10 Movie Stars Who Secretly Write Hit TV Shows

Many movie stars shine on the big screen, but some also flex their creative muscles in the TV world, writing scripts for shows that hook audiences. These actors don’t just perform—they shape stories, characters, and worlds that keep us glued to our screens.

I’ve dug into the lesser-known writing credits of some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Here are ten movie stars who secretly write hit TV shows, bringing their storytelling talents to the small screen.

Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham broke out as a filmmaker with ‘Tiny Furniture’ (2010) and became a household name starring in ‘Girls’ (2012-2017). Her raw, honest storytelling as an actress carries over into her writing, where she tackles real-life struggles with humor and heart.

Dunham created and wrote much of ‘Girls,’ a show about young women navigating life in New York City. She penned episodes that mixed comedy with tough topics like relationships and mental health, earning a Golden Globe for her work. She’s also written for ‘Camping’ (2018), showing her knack for sharp, character-driven stories.

Bill Hader

Bill Hader, known for films like ‘Superbad’ (2007) and ‘It Chapter Two’ (2019), is a comedy powerhouse with a dark edge. His Saturday Night Live days showed his acting chops, but his writing talent took center stage later.

Hader co-created and writes for ‘Barry’ (2018-2023), a dark comedy about a hitman turned aspiring actor. He wrote episodes like ‘710N,’ blending humor with intense drama, and his work earned three Emmys, proving he’s as skilled behind the pen as he is on screen.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Waller-Bridge stole hearts in films like ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ (2018) and ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ (2023). Her sharp wit and bold characters shine in her acting, but her writing is where she truly stands out.

She created, wrote, and starred in ‘Fleabag’ (2016-2019), a raw comedy-drama based on her one-woman play. Waller-Bridge’s scripts, packed with clever dialogue and emotional depth, won her multiple Emmys. She also wrote for ‘Killing Eve’ (2018-2022), crafting thrilling stories that hooked millions.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey, a star in films like ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) and ‘Baby Mama’ (2008), built her career on sharp comedy. Her time on Saturday Night Live showed she could act and write with equal skill, making her a TV writing legend.

Fey created and wrote ‘30 Rock’ (2006-2013), a hilarious look at life behind a sketch comedy show. Her scripts, filled with quick wit and quirky characters, earned multiple Emmys. She also co-wrote ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015-2020), proving her comedy writing stays fresh and funny.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover lit up the big screen in ‘The Martian’ (2015) and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017). His charisma as an actor pairs perfectly with his bold, creative vision as a writer and musician.

Glover created and wrote ‘Atlanta’ (2016-2022), a unique comedy-drama about life in the rap scene. His scripts mix humor, surreal moments, and social commentary, earning him two Emmys. Episodes like ‘Teddy Perkins’ show his ability to push boundaries while keeping viewers hooked.

Jason Segel

Jason Segel charmed audiences in movies like ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ (2008) and ‘The Muppets’ (2011), both of which he also wrote. His heartfelt, funny performances hint at his talent for crafting stories.

Segel co-created and wrote for ‘Dispatches from Elsewhere’ (2020), a quirky anthology series about strangers solving a mystery. His writing blends oddball humor with emotional depth, creating a show that feels fresh and personal, much like his film work.

Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari made his mark in films like ‘This Is the End’ (2013) and ‘Epic’ (2013). His stand-up comedy and acting bring warmth and humor, but his writing adds depth to his storytelling.

Ansari co-created and wrote ‘Master of None’ (2015-2021), a thoughtful comedy about life, love, and culture. His scripts tackle everything from dating to diversity with a light but honest touch, earning him an Emmy for writing the episode ‘Parents.’

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling shone in films like ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’ (2005) and ‘Inside Out’ (2015). Her bubbly on-screen presence matches her knack for writing smart, relatable comedy.

Kaling created and wrote ‘The Mindy Project’ (2012-2017), a rom-com series about a doctor navigating life and love. Her scripts are packed with humor and heart, and she’s also written for ‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020-2023), creating stories that resonate with a wide audience.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy commands the screen in films like ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) and ‘The Revenant’ (2015). His intense performances hint at a creative mind, which he channels into writing as well.

Hardy co-created and wrote for ‘Taboo’ (2017), a gritty historical drama where he plays a vengeful adventurer. Working with his father, Chips Hardy, he crafted a dark, gripping story that showed his storytelling range beyond acting.

Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton, known for films like ‘Sling Blade’ (1996) and ‘Bad Santa’ (2003), brings raw energy to his roles. His writing, though, reveals a deep understanding of character and story.

Thornton co-created and wrote for ‘Goliath’ (2016-2021), a legal drama where he stars as a washed-up lawyer seeking redemption. His scripts dig into complex characters and moral gray areas, earning praise for their depth and intensity.

Which movie star’s TV writing surprised you the most, or did I miss a hidden gem? Share your thoughts in the comments!