Rihanna is already an international superstar as a musician, but this month marks her official transition from singer to actor, with her debut role in the board game-based summer release "Battleship" (May 18). The Caribbean hitmaker follows in the footsteps of such multi-hyphenate talents as Jennifer Hudson, Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé, but Rihanna's acting-career potential will potentially sink or swim with the fate of the $200 million blockbuster.
We're willing to bet most of her fans (us included) will want to see the "Umbrella" singer kick some alien butt from a state-of-the-art "Battleship."
Age: 24
Hometown: St. Michael, Barbados
What She's Done: You know, the usual -- winning multiple Grammys, selling millions of albums, breaking industry records and performing in front of heads of state, royalty, and hordes of adoring fans. BUT, despite contributing to dozens of soundtracks and appearing on a couple of "Saturday Night Live" sketches, this is Rihanna's first acting role.
Also Check Out: New "Battleship" Clip: You Sunk My ... Helicopter?
What She's Doing Now: She makes her feature film debut in Peter Berg's massive summer action flick "Battleship." As naval petty officer Cora "Weps" Raikes, Rihanna is a badass weapons specialist who can expertly handle a host of intimidating military arms.
Reminds Us of: We know it's obvious, but she could be considered a younger, edgier Beyoncé, not only because of her bootylicious beauty, but also because of her ability to command a stage -- and hopefully a screen. She also has the similarly bright-eyed and sultry look of Meagan Good ("Think Like a Man").
Fun Facts: When Rihanna's single "We Found Love" reached No. 9 on the Billboard charts last fall, she beat Madonna's record for being the fastest solo artist to accumulate 20 top-10 songs. The only act to accomplish that feat more quickly is the Beatles.
Quotable: RiRi had props for her costar, Taylor Kitsch (of Tim Riggins fame or "John Carter" infamy). "You know, we have a mutual respect for each other's industry," she told MTV News. "I was walking into this as an amateur -- a complete amateur. I didn't know anything and I had a good team to learn from. I watched them, and especially Taylor, 'cause we did a lot of scenes together and he would always offer me advice."
Shout Out: Peter Berg gushed about his experience directing the recording star. "When I met with her, she came in a T-shirt and jeans, no makeup, very natural," he said in an MTV interview. "She was like, 'Look, I want to be an actress. Don't kiss my ass. Don't lie to me. Push me. Treat me as you would any other actor. Help make me good.' She is really, really good in 'Battleship.'"
Famous Friends: Rihanna is a prime tabloid target and has friends in high places, such as music mogul and industry big brother Jay-Z, former Def Jam honcho L.A. Reid, most of hip-hop's elite, and of course, celebrity BFF Katy Perry. Plus, she manages to stay friendly with her exes, including baseball player Matt Kemp and the penitent Chris Brown.
Twitter Handle: @rihanna
What's Next: Rihanna is rumored to star in another high-octane action franchise. According to England's The Sun, the singer could play a villain in the sixth "The Fast and the Furious" installment, which will soon shooting in London, her favorite city of late. (A rep claimed no knowledge of her being cast in the film.) Rihanna also joins James Franco, Emma Watson, Jonah Hill and a bunch of other stars playing themselves in the upcoming Seth Rogen comedy "The End of the World," about a group of celebs partying at Franco's house when the apocalypse hits.
