11 Actors Who Learned Cute Unexpected Skills for Their Roles

Actors are always pushing themselves to learn new things for their roles. Sometimes, these skills are unexpected and, often, quite charming. From learning to juggle to picking up a musical instrument, actors surprise us with their ability to master unique talents. These skills add an extra layer of authenticity to their performances.

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Emma Stone – Tap Dancing for La La Land

Emma Stone took on the challenge of tap dancing for her role in La La Land, a skill she had never tried before. To prepare for the movie’s iconic dance scenes, she trained for months to master the steps. Her commitment to learning the dance routines added an extra charm to her performance. Despite being a beginner, her natural rhythm and grace impressed both the filmmakers and the audience.

Stone’s tap dancing was a key part of the movie’s enchanting musical numbers. Her ability to pick up the skill so quickly made her performance stand out, showing the dedication she puts into her roles. Tap dancing also became a symbol of the film’s nostalgic connection to classic Hollywood musicals. Fans were delighted to see how she brought an unexpected skill to life on screen.

Hugh Jackman – Learning to Play the Piano for The Greatest Showman

Hugh Jackman learned to play the piano for his role as P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman. While Jackman already had a musical background, learning the piano was a new challenge. He practiced for hours each day to ensure his performance looked authentic. His dedication to mastering the instrument made his portrayal of Barnum even more engaging.

The skill added depth to Jackman’s performance, as it was essential for his character’s emotional moments in the film. His piano playing helped connect Barnum’s aspirations with his personal struggles, making the character more relatable. Jackman’s ability to learn the piano so quickly showed his dedication to bringing something unique to the role. It was an unexpected but fitting talent for such a dynamic character.

Scarlett Johansson – Horseback Riding for The Horse Whisperer

For her role in The Horse Whisperer, Scarlett Johansson learned horseback riding, a skill that was essential to her character’s journey. She spent weeks training before filming to become comfortable with horses. Johansson’s natural talent for the sport impressed her trainers, as she quickly picked up the required techniques. Her dedication to horseback riding helped her portray her character’s growth and bond with the animals.

The skill also added authenticity to her performance, as horseback riding was key to her character’s healing process. Johansson’s ability to learn the sport in such a short time enhanced the emotional impact of her role. Her hard work paid off, as the film’s beautiful scenes of her riding became some of its most memorable. The connection between her character and the horses was made all the more powerful due to her newfound skill.

Zac Efron – Rollerblading for Hairspray

Zac Efron surprised audiences with his rollerblading skills in Hairspray. For his role as Link Larkin, he had to learn how to glide across the stage while maintaining smooth dance moves. Efron spent time learning the art of rollerblading and perfecting his balance. His ability to incorporate the skill into the musical numbers was both impressive and entertaining.

Rollerblading became a defining feature of his character’s personality and style in the film. Efron’s enthusiasm for learning the skill added a sense of fun to his performance. Fans loved seeing him showcase this unexpected talent alongside his singing and dancing. The skill fit perfectly with the upbeat, retro vibes of the film.

Anne Hathaway – Learning to Skate for The Princess Diaries 2

Anne Hathaway learned how to ice skate for her role in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. As Princess Mia Thermopolis, Hathaway was required to perform skating sequences that were both graceful and elegant. She trained intensively to learn the sport and get comfortable with the movements. Her determination to master the art of skating gave her performance a sense of authenticity.

The ice skating scenes became a symbol of her character’s transformation from awkward teen to confident princess. Hathaway’s dedication to learning this skill showed in her graceful on-screen movements. Fans appreciated how she embraced the challenge, adding a layer of charm to her portrayal. Ice skating was the perfect skill to highlight her character’s growth and self-assurance.

Chris Pratt – Learning to Ride a Motorcycle for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

For his role as Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Chris Pratt learned how to ride a motorcycle. His character is known for his rugged, adventurous personality, so it was important for Pratt to master this skill. He spent time training on different types of motorcycles to ensure he could handle the action scenes. Pratt’s ability to pick up this skill added authenticity to the film’s action-packed moments.

