Top 10 Actors Who Have Played Elvis On Screen (A Few Surprises) 

Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n Roll, was as enigmatic as he was talented. He was yet another artist whom we lost way too soon. From comedies, to adventures, to dramas – and to biopics, a whole slew of actors have portrayed him. But who were the best in their interpretation? What does it take to play Elvis?

Top 10 Elvis Portrayers

If you travel out to Las Vegas, those Elvis impersonators are a dime a dozen, but it’s not exactly the same as taking on a movie role. We recently saw Austin Butler in his role as the King but who else has played the singer? Let’s take a look.

Austin Butler in “Elvis” (2022)

Baz Luhrmann made an excellent choice in picking Butler to portray the singing superstar. Butler told ETOnline “I am just profoundly honored that Baz has invited me on this journey with him,” when discussing the film. 

Butler went on to receive a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and was nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor. Kudos to Tom Hanks, as well, for his portrayal of his manager.

Kurt Russell in “Elvis” (1979) 

Not to be super confusing here, but a TV movie of the same name was released more than four decades prior. Kurt Russell, best known as Snake Plissken, gave a very solid performance as the singer.

Because this is one of the earlier performances of Elvis, and just two years after his death, Russell would come to be the measuring stick for future actors.

Michael St Gerard in several TV movies and “Elvis” (1990) 

Same title, but this actor has multiple tenure as the rocker on his résumé. St. Gerard portrayed the musician in “Heart of Dixie” and “Great Balls of Fire,” opposite Dennis Quaid’s Jerry Lee Lewis. 

This actor has an uncanny resemblance to Elvis, in both appearance and in mannerisms. Now St. Gerard is out of the acting realm – he retired at the young age of 33 to become a pastor.

Michael Shannon in “Elvis & Nixon” (2016)

Shannon is that actor you see quite often, can recognize him, but may not know his name. Best known for “The Shape of Water,” Shannon turned in quite the performance as the singer in this 2016 film.

The motion picture focuses on a top-secret meeting between President Richard Nixon and Elvis in 1970, which was not revealed until 1972. Nixon is played by actor Kevin Spacey. 

Bruce Campbell in “Bubba Ho-Tep” (2002)

Ever wonder what would happen if JFK and Elvis were really alive and living out their last days in a retirement home? Huh. Because we do! What an interesting concept – and an inventive plot! 

This comedy horror follows Campbell as a senior resident who believes he truly is Elvis. JFK is played by Ossie Davis. Of course, he and JFK team up to battle evildoers in this funny flick. Campbell’s performance is pretty campy!

Jacob Elordi in “Priscilla” (2024)

Elordi is everywhere these days – most recently as Heathcliff in “Wuthering Heights,” and he did an amazing turn as the Creature in Guillermo Del Toro’s “Frankenstein.”

Here he portrays the singer in this biopic which examines the romance between Priscilla and Elvis. Priscilla is interpreted by actress Cailee Spaeny. Elordi, standing at nearly 6’5”, had to camouflage his height to play the King, who stood at 5’9” tall. 

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers in “Elvis” (2005)

As if the title could be named something other than this… Here Rhys-Meyers captures the essence of the singer. The Irish actor does a good job primarily throughout the musical numbers, earning him a top actor pick. 

Directed by James Steven Sadwith, this miniseries garnered much acclaim and an Emmy nod for Rhys-Meyers – and it introduced the late King’s music to a new generation of millennials.

Jack White in “Walk Hard; The Dewey Cox Story” (2007) 

Yes, Jack White of the White Stripes donned the rhinestone and bell-bottomed suit and adopted the famous swagger. Although White was not in this movie for long, he knocked it out of the park.

A fun fact about this movie is actor John C. Reilly did his own singing and played much of the guitar in the movie. This is a such a fun film, directed by Judd Apatow. 

Tyler Hilton in “Walk the Line” (2005)

Hilton, best known for “One Tree Hill,” perfectly conveyed a young Elvis in this Johnny Cash biopic. In fact, he was so good in this, it makes viewers wish they had seen more of him.

The film features Joaquin Phoenix as Cash, and Reese Witherspoon as his wife, June. Nominated for multiple Oscars, this film is a must see for any music lover.

Val Kilmer in “True Romance” (1993)

Both Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette star in this film, but the few minutes that Kilmer is onscreen is pure gold. In a blink-and-you-miss-it part, Kilmer imparts words of wisdom to Slater‘s character.

Interestingly, it’s so hush-hush that Kilmer’s in it, Quentin Tarantino refers to him as “The Mentor” when the credits roll. Kilmer fully embodies the essence of the King here in this feisty heist-y motion picture.

An Honorable Mention – or Two!

Because – of course! Musician Drake Milligan portrayed the King in CMT’s small screen series “Sun Records” in 2017. He channeled a young Elvis – with both his looks and the ease of his performance. He was also in the 2014 short film project “Nobody” as the late singer.

Another interpretation worth mentioning is Don Johnson in “Elvis and the Beauty Queen.” Yep, that Don Johnson, Dakota Johnson’s dad! In the movie that’s based upon Elvis’ later life, he portrayed an older version of the late singing star, post-divorce.

Between musicians and top actors who have played Elvis, we’ve had quite a variety. Although Butler has been praised for his recent interpretation of the “Hound Dog” singer, it’s nice to know we’ve had so many people who love Elvis – and actors who have paid tribute in their own way.