Directors Who Started as Actors

The transition from acting to directing is a natural progression for many talented performers who seek more creative control over their projects. These individuals often spend years on sets observing the technical aspects of filmmaking before deciding to step behind the lens. Their unique perspective as former actors allows them to communicate effectively with their casts and understand the nuances of performance. This list highlights several prominent men in the entertainment industry who successfully made the leap from the front of the camera to the director chair.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood began his career in the Western genre before moving behind the camera. He achieved major success as a director with the film ‘Unforgiven’ which won several Academy Awards. His directing style is known for being efficient and often relies on minimal takes from the actors. Eastwood has continued to alternate between acting and directing for several decades while maintaining a prolific output.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck rose to fame as an actor and screenwriter before making his directorial debut with ‘Gone Baby Gone’ in 2007. He further solidified his reputation as a filmmaker with the political thriller ‘Argo’ which won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Affleck often casts himself in leading roles for his own productions while managing the technical aspects of the shoot. His work is recognized for its strong narrative pacing and visual style.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper spent years as a top leading man in Hollywood before he decided to direct ‘A Star Is Born’ in 2018. The film received numerous nominations and showcased his ability to handle complex emotional storylines and musical performances. He followed this success with the biographical drama ‘Maestro’ which explored the life of Leonard Bernstein. Cooper is known for his immersive approach to both his acting roles and his directorial duties.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele initially gained fame as a comedic performer on the sketch show ‘Mad TV’ and later on ‘Key and Peele’. He made a massive impact on the horror genre with his directorial debut ‘Get Out’ which earned him an Academy Award for Original Screenplay. Peele continued his success in the genre with ‘Us’ and ‘Nope’ while focusing on social commentary and suspense. He has successfully transitioned from comedy to becoming one of the most respected voices in modern horror.

Ron Howard

Ron Howard started his career as a child actor in popular television shows like ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and ‘Happy Days’. He shifted his focus to directing in the late seventies and eventually helmed major hits such as ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’. Howard is celebrated for his versatility and his ability to direct across multiple genres including comedy and drama. He is now considered one of the most reliable and successful directors in the industry.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson was an international action star known for the ‘Mad Max’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchises before he began directing. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for the historical epic ‘Braveheart’ in which he also starred. Gibson later directed controversial and visually striking films like ‘The Passion of the Christ’ and ‘Apocalypto’. His directorial work is often characterized by intense violence and grand scale storytelling.

Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh is a classically trained actor who gained fame for his stage and screen performances in Shakespearean plays. He made his directorial debut with ‘Henry V’ and has since directed several other adaptations of the Bard of Avon. Branagh has expanded his directing credits to include blockbusters like ‘Thor’ and the live action ‘Cinderella’. He frequently collaborates with a regular group of actors and focuses on strong character driven narratives.

Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau broke into the industry as an actor and writer with the independent hit ‘Swingers’. He moved into directing with ‘Made’ and eventually helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe by helming ‘Iron Man’. Favreau has since become a pioneer in digital filmmaking with his work on ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘The Lion King’. He continues to balance acting roles with his responsibilities as a major franchise director.

George Clooney

George Clooney became a major television star on ‘ER’ before transitioning into a successful film career. He made his directorial debut with ‘Confessions of a Dangerous Mind’ and received critical acclaim for ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’. Clooney often explores political and social themes in his directorial projects while maintaining a sophisticated visual style. He remains a prominent figure in Hollywood who frequently produces and directs prestige dramas.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford was one of the biggest screen icons of the twentieth century before he stepped behind the camera. He won an Academy Award for his directorial debut ‘Ordinary People’ which focused on a family dealing with grief. Redford also founded the Sundance Institute to support independent filmmakers and directed films like ‘A River Runs Through It’. His work as a director often emphasizes human relationships and environmental themes.

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito is a beloved comedic actor who rose to prominence on the television series ‘Taxi’. He transitioned into directing with the dark comedy ‘Throw Momma from the Train’ and later directed ‘The War of the Roses’. DeVito is known for his unique visual choices and his penchant for twisted humor in his films. He has maintained a long career as both a versatile character actor and a talented director.

Warren Beatty

Warren Beatty was a prominent leading man and producer before he began directing his own features. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for the epic historical drama ‘Reds’ which he also wrote and starred in. Beatty is known for his perfectionism and for taking long breaks between his various film projects. His work as a director often explores themes of fame and historical significance.

