‘White Chicks’ (2004) and the action-packed ‘Expendables’ series. His ability to switch between laugh-out-loud comedy and action has made him a versatile and beloved actor.

13. Awkwafina

Before she was a Golden Globe-winning actress, Nora Lum was better known as Awkwafina, a rapper who gained viral fame on YouTube. Her sharp wit and unique comedic voice set her apart in the music world, and those same qualities helped her make a memorable transition into acting. She started with smaller roles that quickly showcased her scene-stealing abilities.

Her breakout came with significant roles in ‘Ocean’s 8’ (2018) and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018), but it was her lead performance in ‘The Farewell’ (2019) that cemented her status as a serious talent, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Awkwafina has also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (2021), demonstrating a talent that spans both comedy and drama.

12. Justin Timberlake

From his early days on ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ to becoming a global pop superstar with *NSYNC and as a solo artist, Justin Timberlake has spent most of his life in the spotlight. With his natural charisma and stage presence, a move into acting was almost inevitable. He began taking on roles that allowed him to prove his talent went beyond the concert arena.

Timberlake earned praise for his performance as Sean Parker in the critically acclaimed film ‘The Social Network’ (2010). He has shown considerable range, starring in romantic comedies like ‘Friends with Benefits’ (2011), sci-fi action in ‘In Time’ (2011), and lending his voice to the animated hit ‘Trolls’ (2016). His ability to hold his own alongside seasoned actors confirmed that his talents were multifaceted.

11. Ice Cube

Ice Cube first made his mark as a revolutionary figure in the world of hip-hop, first with the groundbreaking group N.W.A. and later as a successful solo artist. Known for his powerful lyrics and commanding presence on the mic, he was a natural storyteller, a skill that translated seamlessly to the screen. His acting career began with a powerful debut that showed he was more than just a musician.

He delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Doughboy in the classic film ‘Boyz n the Hood’ (1991). From there, he showcased his comedic talents by co-writing and starring in the cult classic ‘Friday’ (1995) and its sequels. Ice Cube also found mainstream success with the ‘Barbershop’ (2002, 2004, 2016) and ‘21 Jump Street’ (2012, 2014) film series, proving his bankability as a leading man with a unique blend of humor and edge.

10. Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a true trailblazer, having first conquered the world of hip-hop as one of its most important female artists. Her music career was defined by empowering lyrics and a commanding presence, and she brought that same energy to her acting roles. She began with television, starring in the popular sitcom ‘Living Single’ (1993-1998), where she quickly became a fan favorite.

Her film career took off with roles in movies like ‘Set It Off’ (1996) and ‘Bringing Down the House’ (2003). However, it was her powerhouse performance as Matron “Mama” Morton in the musical ‘Chicago’ (2002) that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Since then, she has continued to build a diverse filmography, including roles in ‘Hairspray’ (2007) and ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ (2008), proving she is a force in both music and film.

9. Cher

A true icon of music and style, Cher has reinvented herself countless times over her decades-long career. From her start as part of the duo Sonny & Cher to her hugely successful solo music career, she has always been a commanding performer. Her transition to acting was met with skepticism, but she quickly proved her critics wrong with a series of powerful and acclaimed performances.

After earning a Golden Globe nomination for her work in ‘Silkwood’ (1983), she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for ‘Mask’ (1985). Her crowning achievement as an actor came when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the romantic comedy ‘Moonstruck’ (1987). Cher’s acting career solidified her status as a versatile and exceptionally talented entertainer.

8. Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson was first introduced to the world as a powerhouse vocalist on the third season of ‘American Idol’ in 2004. Despite placing seventh, her incredible talent was undeniable. Her journey into acting began with a role that seemed tailor-made for her, one that would launch her into the stratosphere of Hollywood fame almost overnight.

In her film debut, Hudson delivered a show-stopping performance as Effie White in ‘Dreamgirls’ (2006), which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This incredible achievement set the stage for a successful acting career, with roles in films like ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ (2008) and the biopic ‘Respect’ (2021), where she portrayed the legendary Aretha Franklin. Hudson has the rare distinction of achieving EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

7. David Bowie

David Bowie was a true artist in every sense of the word, constantly transforming his music and persona. His innate theatricality and chameleon-like ability to inhabit different characters made his move into acting a natural extension of his creative spirit. He chose unique and challenging roles that reflected his artistic sensibilities, often playing outsiders and enigmatic figures.

