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55 Celebrities Who Play the Piano | Test Your Knowledge

February 7, 2023

55 Celebrities Who Play the Piano | Test Your Knowledge

In the world of celebrities, there are a few who stand out as being multitalented. They can sing, act, and dance, but sometimes they surprise us with another hidden talent–playing the piano. There are many celebrities who play the piano!

Did you know there are an array of famous celebrities who know how to play a piano? We’re not talking chopsticks here, folks. From actors to politicians and beyond, there is a long history of pianists that have gone on to spectacular careers.

Are you familiar with these high-flying celebrities who play the piano?

Does Clint Eastwood Really Play the Piano?

Yes, Clint Eastwood plays the piano, in addition to other well-known celebrities such as:

  • Hugh Laurie
  • Jamie Foxx
  • Richard Gere
  • Condoleeza Rice
  • Jeff Goldblum 

…and many more! Talk about multi-talented people. 

If you want to join the ranks of the world’s best piano players, your first step is to sign up for piano lessons. You’ll learn everything you need to know to tickle those ivories, including what you see in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F35UkNPC1jw 

Who is a Famous Person That Plays the Piano?

Are you interested in learning about some famous celebrities who play the piano? Look no further than our comprehensive list below!

1.  Clint Eastwood

Before he made it big as an actor, Clint Eastwood was an accomplished pianist who intended to pursue a career in music. He later utilized his composing skills in creating the film scores of several movies he directed, including Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River, Changeling, and Hereafter.

2.  Hugh Laurie

An accomplished pianist who began learning how to play a piano at the age of six, Hugh Laurie not only has two solo albums, but was also a guest artist on Meatloaf’s 2010 album “Hello Cool Teddy Bear”.

3.  Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx began learning how to play a piano at age five, eventually playing piano at local church services. He later attended United States International University on a music scholarship, where he studied study classical music and composition. In his Oscar-winning role as Ray Charles in Ray, it is actually Mr. Foxx’s fingers tickling the ivories.

4.  Richard Gere

Richard Gere started early as a musician. He played a number of instruments in high school, including the piano, and wrote music for high school productions. In his infamous role in Pretty Woman, Gere in fact composed the piece of music he was seen playing in the film.

5.  Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice began learning how to play a piano as a teenager and dreamed of becoming a concert pianist before pursuing her degrees in International Relations and Economics. She had the opportunity to accompany renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma for the 2002 National Medal of Arts Awards and still plays the piano often today.

6.  Jeff Goldblum

Before he was an actor, Jeff Goldblum made a name for himself playing piano in cocktail lounges around Pittsburgh. Nowadays, when he’s not acting, he plays regularly at home, in addition to nearly weekly jazz shows at the LA club Rockwell.

Actor Celebrities Who Play the Piano 

It’s not uncommon for actors to know how to play the piano. Some of the most famous celebrities who play the piano in addition to acting include:

  • Johnny Depp
  • Dakota Fanning
  • Elijah Wood
  • Halle Berry
  • Sandra Bullock
  • Bruce Willis
  • Eliza Dushku
  • Robert Downey Jr
  • Hugh Jackman
  • Courtney Cox
  • Nicole Richie
  • Kelsey Grammer
  • Chevy Chase
  • Anthony Hopkins
  • Julie Roberts
  • Jennifer Garner
  • Dustin Hoffman
  • Phyllis Diller
  • Ryan Gosling
  • Meryl Streep
  • Hayden Panettiere
  • Alysa Milano
  • Zac Efron
  • Tina Fey 
  • Athletes Who Play the Piano 

    There are all kinds of athletes who are also talented with the piano. Some famous piano players who are also sports stars include:

    • Kobe Bryant
    • Grant Hill
    • Mario Balotelli
    • Drew Gooden
    • Pele
    • Nick Saban (head football coach at the University of Alabama)

    Multi Talented Musicians Who Play the Piano 

    It only makes sense that some of the world’s best singers and performers (besides just piano players) also play piano on the side. 

    Some celebrities who play the piano in addition to singing include:

    • John Legend
    • Justin Bieber
    • Norah Jones
    • Birtney Spears
    • Regina Spektor 
    • Axl Rose
    • Elton John
    • Billy Joel
    • Sarah McLachlan 

    You’ve likely seen these performers playing piano when they sing on stage at their concerts! 

    Other Notable Piano Players

    Some other famous celebrities who play the piano (but aren’t necessarily actors, athletes, or musicians) include:

    • Steven Spielberg 
    • Vladimir Putin
    • Kelly Ripa
    • Albert Einstein
    • Harry S. Truman
    • Danielle Bregoli (yes – the “cash me outside girl”!)
    • Richard Nixon
    • Neil Armstrong
    • Paris Hilton
    • Fred Rogers 

    Who is the Best Pianist Alive?

    That one is still up for debate – but if you’re thinking about learning to play the piano yourself, who knows? It could even be you!

    While we can’t all be celebrities who play the piano, we can all learn to play the piano. Playing the piano has a lot of benefits – it helps with dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and memory skills. It also provides an outlet for creativity and stress relief. 

    If you want to start learning to play the piano, there are plenty of resources available online. With a little bit of practice, you could be playing your favorite songs in no time!

    Do you or your children find yourself entranced in the presence of pianists and wish you too could learn how to play a piano? Whether you’re looking for a beautiful escape or a long-term career, private piano lessons are a great way to further your interests and improve your skills. Sharpen your life skills and open up new pathways to creativity with the help of music today!

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    Photo credits: Heelow, jazztimes.com, Virgin Media, Daily Mail Online, USA Today, New York TimesReviewSTL

    Additional Sources:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/is-music-the-key-to-success.html?pagewanted=all
    http://parade.condenast.com/211922/linzlowe/did-you-know-10-celebs-who-play-musical-instruments/#celeb-musicians-clint-eastwood
    http://musictoyourhomeblog.com/2014/03/13/6-celebrities-you-didnt-know-could-rock-an-instrument/
    http://www.playpiano.com/Articles/37-famouspeoplepiano.htm

    author
    Megan L. is a writer and musician living in San Diego. She loves supporting independent artists and learning more about music every day. Megan has been working for TakeLessons since November 2011. Google+

    Megan L.