The motorcycle scenes brought a sense of freedom and rebellion to Peter Quill’s character. Pratt’s natural charisma and new skill combined to create memorable moments in the movie. His dedication to the role showed how much he cared about delivering an authentic performance. Fans were thrilled to see Pratt tackle this unexpected skill.

Meryl Streep – Playing the Banjo for The Post

Meryl Streep learned to play the banjo for her role in The Post, where she portrayed Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper. The film required her to perform a scene where she plays the banjo, something Streep had never attempted before. She worked with a banjo instructor to learn the basics and perfect her technique. Her commitment to learning the instrument added depth to her character’s personality.

The banjo scene was a small but significant part of the film, showing her character’s ability to embrace new experiences. Streep’s dedication to mastering the banjo for the role highlighted her versatility as an actress. Fans were impressed by her ability to learn this skill and integrate it into her performance seamlessly. It also reminded viewers of Streep’s willingness to push herself for the sake of her craft.

Natalie Portman – Ballet for Black Swan

Natalie Portman spent months training in ballet for her role as Nina Sayers in Black Swan. Ballet was central to the character’s development, so Portman worked hard to learn the demanding techniques. She worked with professional ballet dancers and instructors to achieve the level of precision required for the film’s dance sequences. Her dedication to mastering ballet allowed her to convincingly portray a ballerina’s physical and emotional struggles.

Portman’s commitment to learning ballet was key to her Oscar-winning performance. The intricate dance sequences added realism to the film’s portrayal of a dancer’s life. Fans were amazed at how well she performed, given the rigorous training she underwent. Her transformation into a professional ballerina was one of the most impressive aspects of the film.

Robert Pattinson – Playing the Cello for The Lighthouse

Robert Pattinson learned to play the cello for his role in The Lighthouse, a film that required him to convey a complex range of emotions. Though the cello was unfamiliar to him, Pattinson embraced the challenge, dedicating time to practice. His hard work paid off, as the cello scenes added depth to his character’s inner turmoil. The skill was a subtle but powerful way to showcase his emotional range.

The cello scenes in The Lighthouse were a unique element that stood out in the film. Pattinson’s ability to learn the instrument for the role showed his dedication to providing a nuanced performance. Fans appreciated his commitment to mastering this skill, which helped elevate the film’s atmosphere. His unexpected talent added authenticity to the character’s journey.

Will Smith – Learning to Box for Ali

Will Smith trained extensively in boxing for his portrayal of Muhammad Ali in the 2001 film Ali. He spent several months working with professional trainers to ensure he could replicate Ali’s iconic moves and footwork. Smith’s commitment to learning boxing was impressive, as he wanted to portray the legendary fighter as accurately as possible. His boxing skills became an essential part of his portrayal of Ali’s strength and determination.

The boxing scenes in Ali were both intense and realistic, thanks to Smith’s dedication. His transformation into the legendary boxer was made possible by his hard work in the gym. Fans were impressed by how Smith embraced this challenging skill and incorporated it into his performance. His boxing abilities were a key part of bringing Ali’s story to life.

Charlie Hunnam – Learning to Ride Horses for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Charlie Hunnam took horseback riding lessons for his role in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. His character, Arthur, was often seen riding into battle, so Hunnam had to learn how to handle horses effectively. He spent time training to get comfortable with the horses and to perform the action scenes without hesitation. Hunnam’s natural athleticism helped him pick up the skill quickly.

The horseback riding scenes were essential to the film’s action sequences, adding an extra layer of excitement. Hunnam’s ability to handle the horses with ease made his portrayal of Arthur more convincing. Fans appreciated how Hunnam’s dedication to learning the skill helped elevate the action scenes. The horseback riding became a symbol of his character’s strength and bravery.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.