Beyond The Hits: 7 Surprising Movies And TV Shows Starring Train’s Pat Monahan

Patrick "Pat" Monahan is a name synonymous with the multi-platinum band Train, the voice behind iconic hits like "Drops of Jupiter," "Hey, Soul Sister," and "Meet Virginia." Yet, as of December 2025, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has cultivated a fascinating, often overlooked second career in Hollywood, transitioning from stadium stages to television sets and movie screens.

This article dives deep into Pat Monahan's filmography, revealing his most recent and surprising on-screen appearances, proving his talent extends far beyond the recording studio. From starring in a Hallmark Christmas movie to playing a villain on a major network drama, Monahan's acting resume is far richer and more varied than most fans realize. The information here is fresh and unique, going beyond the basic credits to analyze his most impactful roles.

Patrick Monahan: The Musician and Actor Profile

Before exploring his surprising acting credits, here is a quick look at the man who successfully balances a massive music career with his burgeoning work in film and television.

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• Full Name: Patrick Timon Monahan
• Date of Birth: February 28, 1969
• Birthplace: Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
• Primary Profession: Singer-songwriter, musician (Lead singer of Train)
• Secondary Professions: Actor, Producer, Soundtrack Contributor, Music Department
• Career Highlights (Music): Train (formed 1993), Solo Album Last of Seven (2007)
• Notable Acting/TV Roles: Christmas in Tahoe (Lead Actor), Hawaii Five-0 (Guest Star), The Voice (Mentor)
• Other Notable On-Screen Work: Broadway debut in Rocktopia (2018)

The Leading Man: Pat Monahan’s Most Significant Acting Roles

While many musicians make cameo appearances, Pat Monahan has taken on genuine acting roles, including a starring part in a major holiday film. These roles demonstrate a serious commitment to his career outside of music.

1. Christmas in Tahoe (Hallmark Channel Movie, 2021)

This is arguably Pat Monahan's most significant and recent acting credit. He starred in the Hallmark Channel original movie, which was inspired by Train's 2015 holiday album of the same name.

• Role: Jackson
• The Plot: The movie centers on a woman trying to save her family's Christmas show at a hotel. Monahan's character, Jackson, plays a key role in the romantic drama.
• Unique Insight: Monahan was not just an actor; he also served as an executive producer on the film, showcasing his deep involvement in the project. The entire concept was a natural extension of the band's musical work, demonstrating a unique synergy between his two careers.

2. Boon (Action-Thriller Movie, 2022)

In a surprising departure from the feel-good Hallmark genre, Monahan appeared in the 2022 action-thriller film Boon, starring Neal McDonough.

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• Role: Angus
• The Context: Boon is a gritty, redemption-seeking story about a mercenary. Monahan's involvement in a movie of this genre highlights his willingness to take on diverse roles outside of his musical comfort zone.

The CBS Crime Drama Trilogy: Guest Star and Villain

Monahan's acting career is heavily tied to CBS, where he made a notable trilogy of guest appearances across three major crime procedural and action-drama franchises. These roles were not cameos as "Pat Monahan," but genuine character work.

3. Hawaii Five-0 (Season 3, Episode 17: “Pa’ani,” 2013)

Pat Monahan took on a memorable role as a "villain-of-the-week" in the reboot of the classic Hawaiian crime show.

• Role: Neil Redding
• The Performance: Monahan played a complex antagonist, demonstrating his ability to portray characters far removed from his friendly rock star persona. His appearance was a highly publicized event for the show.

4. CSI: NY (Season 6, Episode 11: “Second Chances,” 2009)

His earliest notable character role came in 2009, where he appeared alongside his Train bandmates.

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• Role: Sam Baker
• The Context: Sam Baker was a former addict, a role that required dramatic performance. Monahan and his bandmates played a band performing at a benefit concert for recovering addicts, cleverly weaving his musical identity into a fictional narrative.

5. Magnum P.I. (Season 2, Episode 8: “He Came by Night,” 2019)

Completing his CBS drama trifecta, Monahan appeared in the modern reboot of Magnum P.I., though this time, he played a version of himself.

• Role: Himself
• The Detail: While playing himself, the appearance further solidified his connection to the network's prime-time lineup and showcased his willingness to engage with the acting world in multiple capacities, from character actor to celebrity guest.

Unconventional TV and Documentary Roles

Beyond traditional acting, Pat Monahan has leveraged his musical expertise in other significant on-screen roles, cementing his status as a versatile TV personality.

6. The Voice (Season 3, 2012)

Monahan's most prominent non-acting TV role was as a mentor on NBC's hit singing competition, The Voice.

• Role: Mentor (for Cee Lo Green's team)
• The Impact: Stepping in for an ill Cee Lo Green, Monahan provided invaluable coaching to the contestants, sharing his decades of experience as the frontman of a major rock band. This role established him as a respected authority figure in the music industry on a global scale.

7. Sign the Show: Deaf Culture, Access & Entertainment (Documentary, 2021)

Monahan appeared as himself in this important documentary, which focuses on the challenges and triumphs of deaf culture and accessibility in the entertainment world.

• Role: Self
• The Significance: His participation highlights his use of his platform for social awareness, contributing to a project that has a meaningful cultural impact beyond commercial success.

The Future of Pat Monahan’s On-Screen Career

Despite his long-running success with Train, Pat Monahan continues to express enthusiasm for his acting ventures. In a recent interview, he mentioned that acting, like making albums, is "really fun," indicating a genuine passion for the craft.

His willingness to executive produce and star in a project like Christmas in Tahoe suggests he is not merely dabbling, but actively looking for roles that allow him to be creative and tell stories. Furthermore, he has expressed interest in developing a new kind of "comedy dancing show on TV," hinting at a desire to explore the variety and comedy genres in the future.

Whether he's playing a villain, a romantic lead, or a music mentor, Pat Monahan has successfully carved out a credible and diverse filmography. For fans of Train, keeping an eye on his IMDb page is just as important as anticipating the band's next album, as his on-screen surprises continue to roll out.