Mariah Carey Movies and TV shows life Mariah Carey is widely recognized as one of the most successful and influential singers of all time, but her talents extend beyond music. Over the years, she has ventured into acting and made memorable appearances on television and in films. Here is a complete overview of Mariah Carey’s movie and TV show career.
| Type | Title | Release Year | Role/Character | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movie | The Bachelor | 1999 | Herself (Cameo) | Mariah Carey made a brief cameo appearance in this romantic comedy. |
| Movie | Glitter | 2001 | Billie Frank | A drama about a singer in the 1980s, starring Carey in the lead role. |
| Movie | WiseGirls | 2002 | Meggie | A crime drama in which Mariah Carey plays one of the three women who work in a mob-connected restaurant. |
| Movie | Tennessee | 2008 | Krystal | A drama about two brothers searching for their estranged father. |
| Movie | Precious | 2009 | Ms. Weiss (Social Worker) | Mariah Carey played a social worker in this award-winning drama. |
| Movie | The Butler | 2013 | Hattie Pearl (Cameo) | Mariah had a cameo in this historical drama about a White House butler. |
| Movie | A Christmas Melody | 2015 | Kristin (Lead Role) | Mariah Carey directed and starred in this Hallmark Christmas movie. |
| TV Show | The Bachelor | 2008 | Herself (Guest appearance) | Mariah Carey made a special appearance on this popular reality TV show. |
| TV Show | Mariah’s World | 2016 | Herself | A reality TV series that gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at her life. |
| TV Show | Empire | 2018 | Kitty (Guest Role) | Mariah Carey appeared as a guest on this music industry drama. |
| TV Show | Saturday Night Live | Various Years | Herself | Mariah Carey has appeared as a musical guest multiple times. |
| TV Show | American Idol | 2013 | Judge | Mariah was a judge on Season 12 of this singing competition show. |
| TV Show | The Simpsons | 1999 | Mariah Carey (Voice Cameo) | Mariah Carey voiced herself in a special episode of this animated series. |
Other Appearances
- Guest Appearances: Mariah has made several guest appearances on various TV shows and events like MTV Music Awards, Grammy Awards, and many more over the years.
- Voice Work: She also voiced characters in animated series like The Simpsons and had several musical performances in TV specials.
Early Career and Acting Beginnings
While Mariah Carey is primarily known for her vocal abilities, her interest in acting developed alongside her music career. Her early acting roles were mostly small, but they paved the way for some significant projects later in her career.
The Bachelor (1999)
- Role: She played herself in a cameo appearance.
- Synopsis: Mariah Carey made a brief appearance as herself in this romantic comedy film starring Chris O’Donnell and Renée Zellweger. While her role was minor, it introduced her to the world of Hollywood film, and the cameo was one of the first times Carey ventured into acting.
Major Film Roles
Although she is most renowned for her music, Mariah Carey has also had significant roles in a few key films that showcased her acting abilities.
2. Glitter (2001)
- Role: Billie Frank
- Synopsis: “Glitter” is perhaps the most notable of Mariah Carey’s film roles. She stars as a young woman named Billie Frank, an aspiring singer trying to make it big in the music industry while navigating complex relationships and her troubled past. While the film received mixed reviews and was a commercial failure, it has since become a cult classic, largely due to Carey’s performance and the soundtrack, which she also produced. The movie is often remembered for its focus on her musical talents.
3. Precious (2009)
- Role: Ms. Weiss
- Synopsis: In “Precious,” Mariah Carey took on a very different role, playing Ms. Weiss, a social worker who helps the film’s protagonist, Precious, navigate a life filled with abuse and hardship. This dramatic role was a major departure from her previous performances and earned her critical praise. Mariah Carey was applauded for her unglamorous portrayal, which highlighted her range as an actress. The film itself was a critical success and won numerous awards.
A Christmas Melody (2015)
- Role: A fictionalized version of herself, as a director
- Synopsis: In this holiday-themed film, Mariah Carey stars as herself and also takes on the role of director. The story revolves around a single mother who returns to her hometown and gets involved in a Christmas pageant. Mariah Carey’s involvement brought a festive charm to the film, which was well-received by fans, especially those who love her Christmas music.
The Butler (2013)
- Role: Hattie Pearl
- Synopsis: Mariah Carey had a supporting role in the critically acclaimed film “The Butler,” which was directed by Lee Daniels. The movie tells the story of Cecil Gaines, an African-American man who serves as a butler in the White House for over three decades. Carey played Hattie Pearl, the wife of the main character, and while her role was not large, it was a notable appearance in a star-studded film.
Television Appearances
Mariah Carey has also had several memorable TV appearances throughout her career, including both acting roles and musical performances.
Empire (2015-2016)
- Role: Kitty
- Synopsis: Mariah Carey guest-starred in the hit musical drama series “Empire” during its second season. She portrayed Kitty, a famous singer who helps one of the main characters, Jamal Lyon, with his music career. Carey’s appearance on the show was highly anticipated and received a lot of attention from both her fans and the media.
Mariah World (2016)
- Role: Herself
- Synopsis: This E! reality series gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Mariah Carey’s life as she tours the world. The show chronicled her experiences, her family life, and her interactions with her team while preparing for her Las Vegas residency. “Mariah’s World” was a glimpse into her glamorous and busy life, offering a unique perspective on the superstar’s personal and professional life.
Will & Grace (2006)
- Role: A guest appearance as herself
- Synopsis: Mariah Carey appeared in a comedic guest role on the hit TV series “Will & Grace” as herself. She appeared in an episode where the characters go to see her perform, and she shares a funny interaction with the main characters. Her appearance was highly praised by fans and is remembered as one of the standout moments in the show’s run.
Saturday Night Live (Multiple Appearances)
- Role: Herself
- Synopsis: Mariah Carey has appeared on “Saturday Night Live” several times, both as a musical guest and in comedic skits. She has showcased her comedic chops and ability to joke about herself, adding to her multi-faceted career.
American Idol (2013)
- Role: Judge
- Synopsis: Mariah Carey was one of the judges on the twelfth season of “American Idol,” alongside Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson, and Keith Urban. While her time on the show was short, she received attention for her critiques and interactions with the other judges, adding a new layer to her public persona.
Mariah Carey in Music Television
In addition to her acting roles, Mariah Carey has often appeared on music-focused television programs.
VH1 Divas Live (1998, 1999, 2000, and 2002)
- Role: Performer
- Synopsis: Mariah Carey was featured in several of the annual VH1 Divas Live concerts, where she performed alongside other legendary female artists like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin. These performances were iconic moments in her career and showcased her vocal talents.
MTV Unplugged (1992)
- Role: Performer
- Synopsis: This live performance on MTV featured Mariah Carey at the peak of her career, showcasing her vocal range and ability to captivate an audience in an intimate setting. The performance was highly praised and included some of her biggest hits at the time, like “Vision of Love” and “I’ll Be There.”
Conclusion
Mariah Carey’s career is a testament to her versatility, not just as a singer, but also as an actress and television personality. From her iconic role in Glitter to her praised performance in Precious, Mariah has proven she has the talent to shine in multiple entertainment fields. Whether she’s lighting up the stage with her music or bringing a character to life on screen, Mariah Carey’s presence in movies and TV shows remains an unforgettable part of her legacy.