Going the extra mile for roles is a certainty for Renée Zellweger. From working at the London Publishing Company to help her become Bridget Jones to learning how to sing and dance for Chicago. But it’s not just Renée with the hidden talents. Let’s take a look at a few other silver screen names and their hidden talents.
Celebrities and Their Hidden Talents
Catherine Zeta-Jones
First on our list of celebrities and their hidden talents is Renée Zellweger’s Chicago co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones who began her career as a 14-year-old winning a local talent show in Wales. leading to the actress starring role in a London production of The Pyjama Game and then countless roles in hit TV Shows & Movies working with the likes of Sean Connery, Antonio Bandaras plus her husband of twenty years Michael Douglas.
She wowed audiences with her singing and dancing talents portraying ‘Velma Kelly’ in the hit film Chicago where she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
When she isn’t working, she supports various charities and causes. In 2010, she was appointed ‘Commander of the Order of the British Empire’ (CBE) for her film and humanitarian endeavors.
Jennifer Hudson
The path to stardom for fellow Hollywood actress Jennifer Hudson began after auditioning for talent show American Idol in 2004 which she ultimately won. This lead to a Best Supporting Actress Oscar as Effie White in 2006’s Dreamgirls.
In her movie debut, she beat 782 other performers to the role in the film, which she co-stars alongside, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy. The film is based on the Tom Eyan written Broadway production.
Dreamgirls was a springboard for Ms. Hudson who’s next role is Respect where she plays the legendary Aretha Franklin. She can also add New York Times best-selling author for her 2012 memoir “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways, Found Myself And Lost Everything That Weighed Me Down”.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez recently gained critical attention for her performance in the 2019 film Hustlers. Inspired by a New York Magazine article Jennifer Lopez began her career as a backing dancer for Janet Jackson. She went on to become an artist (selling 80 million records worldwide) multi-award-winning actress, producer, and businesswoman.
Geena Davis
American actress and activist. Davis has received numerous accolades for her acting work in both film and television and is noted for her portrayals of strong and authentic female characters as well as her involvement in advocacy for women in the industry.
In July 1999, Davis was one of 300 women who vied for a semifinals berth in the U.S. Olympic archery team to participate in the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics. She placed 24th and did not qualify for the team, but participated as a wild-card entry in the Sydney International Golden Arrow competition.
In August 1999 Davis stated that she was not an athlete growing up and that her introduction to archery was in 1997, two years before her tryouts.
Jamie Foxx
Foxx does it all – an actor, singer, comedian, presenter, and producer. He became widely known for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the 2004 biographical film Ray, for which he won the Academy Award, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics’ Choice Movie Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
That same year, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Collateral. Foxx also starred in the sketch comedy show In Living Color and his own television sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show (1996–2001).
In addition, Foxx is also a Grammy Award-winning musician, producing four albums. All of which have charted in the top ten of the U.S. Billboard 200.
Harrison Ford
American actor, aviator, and environmental activist. Ford gained worldwide fame for his starring role as Han Solo in the Star Wars Trilogy (1977–1983). Reprising the role in the sequel trilogy. Ford is also widely known for his portrayal of Indiana Jones in the Indiana Jones franchise.
Before his career took flight, he found other ways to spend his time. He became a licensed pilot and owns an 800-acre (320-hectare) ranch in Jackson, Wyoming. Approximately half of which he has donated as a nature reserve.
On several occasions, Ford has personally provided emergency helicopter services at the request of local authorities. In one instance rescuing a hiker overcome by dehydration.