Bowie’s first major film role was as an ethereal alien in ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’ (1976), a performance that earned him critical praise. He is also remembered for iconic roles such as the Goblin King Jareth in the fantasy classic ‘Labyrinth’ (1986), a conflicted POW in ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence’ (1983), and a brief but memorable appearance as Pontius Pilate in ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ (1988).

6. Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson, known to millions of fans as ‘The Rock’, first became a household name in the world of professional wrestling. His unmatched charisma and electrifying presence in the WWE made him one of the sport’s biggest stars. When he transitioned to acting, he brought that same energy to the big screen, starting with his debut as the Scorpion King in ‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001).

Initially taking on action-heavy roles in films like ‘The Scorpion King’ (2002) and ‘Walking Tall’ (2004), Johnson gradually expanded his range. He became a global superstar by joining ‘The Fast and the Furious’ franchise and has demonstrated his comedic talents in hits like ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017) and as the voice of Maui in Disney’s ‘Moana’ (2016). Today, he is one of the highest-paid and most successful actors in the world.

5. Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is a legendary figure who achieved massive success as a singer before ever stepping in front of a movie camera. With one of the most iconic voices in music history, she was already a superstar when she decided to conquer Broadway. Her lead role in the musical ‘Funny Girl’ was a sensation and set the stage for her Hollywood debut.

Streisand reprised her role as Fanny Brice in the film adaptation of ‘Funny Girl’ (1968) and delivered a performance so powerful that she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her very first movie. This stunning debut launched an incredible film career that includes classics like ‘The Way We Were’ (1973) and ‘A Star Is Born’ (1976). She later became the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star in a major film with ‘Yentl’ (1983), for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Director.

4. Frank Sinatra

Known as ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’, Frank Sinatra was one of the most influential singers of the 20th century, with a voice that defined an era. After rising to fame in the 1940s as a teen idol, his career hit a slump in the early 1950s. Determined to reinvent himself, Sinatra turned to acting, pursuing a dramatic role that would change his career forever and demonstrate his impressive depth as a performer.

His persistence paid off when he was cast as Private Angelo Maggio in ‘From Here to Eternity’ (1953). The powerful performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and revitalized his entire career. He went on to star in acclaimed films like ‘The Man with the Golden Arm’ (1955), for which he received a Best Actor nomination, and the classic thriller ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (1962), cementing his legacy as both a legendary singer and a formidable actor.

3. Mark Wahlberg

Before he was an Oscar-nominated actor and producer, Mark Wahlberg was “Marky Mark,” the frontman of the hip-hop group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. His rebellious image and chiseled physique made him a pop culture icon in the early 1990s. When he decided to pursue acting, he worked hard to be taken seriously, starting with roles that highlighted his dramatic potential.

Wahlberg’s breakout performance came in ‘Boogie Nights’ (1997), where he proved his acting abilities. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘The Departed’ (2006). Throughout his career, he has starred in a wide array of successful films, including ‘The Italian Job’ (2003), ‘The Fighter’ (2010), and the ‘Ted’ comedies, establishing himself as a versatile and bankable Hollywood star.

2. Will Smith

From West Philadelphia to Bel-Air, Will Smith’s journey to superstardom started with his music career as The Fresh Prince alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff. His infectious charm and clean rap style led to the creation of the beloved sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990-1996), which was built around his persona and launched his acting career.

After the show ended, Smith set his sights on cinematic stardom and became one of the most bankable leading men in the world. He starred in massive blockbusters like ‘Independence Day’ (1996) and the ‘Men in Black’ series (1997, 2002, 2012). Beyond action and comedy, he earned Academy Award nominations for his dramatic work in ‘Ali’ (2001) and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ (2006), eventually winning the Best Actor Oscar for ‘King Richard’ (2021).

1. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga burst onto the music scene as a global pop phenomenon, known for her chart-topping hits, avant-garde fashion, and theatrical performances. While she had small acting parts before, including an award-winning role in the TV series ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ (2015–2016), it was her first leading film role that revealed the true depth of her acting talent.

Her performance as Ally in ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018) was a revelation, earning her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. With that film’s hit song ‘Shallow’, she became the first woman in history to win an Oscar, Grammy, BAFTA, and Golden Globe in the same year. She continued to impress with another powerful performance in ‘House of Gucci’ (2021), proving that she is an exceptionally gifted actor capable of bringing complex characters to life.

Which of these career-changing moves surprised you the most, or is there another star you feel made the jump to acting flawlessly? Let me know your picks in the comments.