16 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Can Play An Instrument
These stars are more talented than you might realize.
Becoming a star involves a lot of hard work and dedication to honing your craft and special skills, but many celebrities have even more talent than meets the eye. Even though these individuals are better known for acting, comedy, directing, and more, these celebrities can play an instrument, too.
Although some play as a hobby, others have turned their musical gifts into part-time passion projects and full-on careers. Keep reading to find out which A-listers are well-equipped to play you one of their favorite tunes on the piano, guitar, clarinet, and more.
Clint Eastwood
An Academy Award-winning actor and director, Clint Eastwood is also a skilled pianist. He’s even lent his musical talents to scores for his movies like Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River.
Julia Roberts
Before Julia Roberts was a big movie star, she played the clarinet in her school band. Growing up, also dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.
Bill Clinton
Former President Bill Clinton has some serious saxophone chops. He even took the stage to perform at the inaugural ball after his win in the 1992 presidential election.
Ryan Gosling
Not only is he an acclaimed actor, but Ryan Gosling is also a multi-instrumentalist. In addition to playing guitar, bass, piano, and cello, Gosling was part of a short-lived musical duo called Dead Man’s Bones. You can still listen to their singular album on Spotify.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves is known for both his acting and being an all-around great guy, but he’s also a talented bass player. Reeves plays in a band called Dogstar that recently performed at the 2023 BottleRock Napa Valley festival.
Robert Downey Jr.
Legendary actor Robert Downey Jr. played Charlie Chaplin in the 1992 movie Chaplin. He spent an entire year preparing for the role, learning to play the violin and with his left hand, no less.
Adrien Brody
In 2003, Adrien Brody won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Pianist. The Oscar-winner spent four hours each day learning to play the piano to ready himself for the task of playing pianist Władysław Szpilman.
Miles Teller
Actor Miles Teller delighted audiences when he showed off his drumming skills with The Roots on The Tonight Show in 2014. The actor famously performed nearly all of his drumming in the movie Whiplash. Even though he could already play the drums before filming, he studied jazz techniques to prepare for the film.
Condoleezza Rice
Before she was the secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice was contemplating a career as a concert pianist. She still plays often, and her talent is remarkable.
Jennifer Garner
During high school, Jennifer Garner was a saxophonist. She hasn’t played much since then, but she remains proud of her time learning the instrument.
Steve Martin
If you haven’t listened to Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, head to Spotify now. The actor and comedian is an incredible banjo player and performer.
Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis isn’t just a talented actor and stuntman, he’s a solid harmonica player. Jamming out on his pocket-sized instrument is one of his favorite hobbies.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is no stranger to music, showing off her singing skills in movies like Mamma Mia!, but the Oscar-winning actor can also play the violin. She learned to play for her role in the 1999 movie Music of the Heart.
Courteney Cox
The actor best known for her iconic role on the hit show Friends enjoys playing the piano in her spare time. Courteney Cox has even posted videos of her playing to her personal Instagram page.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is one of the most acclaimed stars in Hollywood, known for roles in the X-Men franchises as well her Academy Award-winning role in Monster’s Ball. Many are surprised to learn that she also plays the flute.
Dustin Hoffman
Dustin Hoffman always dreamed of becoming a pianist, and he still enjoys playing in his spare time.
Nina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for the art of storytelling. In addition to writing articles for various clients and publications, Nina has written several episodes of scripted television for networks including Starz and Fox.
