Top 10 Classic Triple Threat Performers of All Time

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#10: Bill "Bojangles" Robinson

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Movie stars don’t tap dance like they used to! Starting out as a vaudeville performer in the early 1900s, Robinson began to make his mark as an incredibly skilled dancer. Coming up in such a transitional time in entertainment, he swiftly shifted from performing on stage to on screen. In musical films such as “The Little Colonel,” “Dixiana,” and “Stormy Weather” – to name a few– he was able to flex his acting and singing abilities as well as his tap skills. Making over $6,000 a week for his films, Robinson was the best-paid African-American actor for the first half of the twentieth century.

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#9: Rita Hayworth

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Oh, to be an Old Hollywood femme fatale! Raised by dancers, Hayworth began performing at a young age under her birth name Rita Cansino. But her multifaceted talents quickly got her recognized, and she was cast in a handful of films. Over time, she rose from small roles to become the female star of many Columbia pictures features. She even danced alongside Fred Astaire, who later admitted that Hayworth was his favorite dance partner! Among her accolades, the American Film Institute has named her one of the greatest female stars of all time!

In 1933, this star got her start performing in Harlem’s legendary jazz spot The Cotton Club at the impressive age of 16. Her commanding voice landed her a role in a Broadway show only a year later, and the rest is history! Horne had an incredible run of films, live shows, and records in her career, including her one-woman show “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.” Among these successes as a performer, she was also a notable civil rights activist who fought against segregation in America. What an inspiring legacy!

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#7: Julie Andrews

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Who doesn’t have a favorite film from this icon? From “The Sound of Music” to Disney’s “Mary Poppins” and so much more, Andrews has surely made her mark as one of the greatest performers of all time. In the year 2000, she was even honored with damehood by Queen Elizabeth II for all of her achievements! She has shown great versatility in both her skills and performances, portraying all sorts of characters and roles throughout her career. It’s a fact that no matter what she does, she does it well!

Back in the day, you had to win a Charleston contest to get discovered… no, really! That’s exactly how Rogers got her start as a fifteen-year-old in Texas. Her moves brought her all the way to Broadway. From there, she was a straight shot to Hollywood, where she went on to act in seventy-three films throughout her time in entertainment. Rogers was a household name at the peak of her career in the 1940s, after having co-starred with Fred Astaire in nine features. She later returned to live musical theater, starring in “Hello, Dolly!” from 1965 through 1967.

Actor, dancer, comedian… We’re not saying he’s the perfect man, but we’re also not not saying it. Van Dyke’s career gained traction after having starred in “Bye Bye Birdie” with Chita Rivera and won a Tony award for his performance. And that’s just the beginning! He had his own television series– “The Dick Van Dyke Show”– where he was able to show off his comedy chops. You may also remember him as the charming chimney sweep Burt in “Mary Poppins.” His role was so memorable that at 91 years old, Van Dyke took on a cameo in the 2018 sequel!

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#4: Judy Garland

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We all know her as Dorothy Gale from “The Wizard of Oz,” as she delivered what is arguably one of the most iconic screen performances of all time. But besides her time in Oz, Garland had an illustrious career as an actor and as a singer. While her voice is unmistakable, her success as a recording artist is often overlooked in comparison to her film repertoire. But fun fact: she was the first woman to win “Album of the Year” at the Grammy Awards! Her run in Hollywood ended too soon, but she will always be remembered for her unparalleled talent.

Not many people can say that they have an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony… but she can! In her early years as an actor, Moreno struggled with being typecast in stereotypical roles in the films she had been cast in. Her big break was playing Anita in “West Side Story,” where she was able to flaunt her singing, dancing, and acting abilities. She’s a working actress to this day, having appeared in shows like “Jane the Virgin” and even making an appearance in the 2021 “West Side Story” revival! We admire Moreno so much not only for her memorable performances, but for overcoming the unfair hurdles Hollywood had imposed.

Nobody’s dance moves are quite as recognizable as his! Beginning his dance training at the ripe age of four, Astaire went on to steal the stage in thirty-one movie musicals and ten Broadway shows. His on-screen partnership with Ginger Rogers was particularly notable, even though he was reluctant to be pigeonholed into being one-half of a duo. Clearly, that didn’t end up being the case– Astaire’s legacy as a performer spans far and wide! His dancing is timeless and entrancing, rightfully making him one of history’s greatest of all time.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Carol Burnett
This Comedy Legend & Broadway Star Was the First Female Variety Sketch Show Host

Debbie Reynolds
A Lifetime of Incredible Performances Beyond “Singin’ in the Rain”

Bing Crosby
This Christmastime Crooner Was Also a Big Time Movie Star

Danny Kaye
Comedian & Film Star Known for His Over-The-Top Physicality

Ann Miller
Star of Many Musical Films, Such as “On the Town,” “Kiss Me Kate,” and “Easter Parade”

This legend left a huge impact on entertainment, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. His most well-recognized role as the lead in “Singin’ in the Rain” is a completely unforgettable performance, as he shines through dance and song. Kelly didn’t just aim for personal stardom, he hoped to make the art of dance accessible for everyone– and that he did! His success as a male professional dancer opened many closed minds in the early days of Hollywood. No matter what year it is, it’s impossible not to smile while watching any of the wonderful stars on this list!