Country music has always been about storytelling, so it makes sense that some of its biggest stars eventually took those stories straight to the screen. From sitcom icons to Oscar-winning films and prestige TV, these artists didn’t just cameo – they built real acting careers. Here are 10 of the biggest country music stars who found serious success on the silver screen.
Billy Ray Cyrus
Before memes and multiverses, Billy Ray Cyrus became a TV staple thanks to Hannah Montana. He later leaned into cult TV chaos with roles in 90210, Sharknado 2, and Still the King, proving longevity matters.
Dolly Parton
Few entertainers transcend mediums like Dolly Parton. Her performances in 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas turned her into a bona fide movie star while cementing her pop culture immortality.
Faith Hill
Faith Hill’s move into acting was quiet but impactful. From The Stepford Wives to Yellowstone and 1883, she brought natural authority and emotional weight to high-profile productions.
Kris Kristofferson
A songwriter first, a screen legend second. Kristofferson starred in A Star Is Born, Planet of the Apes, and the Blade franchise, building one of the most respected acting resumes in country music history.
Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire dominated television with Reba, one of the most successful sitcoms of the 2000s. She continues to thrive on screen, most recently leading the NBC comedy Happy’s Place.
Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw steadily built a serious acting career with roles in Friday Night Lights, The Blind Side, Four Christmases, and 1883, often bringing quiet intensity and emotional depth.
Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles has emerged as one of the strongest actor-musicians of her generation. Her performances in The Righteous Gemstones and The Bondsman show real range beyond music.
Taylor Swift
While acting isn’t her primary lane, Taylor Swift made memorable appearances in Valentine’s Day and New Girl. Her presence on screen reflects the same cultural gravity she brings to music.
Willie Nelson
With more than 140 acting credits, Willie Nelson is a Hollywood institution. From The Dukes of Hazzard to Monk, his screen career rivals his legendary music output.
Dwight Yoakam
Dwight Yoakam quietly became one of the most reliable actor-musicians, appearing in Wedding Crashers, Four Christmases, and critically praised dramatic roles that showcase his understated skill.