4 One-Hit Wonders From Famous Actors You Forgot You Loved

One-hit wonders can come from anywhere. They can be written about purple people eaters (whatever that is), they can be instrumental songs, or they can have choruses without any lyrics. They can be from 1950 or 2025. It’s a mixed bag when it comes to the genre of the song in question. But one place they can also come from is the world of acting.

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We wanted to explore four one-hit wonders that leapt up from the stage or screens right to your radio, CD player, or streaming service. Indeed, these are four one-hit wonders from famous actors you forgot you loved!

“She’s Like The Wind” by Patrick Swayze from ‘Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack From The Vestron Motion Picture’ (1987)

The soundtrack for one of the most beloved movies from the 1980s, Dirty Dancing, featured a song from lead actor Patrick Swayze. The over-the-top ballad, which hit no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcases the handsome fella’s ability to provide melody over synths and an especially romantic vibe. It might not be the song you’d expect to rocket so high up the charts, but add that feature to the plumed cap belonging to Swayze.

“Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix” by Joey Lawrence from ‘Joey Lawrence’ (1993)

Those who didn’t grow up in the 1990s will never know the phenomenon that was Joey Lawrence. The heartthrob from the popular sitcom Blossom was not only a fan favorite on screen, but in the recording studio, too. He released “Nothin’ My Love Can’t Fix” in 1993 on his self-titled album. The love-sick tune, which Lawrence sings over a hip-hop beat, is part-Michael Jackson and part-early 1990s kitsch. But it made its mark, hitting no. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“I Just Don’t Understand” by Ann-Margret from ‘On The Way Up’ (1961)

One of the great beauties of the 1960s, Ann-Margret was a sought-after actress and singer, known for her work in the 1963 film Bye Bye Birdie, amongst other offerings. But two years before that movie, the performer hit no. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to her harmonica-driven blues track, “I Just Don’t Understand”. She sings with passion and feeling, and it makes you believe that if the acting gig didn’t work out, she would have a job in the late-night blues clubs of the era. In fact, the song was so good that it was later recorded by The Beatles!

“Cups” by Anna Kendrick from ‘Pitch Perfect’ (2013)

Perhaps the modern-day Ann-Margaret, Anna Kendrick released her song “Cups” in 2013 and garnered her own Billboard-charting tune. The track, which hit no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a jaunty offering showcasing Kendrick’s powerful voice and her ability to make rhythms out of anything, including a literal plastic cup. The Americana track is a lamenting, powerful one that has helped to make Kendrick a well-rounded, robust double-threat amongst actors.

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