Irish pop star Ronan Keating has been bitten by the acting bug. Currently on tour in America promoting his debut solo album, the singer has decided to sign up for acting lessons in Los Angeles in preparation for a new career in Hollywood.
The 24-year-old says he first considered acting after meeting Julia Roberts at the premiere of her film Notting Hill. The actress told him that his cover version of When You Say Nothing At All, which was featured on the movie’s soundtrack, brought her to tears. “That was the ultimate seal of approval,” says Ronan.
Ronan remains realistic about the prospect of joining the ranks of successful dual-career phenomenons such as Jennifer Lopez, however. “I want to take acting classes, but it’s not something a singer can just turn around and do,” says the former Boyzone star. “It’s just a different world, the movies.”
His desire to brush up on his acting skills may also be due to Ronan's unsuccessful bid for the lead role in Moulin Rouge opposite Nicole Kidman. "I went along to the audition for Moulin Rouge, met with director Baz Luhrmann, and we had a good laugh," he explained. But in the end, he lost out to fellow heart-throb Ewan McGregor. The aspiring thespian takes the defeat in stride, however, saying: “I didn’t mind being beaten by Ewan. He is such an incredible actor.”
Admitting he hopes to hit the silver screen one day, he is pragmatic about his chances of success in the competitive American film industry. “I’m certainly not holding my breath,” he says.
For now at least, it seems acting classes will suffice and the would-be actor has already begun working on his second solo album.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
