10 Actors Who Learned To Play Instruments For Their Roles

10. Keira Knightley in Begin Again

Following appearances in the likes of Pirate of the Caribbean and Atonement, Keira Knightley had garnered a reputation for emotive, dramatic performances. She certainly wasn't known for being cast in musicals, let alone playing an instrument for a given production. That changed with 2014's Begin Again.

Directed by John Carney, this musical-comedy drama follows the bond that grows between struggling record label exec Dan Mulligan (Mark Ruffalo) who stumbles upon the talented indie musician Gretta James (Knightley). While relations between the lead actress and director were difficult at points, the greatest challenge for Keira came with learning both guitar and singing.

The actress took lessons from vocal coach Roger Love for a time and despite having no musical experience, she went on to wow critics and audiences alike. Keira said at the time she was no fan of singing, hating karaoke and didn't have a natural ability with the guitar. Regardless, she wanted to challenge herself and committed whole-heartedly to the production.

It certainly shows in the final film as Knightley delivers both a beautiful voice and a deft hand with the acoustics. Her performance of "Coming Up Roses" really hit home, seamlessly blending her more fragile, vulnerable persona with a more upbeat style and tone.