Double-Threat Celebs: Rocking Songs & Scripts
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Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com
Bringing Talent Back
From boy band member to global solo star, Justin Timberlake has become a master of the music charts and has a respectable presence in movies. That's why he's a double-threat: He can rock out as a music artist and an actor on the big screen. Even if his choice in film roles is -- let's just say uneven -- JT's handling both jobs. With 'SexyBack,' we knew that Justin had outdone himself as a music artist. But when his new movie titles rolled out in a big wave this year, we knew for sure that what goes around, really does come around. But he's not the only double-threat out there ...
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Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic.com
Man of Summer
Since his days a cute California boy in Summerland, Jesse McCartney has moved on to more adult things. Like releasing a pop album. And getting a new, bad-boy haircut with bangs that brush his eyebrows. And acquiring not just a Hollywood GF, but maybe also a fiancée in Katie Cassidy. Yes, Jesse's all grown up. And with such a deep wealth of talent, we know that the world is his oyster -- on screen and in the studio.
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Scott Gries, Getty Images
'So Real'
Mandy Moore is a true artist who not only tries new means of self-expression, but also admits when maybe she just can't hack it. Like singing and acting, for example. But so what? She has an album out now and a new movie, 'License to Wed,' opening in July. And that's why we love her. She's a double-threat who's not so threatening.
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John Sciulli, WireImage.com
Heroic Double Identity
Thought Hayden Panettiere's only claims to fame were some soaps and being a cheerleader/hero? You should've known that any girl who can heal herself and save the world would also be able to belt out a few tunes. Amazing, but not unsurprsing: Hayden's first album comes out in August 2007. Welcome to the double-threat club, H!
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Jesse Grant, WireImage.com
With Savvy
OK, So Hilary Duff did start off like many successful -- and not so successful -- other Hollywood ingénues: As a Disney star. Since then, she has become a young mogul whose influence now stretches from the music charts (with hits like 'With Love') to the box office and the fashion world,with her own clothing and perfume lines. Now, Hil's even taking her talents to gay clubs, charity events, and general, run-of-the-mill, worldwide domination.
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James Devaney/WireImage.com
The Pursuit of Two Careers
At this point, Will Smith is practically the godfather of double-threats. With a career that began when flattop hair was in, Smith has arguably defined the modern genre of actor/music artist. Anyone who can go from Kid 'N' Play to a sit-com and flicks like 'Men in Black' to an Oscar nomination for his role in 'The Pursuit of Happyness' is a pillar of agile and ambitious double-threatdom. Smith is a master.
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Scott Gries, Getty Images
Un-Rule-y
So if Will Smith is a master of artful genre-switching, then Lindsay Lohan maybe could take some lessons from him. While her celeb factor is off the charts, her work could use some polishing so we could see the talent emerge. Linds has surely built a mini-entertainment empire for herself with both albums and movies out, but with her latest movie getting panned (cough, 'Georgia Rule') and her many songs being, well, forgettable, it's time for her to step up to the mic -- or the script -- or whatever.
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John Shearer, WireImage.com
Double, Yes. But Threat?
We know. After that unfortunate 'Saturday Night Live' episode in which Ashlee Simpson's song was on but she wasn't really singing, we didn't think she had much of a so-called music career, either. But here she is, singing on last summer's Love Tour, a year after she appeared in 'Undiscovered.' In that movie, two young people are going to Hollwood to become famous, but they fall in love with each other instead and have to choose between love and fame. No -- it was not about Ashlee and Pete Wentz. ONE of those two didn't have to choose.
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Dave Hogan, Getty Images
Country Road
With a famous dad and music in her blood, it's no surprise that Miley Cyrus is a huge star with multiple albums out and a starring role in 'Hannah Montana.' In a tour de force of double-threatdom, Miley's garnered critical acclaim, a huge fan base and the start of two intertwined, successful careers ... 'cause everyone knows that just one reason to be a mega-star isn't enough.
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Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com
Double ... & Single
From her early days as one of the great late-1990s female pop stars to her current status as a mistress of the song and the screen (um ... especially in those Daisy Dukes), Jessica Simpson has been seriously focused on her career(s). This woman knows she doesn't need a reality show marriage to keep her afloat. Nor does she need a glum, pasty BF who sings feel-good songs to make her a successful singer/actress. Jess stands on her own two very tall stilleto heels, thank you very much.
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Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage.com
Wildcats, On the Prowl
... That is, for more fame, money and career opportunities. Since the insane success of 'High School Musical,' Corbin Bleu and Vanessa Hudgens have been able to catapult themselves into new projects across the music and TV industries. Each of them have recorded their own albums, Corbin's got a new movie out and Vanessa's definitely back on for more 'HSM' love (literally). These two are a pair of double-threats to beware of (kind of like quadruple threats).
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Jemal Countess, WireImage.com
Yeah! He Can Act
Usher may be better known for his R&B anthems, suave dance moves and mad style than his finely-tuned acting skills, but this pop star can do both. He said 'yeah!' to a Broadway role, which he played to sold-out crowds and critical acclaim. So what if he compared the stage to a serious relationship? It means he's a dedicated actor -- who knows how to pop and lock at the after party.
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Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Throne of Talent
Queen Latifah may be last in this look at some of Hollywood's biggest double-threats, but she's also one of the most prominent of them; a rarity who can claim a solid track record of success in both music and movies. She's been a groundbreaker since day one: Making her name as one of the few successful women in hip-hop, and then moving on to become a well-respected actress, too. Her new movie, 'Hairspray,' will help remind Zac Efron fans that cuteness alone won't win a total double-threat coup (OK. So it might help a little).
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