Black Actors Who Are Secretly Opera Singers

The world of entertainment often features multi talented individuals who possess skills far beyond what is seen on the silver screen. Many prominent Black actors began their careers in the rigorous world of classical music and operatic performance. These performers utilized their vocal training to master breath control and stage presence before transitioning into film and television roles. This list highlights remarkable male actors who have the professional range to command an opera house as easily as a movie set.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker originally attended the University of Southern California as a music major studying opera. He initially enrolled on a football scholarship but transitioned to the conservatory to focus on his classical tenor voice. His training in vocal performance helped him develop the presence and stamina required for his later work in ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘Arrival’. Although he is primarily known for his Academy Award winning acting he maintains a deep appreciation for the operatic arts.

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume was a classically trained tenor who studied at Washington University and the Aspen Music School. He famously replaced Michael Crawford in the Los Angeles production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ which showcased his immense vocal range. Before finding fame in ‘Benson’ and ‘Soap’ he performed in numerous musical theater and operatic productions. His sophisticated vocal technique allowed him to navigate complex scores with ease throughout his long career.

Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson was a world renowned bass baritone who successfully balanced a career in law and professional sports with acting and singing. He is perhaps most famous for his performance of Ol Man River in the musical ‘Show Boat’ which utilized his deep operatic resonance. Robeson performed in operatic recitals across the globe and was celebrated for his ability to sing in multiple languages. His powerful voice became a symbol of social justice and artistic excellence during the twentieth century.

Brock Peters

Brock Peters possessed a magnificent bass baritone voice that he showcased in both film and on the musical stage. He is widely remembered for his heartbreaking performance as Tom Robinson in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Peters began his career in the musical ‘Porgy and Bess’ and performed in various operatic settings throughout the fifties and sixties. His vocal training provided the foundation for a career defined by gravitas and emotional resonance.

Avery Brooks

Avery Brooks is a highly educated performer who served as a professor of theater at Rutgers University. He is a classically trained baritone who has performed the title role in the opera ‘X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X’. Fans of ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ saw glimpses of his musicality during his tenure as Captain Benjamin Sisko. Brooks has consistently integrated his operatic background into his stage work and public recitals.

Norm Lewis

Norm Lewis is a celebrated baritone who made history as the first Black actor to play the title role in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway. He has a formal background in vocal performance and is known for his operatic approach to musical theater. Lewis has appeared in televised productions like ‘Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert’ where his classical training was on full display. His rich tone and precise technique make him one of the most respected vocalists in the industry.

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Brian Stokes Mitchell is often referred to as the last leading man of Broadway due to his powerful baritone voice. He has performed with major symphony orchestras and in operatic settings throughout his distinguished career. Mitchell won a Tony Award for his work in ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ and has appeared in television series like ‘Mr. Robot’. His ability to transition between jazz and grand opera demonstrates his incredible technical versatility.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is famous for his comedic roles in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ but he is also a powerhouse tenor. He possesses a rare vocal range that allows him to perform demanding operatic and musical theater pieces. Burgess has released albums and performed in concert halls where his classical foundations are clearly evident. His high range and vocal agility have made him a standout performer on both the stage and the screen.

Phillip Boykin

Phillip Boykin is a bass baritone who received his training at the University of Hartford and the Westminster Choir College. He earned a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of Crown in ‘The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess’. Boykin has appeared in films such as ‘Freedom’ and ‘Top Five’ while maintaining a steady presence in the opera world. His voice is noted for its immense power and traditional operatic texture.

Jordan Donica

Jordan Donica is a rising star who has already made a significant impact in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Hamilton’. He studied at Otterbein University where he focused on classical vocal technique and musical theater. Donica portrayed Raoul in the Broadway production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ which required a high level of operatic skill. His work in the television series ‘Charmed’ introduced his talents to a wider audience.

Joshua Henry

Joshua Henry is a three time Tony Award nominee known for his roles in ‘Violet’ and ‘The Scottboro Boys’. He has a versatile voice that can handle contemporary pop and traditional operatic styles with equal skill. Henry showcased his range in the film adaptation of ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ and on stage in ‘Carousel’. His classical training allows him to sustain difficult vocal lines while delivering intense dramatic performances.

Quentin Earl Darrington

Quentin Earl Darrington has a deep and resonant voice that has anchored major Broadway revivals. He studied at the University of South Florida and has a strong foundation in classical vocal pedagogy. Darrington delivered a standout performance in ‘Ragtime’ and later appeared in ‘MJ The Musical’. His ability to project with operatic force has made him a favorite among directors of large scale musical productions.

Mykal Kilgore

Mykal Kilgore is a singer and actor who is known for his incredible vocal range and technical precision. He has performed in ‘The Wiz Live!’ and has a background that includes rigorous vocal study. While he often works in the realms of soul and R and B his technique is rooted in classical principles. Kilgore has the ability to execute complex operatic runs that leave audiences in awe.

