The Best (or Worst!) Actors That Tried To Be Musicians

Actors belong in movies, on television shows, or commercials. We know them. We love them. Perhaps we love them too much and their egos start to inflate. For some reason, many actors snap somewhere along the way and decide they also want to try out music. As much as we might love these actors, in many cases, they might just want to stick to acting.

I am not sure why it works this way, but musicians that decide to become actors normally works out ever so much better than actors that decide to become musicians. But for now, let's celebrate the actors that attempted to cross over and try out the whole music scene... for better or worse!

In the height of his popularity, Bruce Willis was an unstoppable force. He starred in Moonlighting, numerous movies, and he was Hollywood's hottest actor. So, of course, why not try to become a singer? Yes, Bruce Willis somehow thought it would be a good idea to create some songs including a true '80s classic called "Respect Yourself." You may have managed to block this little ditty out of your memory, but I am sure it will all come back to you when you watch the music video.

Just like Bruce Willis, Don Johnson was one of the hottest guys in the 1980s. Everyone was watching Miami Vice and even trying to dress like Don. Naturally, it would only make sense to try to start a music career. Sure, why not? Believe it or not, Don Johnson had a hit with the song, "Heartbeat." Even scarier, I am going to openly admit this song kind of rocks.

Don Johnson actually has some singing talent and once you've listened to the song, it will bounce around in your head for the rest of the day. Check out the passion Don Johnson puts into this performance. This song will not escape your head for hours! You can thank me later.

No wonder poor Lindsay Lohan is so messed up. Obviously her fans were sending her a message that she could do anything in the world. When Lindsay was super popular and still a cute redhead, she decided to launch a music career. At the time, Lindsay Lohan was starting to get a party girl reputation, but people were still interesting in her career. Well, that is where the song "Rumors" comes in to the picture. Check out Lindsay's dance pop hit... yes, I said hit. Sad confession #2 for this hub: I actually own this CD. I've said too much.

So far, we've covered a number of celebrities that tried to become singers. I think it is time we should discuss an actor that decided to take it to a whole new level and become a rapper. Yes, I am talking about Rodney Dangerfield. I don't know who thought this would be a good idea, but someone came up with the idea to create, "No Respect."

Basically, Rodney Dangerfield became Rappin' Rodney back in the 1980s. Rap was cool and Rodney Dangerfield had a number of funny "no respect" jokes, and somehow, the two merged. Oh Rodney, we all miss you, but the Rappin' Rodney idea was not so great.

While we are on the subject of late, great comics becoming musicians, Sam Kinison also decided to give it a try. Sam was known for screaming through his routines and he pretty much does the same thing in this remake of the song, "Wild Thing." Honestly, it probably never hurts to have a big hair heavy metal version of "Wild Thing," so sit back and enjoy.

Is it possible to have a list of actors turned musicians without including David Hasselhoff? I think not! David Hasselhoff has actually been doing this whole musician thing for a while now. Believe it or not, the Hoff has plenty of fans. From what I've heard, David Hasselhoff has a huge following in Germany. Maybe he is more famous for Baywatch or Knight Rider in the U.S., but hey, if he is popular as a singer in other countries, good for him. After all, you should never "hassel the hoff," so please take a few moments to enjoy his music video, "Jump in My Car."

This is a list that can't be stopped! There was no way I was going to let Eddie Murphy get off the hook on this one. Yet another actor that thought singing the '80s would be a good idea, Eddie Murphy created the super awesome jam, "Party All the Time" with Rick James. The video features Eddie Murphy getting down and probably a little too much of Rick James rocking out. Nonetheless, it is a totally awesome '80s treasure I am sure you will enjoy. It is another song that gets in your head and won't leave.

I've heard rumors for years that William Shatner recorded a number of classic rock songs, but for some reason never believed it. Oh, well you'd better believe it. William Shatner has covered a number of songs like "My Way," "Rocket Man," and "Iron Man." I decided out of all the interesting songs I found on YouTube, this lovely rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" best represents the William Shatner sound. So yes, you'd better brace yourself for this one.

To some of us, Jared Leto will always be Jordan Catalano from My So-Called Life. Jared Leto has also starred in a number of movies, like American Psycho and Girl, Interrupted. However, acting was apparently never Jared's first love. Jared Leto is actually an actor that is now an extremely successful musician.

Jared Leto is the lead singer in the band 30 Seconds to Mars. Some folks are quick to judge Jared and his success, but they are probably just jealous. It is not everyday you find a guy that is a successful actor, a great musician, and incredibly good looking. OK, I have a crush on Jared Leto. Whatever. So, last but never least, check out the 30 Seconds to Mars music video, "The Kill."

Videos used in this hub are re-posted from YouTube.

All written material in this hub is by Jeannieinabottle.

Copyright ©2012 Jeannieinabottle