11 Actors You Probably Forgot Had Hit Songs

Many actors have tried their hand at music, but only a few have landed genuine hits. From chart-topping singles to unexpected fan favorites, these stars proved they could succeed in more than one corner of the entertainment industry.

Mandy Moore

Before becoming a familiar face on screen, Mandy Moore broke out as a pop star with the catchy 1999 single “Candy.” She later shifted her focus to acting, starring in A Walk to Remember before winning over a new generation of fans as Rebecca Pearson on the hit series This is Us.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover has found success as both an acclaimed actor and the musician behind the Childish Gambino persona. His 2018 hit “This Is America” became a cultural phenomenon and showcased his impact on both music and entertainment. According to Billboard, the track became the first rap song to win the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

Leighton Meester

Leighton Meester is best known for her television career, but she also found success in music as the featured vocalist on Cobra Starship‘s hit “Good Girls Go Bad.” The 2009 collaboration became one of the band’s biggest songs and introduced Meester to pop audiences. According to Billboard, the single reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis explored music alongside his acting career, releasing the 1987 album The Return of Bruno. The album featured his cover of “Respect Yourself,” which showcased a soulful side that contrasted with his action-hero image. According to SessionDays, the single reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Mark Wahlberg

Before becoming a Hollywood star, Mark Wahlberg found success in music as Marky Mark. His 1991 hit “Good Vibrations” became a pop culture phenomenon and helped launch his entertainment career. According to Billboard, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Oct. 5, 1991.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton expanded her career into music with the 2006 pop single “Stars Are Blind.” The breezy track became her biggest musical hit and remains one of the defining pop songs of the mid-2000s. According to the Official Charts Company, it peaked at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx has enjoyed success as both an Oscar-winning actor and an accomplished R&B singer. He scored major hits with songs like “Slow Jamz” and Kanye West‘s “Gold Digger,” showcasing his musical talent alongside his acting career. According to SingersRoom, “Gold Digger” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Foxx a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt expanded her career into music with the 1999 single “How Do I Deal.” The song became her first to chart on Billboard, marking her official crossover from television to pop music. According to Billboard, “How Do I Deal” peaked at No. 36 on the Pop Airplay chart in 1999.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan expanded her career into music with the 2004 debut single “Rumors.” The song launched her recording career, and its parent album, Speak, went on to peak at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff found remarkable success as a singer with the 1989 hit “Looking for Freedom,” particularly in Germany and across Europe. The song became closely associated with the fall of the Berlin Wall and resonated with many Germans during the country’s reunification.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy expanded his career into music with the 1985 hit “Party All the Time.” The catchy single became a major commercial success and remains his best-known song. According to American Songwriter, it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.