Top 10 Moments We Found Out A Performer Was A Triple Threat

You might know Walken from his numerous dramatic roles, or maybe as the music producer with a singular need. However, did you know that the actor has dance training, or that he starred in an off-Broadway revival of “Best Foot Forward”? His dance prowess remained a relatively well-kept secret until he busted out some moves in 1981’s “Pennies from Heaven” and later in Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” music video. He also delighted us with a song and dance number in the 2005 musical rom-com “Romance & Cigarettes.” However, for many of us, his timeless performance in “Hairspray” first shed light on his far-reaching skills. His turn as Wilbur really opened our eyes, and we’ll never close them again.

This actor has graced our screens since he was about knee-high. So how did it take us this long to realize he could do it all? We got to know him in “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and countless other memorable projects. However, we learned that Gordon-Levitt was a hat-trick performer thanks to two occasions when he hosted “SNL.” His “Magic Mike” hip thrusts from 2012 will forever live in our heads rent-free. And his 2009 rendition of “Make 'Em Laugh” is simply fantastic. Now, we love watching him get musical, whether it’s dancing in “500 Days of Summer,” getting his Janet Jackson on in “Lip Sync Battle,” or just singing along to a guitar.

Unless you spent the ‘90s frequenting Canadian kids’ dance competitions or avidly watching “The Mickey Mouse Club,” Gosling’s musical talents probably came as a surprise to you. Perhaps, like many of us, you recall that jaw-dropping moment where he starts singing in “La La Land,” proving that he doesn’t just have the face of an angel. The movie barely lets us scoop our jaws back into place before hitting us with a magnificent classic Hollywood musical dance number. While Gosling’s moves had us spellbound, we were also learning that Emma Stone was a triple threat too! Together they were unbelievable. The critics couldn’t get enough of Gosling’s all-singing-all-dancing performance, and we’re right there with them.

Audiences first became acquainted with this versatile actor in 1991, when he joined the “In Living Color” cast. He later transitioned into music, flexing his hypnotically smooth vocals and collaborating with several notable rappers. In 2006, he brought his angelic voice to “Dreamgirls” to play the devilish Curtis Taylor, Jr. Okay, so we knew the man could act, sing and make us laugh; surely that’s plenty of talent for one individual? Well, he wasn’t done. While opening the BET Awards in 2009, Foxx danced to “Beat It” in tribute to the late King of Pop. The man has moves! And what better way to debut your dance skills than by honoring Michael Jackson? Is there anything Jamie Foxx can’t do?

Picture it: it's 2008, and you hear about a new mixtape called "Sick Boi." You check it out; it's great! Perhaps you recognize the artist from "30 Rock," but you think nothing more of it. Now it's 2009, and you're watching a show called "Community," and you wonder, “wait, where have I seen the guy who plays Troy before?” You do a quick search and discover that Donald Glover and Childish Gambino are the same person. And that person is responsible for all this stellar art. Glover kept making waves in the industry over the years. And in 2018, he released "This Is America," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and had us all trying to copy his iconic dance moves.

Beyoncé's such a powerhouse that it's almost inevitable she'd be a triple threat. She’s been blowing audiences away with her magnetic vocals and insane dance skills from a young age. And she showed off her acting chops in the 2001 MTV movie "Carmen: A Hip Hopera.” In 2003, she appeared alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. in "The Fighting Temptations." However, her portrayal of Deena Jones in the movie adaptation of "Dreamgirls" made us sit up and really "listen." Sure, we knew she could sing and dance, but boy, can she act! Her vulnerable performance both captured our hearts and broke them. The star put her full and wide-reaching gifts on display, and we’re forever grateful.

Zendaya got her start playing Rocky on Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up.” Today, she’s arguably best known as MJ in the “Spider-Man” franchise or Rue Bennett from “Euphoria.” Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres is impressive to say the least. She also released a studio album in 2013. But her work in “The Greatest Showman” proved without a doubt that she is a phenomenally talented triple threat. She dances, sings, and acts her heart out as trapeze artist Anne Wheeler. Oh, and she did lots of her own stunts too! Her sensitive and mature performance was widely praised, and cemented her status as a hat trick performer. If “Euphoria” ever wants to go full-on musical, they have the perfect leading lady.

In 2002, “Chicago” kicked its way into our hearts thanks to its memorable soundtrack and invigorating choreography. It had us proclaiming, “wait, Bridget Jones can sing and dance?” And we wondered how we’d missed Richard Gere’s insane skills. Above all, we were awestruck by Catherine Zeta-Jones’ immeasurable talent from the first note of “All that Jazz” to the final beat of “Hot Honey Rag.” And, of course, her stand-out performances in “Cell Block Tango” and “I Can’t Do It Alone” had us hooked. The Welsh actress has a dance background and was a West End regular, yet most of us only got peeks into her all-encompassing range. Thanks to Velma Kelly, audiences finally noticed just how multi-talented she really is.

You might not know this, but before becoming a global superstar, a young Stefani Germanotta tried to make it as an actress. However, when she failed to get her break, she stepped back, rebranded, and “Just [Danced]” her way back into our lives. Ever since, she’s dominated worldwide arenas with her catchy tunes and awesome dance steps. Eventually, she returned to her acting roots, making appearances in films like “Machete Kills” and “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.” However, she truly left her mark in the fifth and sixth seasons of “American Horror Story.” Later wowed us again with an Academy Award nominated turn in “A Star Is Born.” All those casting agents who turned her away must be kicking themselves now.

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

Hugh Jackman, “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
A Theater Vet, He Still Surprised Many by Swapping His Retractable Claws for a Ringmaster’s Hat

Neil Patrick Harris, “Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog” (2008)
Who Knew Doogie Howser Could Sing?

Anne Hathaway, “Ella Enchanted” (2004)
She Had Us Under Her Spell with a Magnetic Song & Dance Number

Kate Hudson, “Nine” (2009)
“Cinema Italiano” Just Makes Her Want to Sing & Dance

Our Spidey-Senses didn’t see this one coming, but if Lin-Manuel Miranda asks if you can sing, you say, “in what key?” Miranda had his eye on Garfield, but one question lay between the actor and the role; could he sing? Garfield decided he’d learn, and spent a year in vocal training to prepare. The actor wholeheartedly delved into the role, honoring Jonathan Larson’s legacy and singing so beautifully you’d think he was training his whole life. His moves in numbers like “No More,” “Therapy,” and the deleted “Green Green Dress” prove that he’s also a proficient dancer. His performance is out of this world; we hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of his extraordinary talents.