While acting in the movies and on Broadway are two totally different things that require unique skillsets, there is also a major cross over appeal. Many major A-List stars have appeared on Broadway over the years though, whether that be how they got their lucky break or whether it be a challenge they tackle later in their careers.
Some actors have starred in musicals and belted out some huge anthems in front of live audiences each night, while others have tackled serious plays. It truly is the mark of an immensely talented actor who is able to pull off doing both arts.
While some have opted to do both consistently, others have just done it once to tick it off a bucket list. Either way, it’s certainly impressive and within this list, we will reveal 10 actors who have done both.
Hugh Jackman
The world was stunned when Hugh Jackman’s singing abilities were put on display in 2012’s Les Misérables, with the Australian actor blowing people away. He showcased that again in The Greatest Showman, but he has also thrived in other genres such as action, with his work as Wolverine being incredibly well-known.
However, Jackman’s incredible acting ability shouldn’t be a big surprise to people as proved his abilities on Broadway long before. Jackman earned a Tony for his performance in The Boy From Oz in 2004 and returned to the stage in 2009 for A Steady Rain. He has also done his own solo tour, performing different hits from movies, proving his on-stage ability once again.
Daniel Craig
Speaking of the 2009 Broadway hit, A Steady Rain, Hugh Jackman wasn’t the only major name to appear on stage that year. His opposite number during that show just so happened to be 007 himself, Daniel Craig, who has been a huge name in Hollywood, especially through his James Bond series.
But that isn’t the only time Craig has appeared on Broadway, as he also appeared in the 2013 show, Betrayal. In this show, Craig actually got the chance to star alongside his real-life wife, Rachel Weisz, pulling another major hit out of the bag.
Daniel Radcliffe
Some A-list actors get their start on Broadway, and others gravitate towards it after they’ve already become an established name, looking to prove a goal. That is exactly the reason why Daniel Radcliffe joined the cast of Equus, in 2009.
Fresh offHarry Potter, Radcliffe was looking to prove himself and try to land some more serious roles. He certainly made plenty of waves in this performance as well, appearing naked at one stage. However, he clearly got the bug as he has appeared in two more plays since that point.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo is an incredibly talented actor and therefore it shouldn’t be a big surprise to know that he has starred on Broadway, and been massively praised for it at the same time. While most people might know him for his role as Hulk in the Marvel movies, there’s much more to Ruffalo then just smashing things up as the big green guy.
He has only been involved in one Broadway show to this point in his career, which was the 2006 return of the popular hit, Awake and Sing! Having proven himself to be incredibly talented on stage and on the silver screen, this might be something he looks into in the future.
Chris Evans
The Incredible Hulk isn’t the only Marvel star to appear on the Broadway stage, as his fellow Avenger, Captain America, Chris Evans has also made his way onto the stage. Proving what a talented actor he is away from the glitz and glamour of a Marvel movie.
Evans starred alongside Michael Cera in Lobby Hero and was massively praised for his performance in the show. He did reveal that he was absolutely terrified while doing it, as it’s something totally different, but clearly it’s something he is very gifted at.
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal is an actor known for both popular and indie films. His breakthrough role was arguably Donnie Darko in 2001, but he has proven time and time again that he is here to stay. Just last year, he joined the MCU.
The actor made his Broadway debut in Nick Payne’s If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet in 2012. He has also appeared in Constellations, Sunday in the Park with George, and Sea Wall / A Life. Interestingly, he would have appeared in a production of Burn This, but a scheduling conflict came up. Then, Adam Driver starred in a new version of the same play in 2019.
Adam Driver
Right now, Adam Driver is one of the most talked-about A-List names due to the release of the final Star Wars movie in the trilogy and his performance in Marriage Story. Throughout all of his movies, it is clear that Driver is a seriously talented actor, and he has proven that on Broadway as well.
He has taken a break from major blockbusters in order to appear in the theatre show, Burn This where he stars alongside Keri Russell. Unsurprisingly, the actor has received great reviews for his performance as he continues to prove himself as one of the best actors in the world right now.
Neil Patrick Harris
Another A-List name who is well known for being both a Broadway and movie/television star is Neil Patrick Harris. He has had huge success in both sides of the coin, proving how insanely talented he is, managing to be incredibly popular with all of his projects.
In terms of acting, Harris is best known for his role in How I Met Your Mother as Barney, and he did even manage to bust in a huge musical number with the ‘Suits’ song. However, he has a huge career on Broadway as well, having been in the likes of Sweeney Todd and Proof, as well as hosting the Tony’s countless times.
Scarlett Johansson
Right now, Marriage Story is one of the most talked-about movies, and rightfully so as it’s one of the best films of the year. While we mentioned that Adam Driver has enjoyed appearing on Broadway, so as his lead counterpart in the Netflix film, Scarlett Johansson.
Johansson has been on the stage as well and won a Tony for her efforts in what was her debut appearance on Broadway. Starring in A View From The Bridge in 2013, the talented actress won the award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
Bryan Cranston
When people think about Bryan Cranston, the instant thought immediately heads to Breaking Bad, where he put in a performance of a lifetime as Walter White. While he has been involved in other movies and television shows, it is the drug-related series that has defined his career.
However, he too has worked on the stage, adding that feather to his cap as well. Cranston was the leading part in the play, Network, and he even earned a Tony nomination for best leading actor in a play for his performance, proving how good he was within that role.
