# Actors who are "triple threats"--they can really sing, really act, and really dance. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 16, 2010, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968 "2010-09-16T14:12:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/1 "2010-09-16T14:12:19Z")
It’s the last part that often trips actors up. Most everyone can do some basic moves, but how many have real dancing, singing, and acting talent? The best of the best in my opinion are Ben Vereen and Bebe Neuwirth. ---
**Author:** ![jk1245](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/49beb7/32.png) [@jk1245](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jk1245)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/2 "2010-09-16T14:19:27Z")
Much as I wanted to dismiss him as a boy band lightweight, Justin Timberlake can do all three. I actually think he’s a better actor than singer (I’m not into his music much). His SNL work is great, and in the “Single Ladies” video parody, he’s a better dancer than Beyonce. ---
**Author:** ![Glory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glory)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/3 "2010-09-16T14:20:42Z")
Neil Patrick Harris? ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/4 "2010-09-16T14:36:24Z")
I’ve heard Hugh Jackman can do all three, but I’ve only seen him act. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/5 "2010-09-16T14:40:11Z")
I don’t know enough about Timberlake to make an accesment. While NPH is an adequatre dancer, I wouldn’t consider him really outstanding at it. Jackson definitely. And I can’t believe I didn’t think of him. [Steve Barton](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Barton) was a triple threat in two languages (German & English) Proof once again that talent, money and fame don’t always translate into happiness. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/6 "2010-09-16T14:41:29Z")
Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Ginger Rogers, and James Cagney for starters. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/7 "2010-09-16T14:47:07Z")
Jerry Orbach? I’ve not seen him dance but I’ve heard good things about his pre-L&O theatrical career. ETA: and yes, I know he’s not dancing much these days, for obvious reasons. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/8 "2010-09-16T14:47:57Z")
Christopher Walken is quite the hoofer. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/9 "2010-09-16T14:50:08Z")
The Hoff. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/10 "2010-09-16T14:51:12Z")
Speaking of Jerry Orbach, his \*Law and Order \*partner (or one of them) was Jesse Martin who rocked it in _Rent_, both the movie and off-broadway, I believe. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/11 "2010-09-16T14:56:16Z")
[Here’s Justin Timberlake in the “Single Ladies” skit.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBC7pilGoPc) Dance moves first evident around the 1:25 mark. ---
**Author:** ![JThunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/12 "2010-09-16T14:59:16Z")
Sandy Duncan, without a doubt. Also, Chip Esten and Wayne Brady. ---
**Author:** ![Minnie\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Minnie\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Minnie_Luna)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/13 "2010-09-16T15:04:18Z")
I \<3 Justin Timberlake. I did write him off as a boy band loser, but he has certainly proved himself to me. Another boy band triple threat may be Glee’s Kevin McHale. I would almost nominate most of Glee’s cast, seeing as a number of them came from Broadway. Jane Lynch can sing and act, although I haven’t seen much of her dancing. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/14 "2010-09-16T15:08:58Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Christopher Walken is quite the hoofer. I believe I’ve heard him sing as well, but I don’t know how talented he is at it. John Goodman is a fantastic, awesome singer, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him dance. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/15 "2010-09-16T15:10:12Z")
[Rita Moreno.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_Moreno) Oscar, Grammy, Tony, Emmy ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/16 "2010-09-16T15:11:04Z")
I should have mentioned John Lithgow. He can definitely sing and dance, and he is an excellent actor. ---
**Author:** ![Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellis_Aponte_Jr)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/17 "2010-09-16T15:12:22Z")
Liza, Debbie Reynolds, Ann-Margret, Joey Heatherton, Shirley MacLaine ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/18 "2010-09-16T15:12:41Z")
Rita Moreno has won a Grammy, Emmy, Oscar, _and_ a Tony, the first person to ever do so. _Shaking fist a runnerpat_ ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/19 "2010-09-16T15:18:12Z")
According to [Tom Lehrer](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSNQlsR5Pc)-[George Murphy.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Murphy)😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellis_Aponte_Jr)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2010, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968/20 "2010-09-16T15:21:22Z")
Doris Day, lest we forget. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-are-triple-threats-they-can-really-sing-really-act-and-really-dance/553968.md?page=2)