Great Movies Starring Musicians

Plenty of star power in “A League of Their Own” with Tom Hanks, Rosie O’Donnell, and Geena Davis in the film about a women’s baseball league competing during World War II. The Material Girl had already made a few movies, including the comedy-drama “Desperately Seeking Susan” in 1985, Madonna’s first major film role. “A League of Their Own” would be her biggest hit at the box office.

Rapper T.I. has appeared in numerous movies and television shows, including “American Gangster” (2007), “House of Lies” (2014), and “Takers” (2010). Perhaps his most popular role is that of Scott Lang’s friend and getaway driver Dave in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie “Ant-Man” (2015). T.I. would revive this role in 2018’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp.”

Country music legend Dolly Parton was no stranger to the silver screen by the time she starred in “Steel Magnolias” (1989). The singer had already acted in “9 to 5” (1980), “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (1982), and “Rhinestone” (1984). “Steel Magnolias,” about a group of female friends at a Louisiana salon, is the highest rated of all these films.

Director David Lynch has repeatedly cast musicians in his films, including Sting in “Dune” (1984) and hard rock frontman Henry Rollins in “Lost Highway” (1997). One of the most prominent roles played by a musician in Lynch’s films is that of Special Agent Chester Desmond, played by “Wicked Game” crooner Chris Isaak, in “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” (1992). He’s not the only musician in the film either — David Bowie makes an appearance as agent Philip Jeffries.

“Dune” (1984) was not the first movie to cast Sting as an actor. Five years prior, Police frontman had appeared in the higher rated “Quadrophenia” as Mod gang leader Ace Face. He has appeared in numerous movies and television shows since, including a recent cameo in “Zoolander 2” (2016) as himself.