Who would have guessed Hollywood red carpets were hiding so many marching band veterans, jazz enthusiasts, and woodwind warriors? Behind the glitz, some of the world’s most familiar faces have secretly learned instruments, honed their musical abilities, and even incorporated those skills into megahits.
It is simple to diss a monologue or hold a stadium, but to pick up a saxophone, banjo, or cello with real chops? That’s the sort of unexpected twist that makes these celebrities appear more grounded and somehow even more impressive.
From actors who learned instruments for a role to directors who write their own soundtracks, this list celebrates the stars whose musical talents might just make you re-think everything you thought you knew about them.
1. Jennifer Garner’s Saxophone Serenades
Jennifer Garner’s love for the saxophone began in her high school marching band days. She’s never been shy about making a big deal out of that part of her past, but one highlight was pulling off a saxophone birthday tribute to Reese Witherspoon. The goofy show was a reminder that Garner’s talents extend far, far beyond the silver screen and that sometimes the best gifts are those with music wrapped around them.
2. Jason Kelce’s Game-Day Sax Performance
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is known for his toughness on the field, but he surprised Baltimore Ravens fans by performing with their marching band prior to a September 22 game against the Detroit Lions. Kelce’s proficiency in switching from taking down 300-pound defenders to blowing brass is a case in point for an elusive versatility in the world of professional sports and a testament to the fact that music is as invigorating as a winning touchdown play.
3. Steven Spielberg’s Clarinet Cameos
Prior to being one of the greatest directors in film, Steven Spielberg played clarinet for his high school band. Years later, he dug up that skill for the Jaws soundtrack, collaborating with John Williams and even playing some of the clarinet parts on-screen. Being able to include his own music in his films adds another level of personalization that viewers might not connect with a Hollywood blockbuster.
4. Tina Fey’s Flute Flashbacks
Tina Fey’s comedic ability is second to none, but her musical ability dates back to fifth grade when she was a member of her school orchestra playing flute. She then applied that skill to reality on Saturday Night Live where she impersonated Sarah Palin, showing us that even a child’s pastime can be turned into a highlight of a career. Fey’s blending of humor and music makes her one of the most multi-talented performers.
5. Brass Beginnings of Samuel L. Jackson
Before his commanding film presence, Samuel L. Jackson spent years playing the trumpet and French horn in his high school orchestra. He continued to perform those skills through high school, and later pulled them out to play jobs like in Black Snake Moan. Jackson’s musical history is just one more stripe on his extremely active career.
6. Piano Compositions of Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood is not just a movie legend and director he’s a jazz aficionado and skilled pianist as well. He composed scores for films like Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River, blending his love of music and film. Eastwood’s ability to craft on screen and at piano keys makes him an artistic polymath.
7. Steve Martin’s Banjo Brilliance
Steve Martin’s banjo chops are equal to his comedic timing. The actor has gone on the road with the Steep Canyon Rangers and showcased his ability on numerous late-night television shows. His work on the song “So Familiar” assures that Martin’s bluegrass work is not a novelty act instead, it’s a serious avocation that has won him respect in bluegrass communities.
8. Meryl Streep’s Eight-Week Violin Mastery
To learn the violin for her role in Music of the Heart, Meryl Streep spent eight weeks learning how to play. At the start of production, she was skilled enough to have others think she was a seasoned musician. The commitment to realism that this makeover demonstrates is typical of Streep’s career, and this is one of the most remarkable makeovers on her CV.
9. Courteney Cox’s Pandemic Piano Skills
Courteney Cox learned how to play the piano during the 2020 lockdown and achieved such skill by February 2021 that she was playing the theme of Friends. Her lighthearted “Smelly Cat” remix put a smile on fans’ faces, showing learning to play a new instrument can be a source of joy even in challenging times and a means of connection.
10. Dermot Mulroney’s Orchestral Cello Work
Dermot Mulroney’s cello skills have earned him membership in orchestras for the most successful film scores, including Star Wars and Scream. He is grateful to composer Michael Giacchino, who introduced him to the innermost musical ranks, saying, “Once you’re in his orchestra, he included me with the greatest musicians in Los Angeles and there I sit in that group.” Mulroney’s move from Hollywood performing in films to professional music is something few others can match.
These unexpected musical talents reveal a more private face of stars that typically isn’t there behind more public faces. Whether a pre-game saxophone solo prior to a football match or a director sneaking into an orchestra, these are reminders that talent isn’t bound and that sometimes the best performances are done off-camera.
