In a fascinating twist that highlights the ever-evolving career paths of contemporary artists, singer-songwriter Chappell Roan has found herself at the crossroads of two creative passions – music and acting. According to a recent report, John Waters, the renowned filmmaker behind cult classics like “Hairspray” and “Pink Flamingos,” has taken notice of Roan’s talent and is now encouraging her to take the leap into acting. This unexpected turn of events raises intriguing questions about the fluid boundaries between artistic expression, the blurred lines between mediums, and the paths that talented individuals can take to explore their creativity.
The Unlikely Mentorship

In a chance encounter that could potentially alter the trajectory of her career, Grammy winner Chappell Roan recently met legendary cult filmmaker John Waters, who extended an unexpected yet intriguing piece of advice – consider acting.
Roan, who broke out with her 2023 debut studio album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, won her first Grammy this year for Best New Artist. The conversation with Waters, however, has sparked a potential career path that she may not have considered before.
Chappell Roan’s Conversation with Waters
In an interview with W Magazine, the singer revealed that she met Waters and discussed the limitations of “firsts” in her career. Waters, however, had a different perspective on the matter.
“I met John Waters last night, which was insane,” Roan told W Magazine. “One of my idols! And I was talking about how there are only so many ‘firsts’ you can have with your career.” Roan continued, “And he said, ‘No, no, no—there are all the firsts to go through when you become an actress!’ And I said, ‘I’m not an actress—what are you talking about?’ He said, ‘Every singer is an actress!’ And I was like, okay, maybe I am! Damn! If John Waters says I’m an actress, maybe I am!”
Roan’s response to Waters’ suggestion is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of being open to new ideas and perspectives. As a Grammy winner, Roan has already achieved significant success in her music career. However, Waters’ words of encouragement may inspire her to explore new creative avenues.
The Art of Acting
According to John Waters, every singer is an actress. This philosophy on performance is rooted in the idea that music and acting are not mutually exclusive, but rather intertwined art forms. In an era where music stars are increasingly turning to acting, Chappell Roan may be wise to heed Waters’ advice.
In an interview with W Magazine, Roan shared her conversation with Waters, in which he encouraged her to consider acting as a new career path. Waters’ assertion that every singer is an actress highlights the blurred lines between music and acting. As Roan noted, “He said, ‘Every singer is an actress!’ And I was like, okay, maybe I am! Damn! If John Waters says I’m an actress, maybe I am!”
The Blurred Lines Between Music and Acting
Waters’ philosophy on performance is not unique. Throughout history, musicians have successfully transitioned to acting, with Cher, Madonna, and Lady Gaga being prime examples. These pop stars have leveraged their existing fanbase and charisma to excel in film and television. Roan, with her Grammy-winning debut album, may be well-positioned to follow in their footsteps.
As Roan continues to explore her options, she would do well to study the masters. Waters, for instance, has a long history of pushing boundaries in his work, often incorporating elements of shock and irreverence into his films. Roan, with her introspective and emotionally charged songwriting, may find that her unique perspective and voice are assets in the world of acting.
The Future of Entertainment
The implications of music stars turning to acting are far-reaching, with the potential to shift the entertainment landscape. As fans of Chappell Roan, they may be eager to see her take on new roles and explore this new creative avenue. For the industry, this trend represents an opportunity to tap into new talent and perspectives.
In the midst of this changing landscape, the Los Angeles Times is facing its own challenges. The publication is undergoing layoffs, with 14 members receiving notices. This marks the third round of layoffs in as many years, leaving the publication “ever more decimated.”
What This New Career Path Means for Chappell Roan’s Fans and the Industry
For Roan’s fans, the possibility of seeing her take on new roles represents an exciting development. Fans of her music may be eager to see her bring her unique perspective and charisma to the screen. As she navigates this new career path, Roan will need to balance her existing fanbase with her desire to explore new creative outlets.
From an industry perspective, the trend of music stars turning to acting presents an opportunity to tap into new talent and perspectives. As the lines between music and acting continue to blur, we may see a new wave of musicians-turned-actors, each bringing their own unique voice and style to the screen.
Conclusion
In the latest development, John Waters, the renowned filmmaker known for his provocative style, has expressed interest in exploring the acting talents of Chappell Roan, a rising star in the music industry. As Waters encouraged Roan to consider a foray into acting, the conversation highlights the dynamic relationship between music and film, where artists often find themselves transitioning between mediums to push their creative boundaries.
The significance of this topic lies in its reflection of the evolving nature of artistic expression, where traditional distinctions between music, film, and other art forms are increasingly blurring. By encouraging Roan to venture into acting, Waters is acknowledging the multifaceted talents of contemporary artists and the possibility of incorporating diverse mediums to bring their creative vision to life. This development may also pave the way for new collaborations and innovative storytelling in the entertainment industry.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to see the types of projects that Roan and Waters will collaborate on, and how their partnership will challenge traditional notions of artistic expression. One thing is certain: the intersection of music and film will continue to yield exciting and innovative artistic endeavors, and the possibilities for creative expression are endless. In the words of John Waters, “Art is art, and it’s time we started treating it as such, not bound by the confines of a particular medium.”