John Cassavetes

John Cassavetes was an established character actor who used his earnings to fund his own independent films. He is widely considered the father of American independent cinema for works like ‘Shadows’ and ‘A Woman Under the Influence’. Cassavetes utilized an improvisational style and focused on raw emotional realism in his directing. His influence remains significant among modern filmmakers who value artistic freedom over commercial success.

Orson Welles

Orson Welles began his career as a highly successful radio and stage performer before he moved to Hollywood. He wrote and directed his debut film ‘Citizen Kane’ which is frequently cited as one of the greatest movies ever made. Welles was known for his innovative use of cinematography and deep focus in his directing. He continued to direct ambitious projects throughout his life despite facing many challenges within the studio system.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner was one of the most successful actors of the eighties and nineties when he decided to direct ‘Dances with Wolves’. The film was a massive commercial and critical success that won seven Academy Awards including Best Director. Costner has since directed several other films including the Western ‘Open Range’ and the epic project ‘Horizon’. His directorial style often celebrates traditional Americana and the Western genre.

Woody Allen

Woody Allen started his career as a stand up comedian and writer before he began acting in and directing his own films. He is known for his prolific output and has directed more than fifty feature films over several decades. Allen won multiple Academy Awards for ‘Annie Hall’ which redefined the romantic comedy genre. His work is characterized by intellectual dialogue and frequent settings in New York City.

Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner gained fame as an actor playing Michael Stivic on the classic sitcom ‘All in the Family’. He transitioned to directing in the eighties with the cult classic mockumentary ‘This Is Spinal Tap’. Reiner went on to direct some of the most iconic films of the decade including ‘The Princess Bride’ and ‘When Harry Met Sally’. His career as a director is marked by a wide range of successful films in various genres.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski became a household name for his portrayal of Jim Halpert on the American version of ‘The Office’. He moved into directing with smaller projects before achieving massive success with the horror hit ‘A Quiet Place’. Krasinski directed and starred in the film alongside his wife Emily Blunt and returned for the sequel. He has established himself as a director capable of building intense suspense and emotional stakes.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller is a prominent comedic actor who has been directing films since early in his career. He directed the generation defining comedy ‘Reality Bites’ and later helmed the fashion industry satire ‘Zoolander’. Stiller also directed the ambitious action comedy ‘Tropic Thunder’ which was a critical and commercial hit. He has recently moved into directing dramatic television series like ‘Severance’ to great acclaim.

Jason Bateman

Jason Bateman has been a consistent presence on screen since his time as a child actor in various television shows. He began directing episodes of his own shows like ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Ozark’ before moving into feature films. Bateman directed the dark comedy ‘Bad Words’ and the family drama ‘The Family Fang’. He is recognized for his precise directing style and his ability to balance dark humor with serious themes.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn is an acclaimed actor known for his intense performances in films like ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and ‘Mystic River’. He made his directorial debut with ‘The Indian Runner’ and later directed the critically acclaimed ‘Into the Wild’. Penn often focuses on stories about individuals living on the margins of society or seeking personal truth. His directorial work is noted for its poetic visuals and strong focus on character development.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone became a global superstar after writing and starring in the first ‘Rocky’ film. He took over the directing duties for several sequels in the franchise and also directed entries in the ‘Rambo’ series. Stallone later directed the ensemble action hit ‘The Expendables’ which brought together many legendary action stars. He is known for his ability to direct large scale action sequences and maintain long running film franchises.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton is a highly respected actor who made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy ‘Keeping the Faith’. He returned to the director chair years later for the ambitious noir drama ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ which he also adapted and starred in. Norton is known for his deep involvement in every aspect of the filmmaking process on his sets. His directorial work showcases his interest in complex narratives and detailed period settings.

