With the unstoppable popularity of social media and the birth of thousands of online “influencers” and cyber stars, it’s not easy being a celebrity in 2020. It’s no longer enough to be famous for being famous: Celebrities are increasingly expected to have a number of talents if they want to stand out from the crowd. That’s where the double (or even triple) threat comes in. A “double threat” is a celeb who excels in two different areas. For example, singing and modelling or acting and skiing. However, some celebrities are so well known for their main skill that it’s only too easy to forget about their other amazing abilities. 3 Celebs You Never Knew Were “Double Threats!”

3 Celebs You Never Knew Were “Double Threats”

It’d be a shame for all that talent to go unsung, so we’ve rounded up three fearless, female celebs you never knew were “double threats.”

1. Elena Matei

When blonde bombshell, Elena Matei, comes to mind, most people instantly picture the catwalk. After all, this Moldovan model rose to fame by gracing the pages of fashion bibles like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. She’s also prominently featured in “The Angel” photobook, shot by renowned photograph, Russell James. However, Elena is more than just a pretty face. This breath-taking beauty is also a passionate vocalist. 

Elena Matei, who’s worked alongside Celine Dion’s vocal coach, explained in a recent interview, “[my favourite song to perform is] catwalk. It’s dedicated to  all the models around the world.” Performing under the enigmatic stage name, Liv, which she promises she’ll one day share the story behind, Matei belts out catchy club tunes that give us a tantalising glimpse of her glamorous, globe-trotting lifestyle. 

Elena’s creative side doesn’t stop there, she also has a strong interest in travel, which she documents in glossy snapshots for her nearly 200,000 followers on her Instagram page. Pasta in Paris, luxury bathing in the Bahamas… count us in!

2. Zooey Deschanel

Let’s face it: Zooey Deschanel is primarily known for her portrayal of the “manic pixie dream girl” trope, having won our hearts for her comically deadpan performances in rom-com 500 Days of Summer and, more recently, Fox sitcom New Girl.

But, much like the quirky, often musical characters Deschanel portrays in film, the actress is also a talented singer. Performing with American singer-songwriter, M. Ward, under the moniker She & Him, Zooey has produced five albums to date. One of her songs, So Long, was even featured in the soundtrack for the 2011 film Winnie the Pooh and subsequently nominated for a Grammy Award. As if that wasn’t enough, Zooey doesn’t stop at vocals, she’s also confident with keyboards, banjos and the ukulele.

Not one to put all her eggs in one basket, Zooey Deschanel also boasts the title of co-founder for well-known women’s website, Hello Giggles.

3. Serena Williams

Sports superstar Serena Williams might be known for her impressive title as the former Tennis World No. 1 in singles, but that’s not her only claim to fame. She’s has also gained attention on and off the court for her eye-catching fashion choices. 

In 2004, the Michigan-born sportswoman turned heads when she arrived at the US Open in a denim skirt and knee-high boots. The same year, Serena launched her own fashion label, “Aneres,” an anagram of her name, which is sold on the Home Shopping Network. In a 2015 interview with Vogue, Williams explained, “I’ve always loved fashion. I was always that girl that played with my dolls, and I went to fashion school […] It’s actually something that I really enjoy and that I have a lot of fun with.” 

Following in the footsteps of celebs like Rhianna and Kylie Jenner, Serena is also rumoured to be working on her own line of beauty products.

Not content being an acclaimed sportswoman and talented designer, Serena William’s work as an activist for social change earned her a spot on Essence Magazine’s list of top 35 “most remarkable and beautiful black women" in the world.

In her spare time (what spare time!) she has also dipped a toe into the world of voice acting, lending her voice to several popular animated shows, including The Simpsons and Avatar: The Last Airbender!

Being famous isn’t all launch parties and cocktails. These three successful sirens prove that it takes more than a pretty face to succeed on the world stage!