Actors with Surprising Music Careers Before Their Film Success

Actors Who Had Surprising Musical Journeys Before Fame

 

Let’s dive into an intriguing world where Hollywood stars once embraced the rhythm of music long before they graced our screens. From bands to solo acts, here’s a look at famous actors whose unexpected musical careers paved the way to their stardom.

 

Maya Rudolph, the comedic talent from Bridesmaids and Saturday Night Live, has an unexpected history with music. In the late ’90s, she joined The Rentals, a band formed by Weezer’s bassist Matt Sharp. Just out of college and lacking any notable acting credits, Rudolph hit the road, sharing stages with artists like Blur and Alanis Morissette. Reflecting on her time, she shared with the New Yorker how thrilling it was to tour and experience life on the road.

 

Chevy Chase, well-known for his comedic genius, had ties to music in the ’60s while attending Bard College. He played drums for a band called The Leather Canary alongside future Steely Dan founders Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Chase revealed in a podcast that he was pivotal in kickstarting what would become one of rock’s most influential groups, saying he enjoyed the early days when they played together.

 

Brie Larson, famed for her role in Captain Marvel, started her career by strumming a guitar at the tender age of 11. By 16, she had released her debut album, Finally Out of P.E. While her single “She Said” didn’t take the charts by storm, Larson’s musical endeavors ultimately brought her closer to her acting dreams.

 

Remember Stephen Tobolowsky from Groundhog Day? Before his extensive film and TV career, he was a member of a high school band named Cast of Thousands in Dallas. They even recorded tracks that featured a young Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though they described their sound as a “terrible folk rock,” Tobolowsky reminisced fondly about Vaughan’s remarkable talent, instantly recognizing his brilliance during their time together.

 

Jason Schwartzman, recognized for his collaborations with director Wes Anderson, was also a drummer for Phantom Planet in his youth. The band’s 1998 release went unnoticed, but they struck gold with “California,” which became famous as the theme song for The O.C., with Schwartzman co-writing the hit.

 

Rashida Jones, known for her roles in The Office and Parks and Recreation, once pursued a singing career in the late ’90s and early 2000s, courtesy of her father, legendary music producer Quincy Jones. Her contributions included performances on Maroon 5’s debut album and other notable projects, showcasing her musical roots.

 

Peter Dinklage, now a household name from Game of Thrones, was the frontman of a punk band called Whizzy in the ’90s. Their gigs at iconic venues like CBGB introduced him to the music scene, and although the band broke up, Dinklage’s time in music helped shape his artistic journey.

 

Ricky Gervais, famed for creating the British version of The Office, briefly ventured into music with his new-wave duo Seona Dancing. Although their singles didn’t chart highly, Gervais humorously noted that he was a “pop star for a year” and even sought inspiration from legends like David Bowie, whose influence is undeniable in Gervais’s music.

 

Ed Helms, best known for his bluegrass-inspired character in The Office, also started a music group called The Lonesome Trio during his college years. The band blended comedic and musical elements and gained popularity in the NYC bluegrass scene, allowing Helms to combine his acting aspirations with his passion for music.

 

Finally, while Harrison Ford isn’t recognized as a musician, he played a unique role in music history by building a recording studio for the Brazilian bossa nova icon Sérgio Mendes in the early ’70s. This unexpected connection highlights the versatility of a young Ford, who would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors.

 

These stories remind us that before they became icons, many actors explored diverse artistic avenues, carving paths that would eventually lead them to remarkable success in showbiz.