The entertainment industry is diverse, encompassing a rich tapestry of art forms like television, movies, dance, music, and other creative arts. Each of these mediums has its own unique appeal, making it impossible to say that one form is superior to the other. But, when contemplating the greatest entertainers of all time, several remarkable names come to mind. Some fans have experienced their performances live, while others have relived their magic through recordings.
1. Louis Armstrong
The singer is widely regarded as one of the most influential pioneers of jazz. His remarkable career, which spanned five decades, witnessed the evolution of the genre itself. Known for his gravelly voice, Armstrong captivated his fans with songs like Hello, Dolly! – a song that earned him a prestigious spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. He left a lasting impact on countless artists who followed his footsteps. Some of his other timeless classics include La Vie en Rose, Dream a Little Dream of Me, and What a Wonderful World.
2. Tom Hanks
From winning two Academy Awards in the ’90s to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, Tom Hanks has a little of everything related to Hollywood. His journey began in the spotlight with the sitcom Bosom Buddies, where his fans loved his charisma and his comedic timing. From there on, Hanks quickly ascended to become a leading man in some of Hollywood’s top-rated films, like Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan, and A League of Their Own. Let’s not leave out his iconic roles in the Toy Story films, Forrest Gump, and Castaway. Over the years, Tom Hanks has become a household name among fans globally.
3. Steven Spielberg
Direction is considered a form of art, and Steven Spielberg exhibits this beautifully through his diverse filmography. As an acclaimed writer, producer, and director, Spielberg has made significant contributions to cinema. Some of his most iconic works include E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler’s List, Jaws, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Spielberg’s talent has not gone unnoticed; he has received several awards over the years, including Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Golden Globe Awards, rightfully cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures. In 1994, he also co-founded DreamWorks Studios, further expanding his influence in the film industry. This is why the acclaimed director is often featured in “Top Entertainer” lists and continues to be influential in the world of entertainment.
4. Paul McCartney
Here’s another artist recognized as a top entertainer. He is a lead singer, bassist, and co-writer for The Beatles, which is undeniably one of the best rock bands in history. His releases with the band, such as Hey Jude, Here Comes the Sun, and Blackbird, have made him one of the greatest composers and performers to ever take the stage. Moreover, his versatile vocal range and diverse musical style earned him an Academy Award and 18 Grammy Awards. Today, fans know him as Sir Paul, after he earned a knighthood and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
5. Lucille Ball
When it comes to comedy, few can match the talent of one of the originals, Lucille Ball. What started as a career on Broadway, eventually led the actress to display her talent on the silver screen, making her an A-lister who paved the way for countless modern-day female comedians. For anyone looking for a good laugh, tune into the actress’ iconic list of comedy shows and movies. Notable works include the 1951 series I Love Lucy and the sitcom The Lucy Show, which first aired in 1962. Despite her comedic roots, Ball tried her hand at more serious roles throughout her career and gained her fans’ support every step of her way.
6. Michael Jackson
This list is incomplete with the mention of the King of Pop. Michael Jackson earned this title and for good reason. His powerful voice delivered hit singles like Bad and Beat It, which transformed how listeners and viewers perceived music. Mike was one of the first artists to popularize notable dance moves on screen, such as the Moonwalk and the anti-gravity tilt-moves that have since appeared in many movies, including the Step Up franchise. Moreover, his iconic “kick” move also helped him express all that pent-up energy inside. What truly sets him apart as a top entertainer is that his records have sold over 400 million copies to date. Jackson left an impressive legacy, including the iconic Thriller music video and the famed album This Is It.
7. Freddie Mercury
The lead singer for the band Queens was so talented that he inspired the creation of Bohemian Rhapsody (also a band’s song)—a biopic honoring his legacy and his crew. This fitting, considering Queen’s popularity, was largely due to Mercury’s status as one of the top frontmen in rock history. As the lead vocalist behind iconic songs like Don’t Stop Me Now, We Will Rock You, and I Want To Break Free, his musical contributions are still celebrated today.
8. Charlie Chaplin
When one watches Chaplin on screen, it still feels as though watching him live. He first appeared in The Tramp in his early career. His lovable character, with his bowler hat, toothbrush mustache, and oversized cane, crafted a persona that became the symbol of laughter during the silent film era. Beyond being a comedic actor, Chaplin was one of the first actors to finance and produce his films. He also took on multiple roles in the filmmaking process—writing, casting, directing, editing, and composing music for his projects. Chaplin was truly a man of many talents and rightfully so was voted the greatest actor in film history.