Okieriete Onaodowan

Okieriete Onaodowan gained international fame for originating the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in ‘Hamilton’. He received his training at the Mason Gross School of the Arts where he focused on the theatrical and vocal arts. Onaodowan later starred in ‘Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812’ which required a demanding vocal performance. His background in classical study helped him transition into lead roles on television series like ‘Station 19’.

Brandon Victor Dixon

Brandon Victor Dixon is a versatile performer who has appeared in ‘Power’ and ‘Empire’. He studied at Columbia University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Dixon has performed in ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Motown The Musical’ where his strong vocal technique was a highlight. His training in the United Kingdom provided him with a classical perspective on both acting and singing.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin rose to prominence as Kristoff in the Broadway production of ‘Frozen’. He is a graduate of the New York University Tisch School of the Arts where he studied vocal performance. Alladin has appeared in television series like ‘Fellow Travelers’ and ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’. His voice has a clear and resonant quality that reflects his years of classical training.

James Monroe Iglehart

James Monroe Iglehart is a Tony Award winner known for his role as the Genie in ‘Aladdin’. He has a background in musical theater that includes a strong emphasis on vocal technique and breath control. While he is often associated with high energy comedic roles he possesses a voice capable of classical performance. Iglehart has appeared in ‘Spamalot’ and ‘Hamilton’ demonstrating his wide vocal and acting range.

Christopher Jackson

Christopher Jackson is a versatile actor and singer who originated the role of George Washington in ‘Hamilton’. He began his musical journey in the church and continued with formal training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Jackson has appeared in the television series ‘Bull’ and provided the singing voice for Chief Tui in ‘Moana’. His rich and steady voice is a result of years of dedicated vocal study.

Chuck Cooper

Chuck Cooper is a veteran actor of the stage and screen who won a Tony Award for his role in ‘The Life’. He has a deep bass voice that is often utilized for authority figures and complex characters. Cooper has appeared in numerous Broadway shows and television series like ‘Gossip Girl’. His vocal depth and classical training have allowed him to remain a consistent force in the industry for decades.

Michael McElroy

Michael McElroy is an actor and musician who is known for his work in ‘Rent’ and ‘Big River’. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where he studied vocal performance and theater. McElroy founded the Broadway Inspirational Voices which showcases his commitment to high level vocal artistry. His career has spanned from Broadway stages to television appearances and film roles.

Billy Eugene Jones

Billy Eugene Jones is a classically trained actor who has appeared in numerous Broadway productions. He attended the Yale School of Drama where he refined his acting and vocal abilities. Jones has performed in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and ‘The Mountaintop’ alongside his film and television work. His background in classical theater often involves rigorous vocal preparation that mirrors operatic training.

Daniel Breaker

Daniel Breaker is known for his roles in ‘Passing Strange’ and the television series ‘Girls5eva’. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School where he received world class training in both acting and voice. Breaker has performed in ‘Shrek The Musical’ and ‘Hamilton’ showing off his impressive vocal flexibility. His education at Juilliard provided him with the tools to tackle both classical and contemporary material.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins is a graduate of the Juilliard School where he was a member of the drama division. While he is primarily known for his roles in ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and ‘In the Heights’ he has a strong vocal background. His training involved extensive voice work that allows him to command a stage with operatic intensity. Hawkins recently showcased his musical abilities in the film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’.

Keith David

Keith David is famous for his deep and distinctive voice which he developed while studying at the Juilliard School. He has a background in classical theater and has appeared in countless films and television shows. David has a singing voice that is equally as impressive as his speaking voice and he has performed in various musical settings. His training at one of the worlds most prestigious conservatories remains the foundation of his career.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones was widely considered one of the greatest actors in history and he possessed an iconic bass voice. He overcame a childhood stutter by focusing on vocal exercises and classical speech training. Jones studied at the University of Michigan and later at the American Theatre Wing where he honed his craft. His resonance and control were reminiscent of a professional opera singer and helped define his legendary career.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama where he received a master of fine arts. His training at Yale included intensive voice and speech work that is standard for classical performers. He has starred in ‘Aquaman’ and ‘Watchmen’ where his physical and vocal presence made him a standout. The discipline required for his graduate studies has translated into a successful career in high stakes action and drama.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown is an acclaimed actor who studied at Stanford University and the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. His graduate training involved significant vocal work that prepared him for the rigors of professional theater and film. Brown is known for his precise delivery and emotional depth in ‘This Is Us’ and ‘American Fiction’. His educational background provided him with a classical foundation that supports his versatile acting style.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a multi talented performer who has received critical acclaim for his work in ‘Rustin’ and ‘Euphoria’. He has a background in musical theater and has performed in shows like ‘The Scottsboro Boys’ and ‘Passing Strange’. Domingo possesses a unique vocal quality that he has cultivated through years of stage performance and training. His ability to lead a production with both his acting and his voice has made him one of the most sought after talents today.

Tell us which of these classically trained performers surprised you the most in the comments.