John C. Reilly Reveals Why He's Releasing Debut AlbumWhat's Not to Love?Under the Pseudonym Mister Romantic

Mar. 15, 2025

John C. Reilly.Photo:Bobbi Rich

Bobbi Rich

You knowJohn C. Reillymainly as an actor, but he’s got a passion for music as well.

The Oscar, Emmy and Grammy-nominated entertainer, 59, announced his upcoming debut albumWhat’s Not to Love?, a collection of music from the Great American Songbook set to be released under the pseudonym Mister Romantic. Its first single, “Dream,” is out now.

“I looked at our weary world a few years ago and tried to think of a way I could spread love and empathy,” explained theStep Brothersstar in a statement. “I decided the most fun way to do that was through performing and singing and telling people I loved them.”

Reilly added, “So the emotional vaudeville showMister Romanticwas born, out of both hope and despair.What’s Not to Love?Is a collection of songs from the show with some cinematic audio weaved in.”

He offered more details on the character, noting that the album tells “the story of an eternal optimist, Mister Romantic, as he looks for love.”

“Someone once said ‘It’s better to light one tiny candle than to curse the darkness.’ Well, this is our little candle in the darkness,” concluded the statement. “We hope it reminds people that it’s good to love. I figured it was worth a try.”

While the project marks Reilly’s first album, most fans have heard him sing before in films likeWalk Hard: The Dewey Cox StoryandChicago, among others.

John C. Reilly in Chicago in June 2024.Barry Brecheisen/Getty

Barry Brecheisen/Getty

Throughout his career, he’s recorded with artists includingJack Whiteand performed on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series with his band, John Reilly and Friends. He starred as the titular role in a 2002 Boston production of the musicalMarty.

In October 2023, Reilly andStep BrotherscostarWill Ferrellhopped on stage withSnoop Doggat Los Angeles' Greek Theatre to perform “Boats ‘N Hoes” from the 2008 film as well as the MC’s 1993 classic “Gin & Juice.”

Reilly’s also passed his musicality onto his son, Leo, who performs pop music under the stage nameLoveLeo.

What’s Not to Love?is set for a June 13 release.

source: people.com