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Music
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From Rom-Com Star to Rogue One: The Unheard Musical Talent of Dermot Mulroney
You know Dermot Mulroney from films like 'My Best Friend's Wedding,' but did you know he's a classically trained cellist? He has played in the orchestra for blockbuster scores like Jurassic World, Rogue One, and Spider-Man: Homecoming, a hidden talent that adds a fascinating layer to his career.
When you picture Dermot Mulroney, you likely see the charming, slightly rugged leading man from beloved romantic comedies like My Best Friend's Wedding and The Wedding Date. You see the actor who has graced our screens for decades in everything from Westerns to intense dramas. But what you've likely never seen—only heard—is his other career: that of a professional orchestral cellist who has contributed to the sound of some of the biggest blockbusters in recent history.
A Lifelong Passion for the Cello
This isn't a recent hobby Mulroney picked up between film shoots. His passion for the cello dates back to his childhood in Alexandria, Virginia. He began playing as a student and quickly excelled, performing in school and local youth orchestras. His dedication was so profound that for a time, he faced a choice between pursuing music or acting professionally. While acting ultimately became his primary career, he never abandoned his first love. In fact, he's been playing consistently his entire life, even forming a band called the 'Cockeyed Bectons' with his brothers in his early years.
The Sound of Modern Blockbusters
So, where can you hear this hidden talent? The answer is likely in your own movie collection. Mulroney is a regular in the scoring orchestras assembled by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino. His cello playing is part of the rich musical tapestry of massive films, including Mission: Impossible III (2006), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Jurassic World (2015), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Pixar's Coco (2017), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). He doesn't seek the spotlight; he simply joins the cello section as another professional musician, contributing to the epic scores that define these cinematic experiences.
'Just One of the Guys'
The most charming aspect of Mulroney's 'secret' career is his humility. He isn't seeking a featured solo or special credit. He's there for the love of the music and the camaraderie of the orchestra. Composer Michael Giacchino has spoken about Mulroney's seamless integration into the ensemble.
He is a ridiculously talented cellist... He’s just one of the guys in the orchestra. He’s not a featured soloist. He’s just in the section, and he loves it. It's great to have him. The other musicians love having him. It's just, he's one of them. He's not the movie star in the room. He's the cellist.
This reality defies the typical celebrity narrative. In an industry built on fame and recognition, Mulroney finds joy in being an anonymous, yet crucial, part of a larger artistic creation. The next time you're swept away by the soaring score of Jurassic World or the thrilling themes of Star Wars, listen closely. Among the dozens of musicians creating that wall of sound is a familiar face, a movie star who is, at that moment, just a man and his cello.