Tim Robbins

Tim Robbins is a versatile actor who earned praise for his roles in ‘Bull Durham’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. He directed the satirical film ‘Bob Roberts’ and received an Academy Award nomination for directing ‘Dead Man Walking’. Robbins often chooses projects that reflect his political interests and social concerns. He continues to balance a successful career in both acting and directing for stage and screen.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is one of the most beloved actors in cinema history with a career spanning several decades. He made his directorial debut with the charming musical comedy ‘That Thing You Do’ in 1996. Hanks later directed the romantic comedy ‘Larry Crowne’ and has directed various episodes of prestigious miniseries like ‘Band of Brothers’. His directorial style is often described as sincere and focused on character driven storytelling.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is a legendary actor who has won two Academy Awards for his screen performances. He began directing with the biographical film ‘Antwone Fisher’ and followed it with ‘The Great Debaters’. Washington achieved significant success as a director with the adaptation of the play ‘Fences’ in which he also starred. He is known for his strong leadership on set and his ability to elicit powerful performances from his cast.

James Franco

James Franco is a prolific actor who has directed a large number of independent films and documentaries. He often adapts classic literature for the screen including works by William Faulkner and John Steinbeck. Franco gained critical attention for directing ‘The Disaster Artist’ which told the story of the making of a notorious cult film. His directorial career is marked by a willingness to experiment with different styles and subject matters.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill started his career in comedic roles before proving his dramatic range in films like ‘Moneyball’. He made his directorial debut with the coming of age drama ‘Mid90s’ which was praised for its authenticity. Hill followed this with a documentary titled ‘Stutz’ which explored his relationship with his therapist. He has expressed a strong desire to focus more on directing as his career continues to evolve.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi began his career as a comedian and actor in New Zealand before becoming a world renowned director. He directed independent hits like ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Waititi won an Academy Award for his screenplay for ‘Jojo Rabbit’ which he also directed and starred in. His work is characterized by a unique blend of humor and heartfelt emotion.

Zach Braff

Zach Braff gained fame as the lead actor on the long running medical comedy series ‘Scrubs’. He wrote and directed the independent hit ‘Garden State’ which became a significant cultural touchstone for its generation. Braff later used crowdfunding to produce his second directorial effort titled ‘Wish I Was Here’. He continues to direct both feature films and television episodes while maintaining his acting career.

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin was a pioneer of the silent film era who achieved global stardom as an actor. He quickly began directing his own films to ensure complete creative control over his character and stories. Chaplin directed and starred in several masterpieces including ‘City Lights’ and ‘Modern Times’. He is remembered for his incredible physical comedy and his ability to blend humor with social commentary.

Harold Ramis

Harold Ramis was a writer and actor on ‘SCTV’ and appeared in classic comedies like ‘Ghostbusters’. He transitioned into a highly successful directing career with hits such as ‘Caddyshack’ and ‘National Lampoons Vacation’. Ramis is perhaps most famous for directing ‘Groundhog Day’ which is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time. His work as a director helped define the landscape of American comedy in the eighties and nineties.

Peter Berg

Peter Berg worked as an actor on the television series ‘Chicago Hope’ and in various films before becoming a director. He made his directorial debut with the dark comedy ‘Very Bad Things’ and later moved into large scale action films. Berg has directed several successful collaborations with Mark Wahlberg including ‘Lone Survivor’ and ‘Patriots Day’. He is known for his realistic and visceral approach to directing action and military stories.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton is a highly versatile actor who has appeared in everything from comedies to superhero films. He made his directorial debut with the quiet drama ‘The Merry Gentleman’ in which he also played a lead role. Keaton recently directed the biographical drama ‘Knox Goes Away’ where he explored the life of a man facing a terminal diagnosis. He continues to seek out interesting projects that allow him to use his experience on both sides of the camera.

Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes is a celebrated dramatic actor known for his roles in ‘Schindler’s List’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ series. He made his directorial debut with a modern day adaptation of the Shakespeare play ‘Coriolanus’. Fiennes also directed ‘The Invisible Woman’ and ‘The White Crow’ which focused on historical figures. His directorial work is noted for its visual elegance and deep respect for the source material.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen is an actor known for his commitment to his roles in films like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Eastern Promises’. He stepped behind the camera to direct the family drama ‘Falling’ which explored the relationship between a son and his aging father. Mortensen also directed the Western film ‘The Dead Don’t Hurt’ which showcased his interest in traditional genres. He frequently takes on multiple roles on his projects including writing and composing the music.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel rose to fame with his lead role in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and has since become a respected international star. He made his directorial debut with the action thriller ‘Monkey Man’ which he also co wrote and starred in. The film was praised for its intense action sequences and its exploration of social issues in India. Patel spent several years developing the project and has indicated a strong interest in continuing his work as a filmmaker.

Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis is a pioneer in the field of performance capture acting through his work in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Planet of the Apes’. He moved into directing by serving as a second unit director on ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy before helming his own features. Serkis directed the drama ‘Breathe’ and the big budget sequel ‘Venom Let There Be Carnage’. He also directed a performance capture adaptation of ‘Mowgli Legend of the Jungle’ for Netflix.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston became a major star through his iconic performances in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ and ‘Breaking Bad’. He began directing episodes of his own television shows and later directed the drama film ‘Last Chance’. Cranston has also directed episodes of various popular series like ‘Modern Family’ and ‘The Office’. He is known for his technical knowledge of the craft and his ability to work closely with his fellow actors.

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi is a legendary independent film actor known for his collaborations with the Coen brothers and Quentin Tarantino. He made his directorial debut with ‘Trees Lounge’ which was a semi autobiographical story about life in a small town. Buscemi has since directed several other films and many episodes of prestige television shows like ‘The Sopranos’. His directorial style often mirrors his acting career by focusing on eccentric characters and human stories.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation before his passing. He directed several stage plays before making his feature film directorial debut with ‘Jack Goes Boating’. The film was an adaptation of a play in which he had previously starred and it showcased his sensitive approach to character drama. Hoffman was known for his dedication to the craft and his ability to find truth in every performance.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker is an Academy Award winning actor known for his powerful performances in ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘Bird’. He has had a successful secondary career as a director helming films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘Hope Floats’. Whitaker also directed the television movie ‘First Daughter’ and has produced many projects for other filmmakers. He is recognized for his ability to direct ensemble casts and create emotionally resonant stories.

Liev Schreiber

Liev Schreiber is a versatile actor known for his work on stage and as the lead in the series ‘Ray Donovan’. He made his directorial debut with the adaptation of the novel ‘Everything Is Illuminated’ starring Elijah Wood. The film was praised for its unique visual style and its balance of humor and tragedy. Schreiber has since focused primarily on his acting career but remains a respected voice in the industry.

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke is a prominent actor and writer who has been a mainstay in American cinema since his debut in ‘Dead Poets Society’. He has directed several feature films including ‘Chelsea Walls’ and the documentary ‘Seymour An Introduction’. Hawke recently directed the biographical drama ‘Blaze’ which explored the life of a country music musician. He is also a co founder of a theater company and frequently directs for the stage.

John Turturro

John Turturro is a frequent collaborator with many top directors and is known for his unique character roles. He began directing with the film ‘Mac’ which earned him an award at the Cannes Film Festival. Turturro also directed the musical comedy ‘Romance and Cigarettes’ and the spin off film ‘The Jesus Rolls’. His directorial work often features eclectic musical choices and a strong sense of place.

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci is a beloved character actor who has appeared in a wide variety of films and television shows. He co directed and starred in the culinary drama ‘Big Night’ which is considered a classic of independent cinema. Tucci has since directed several other films including ‘The Impostors’ and ‘Final Portrait’. He is known for his sophisticated taste and his ability to create charming character driven narratives.

Tommy Lee Jones

Tommy Lee Jones is an Academy Award winning actor known for his gruff persona and roles in films like ‘The Fugitive’. He made his directorial debut with the television film ‘The Good Old Boys’ and later directed ‘The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada’. Jones also directed and starred in ‘The Homesman’ which was an unconventional Western drama. His work as a director often reflects his interest in the history and landscape of the American West.

Emilio Estevez

Emilio Estevez was a prominent member of the Brat Pack in the eighties before he began writing and directing. He made his directorial debut with the crime comedy ‘Wisdom’ and later directed the acclaimed drama ‘Bobby’. Estevez also directed and starred in the independent hit ‘The Way’ which focused on a pilgrimage in Spain. He continues to focus on projects that explore historical events and personal growth.

Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly was a major star of the golden age of Hollywood musicals known for his incredible dancing and choreography. He often co directed his own films to ensure that the musical sequences were integrated perfectly into the story. Kelly co directed the masterpiece ‘Singin in the Rain’ alongside Stanley Donen. He remains one of the most influential figures in the history of movie musicals and film direction.

Laurence Olivier

Laurence Olivier was one of the most famous stage and screen actors of the twentieth century. He directed himself in several highly acclaimed adaptations of Shakespearean plays including ‘Henry V’ and ‘Hamlet’. Olivier won an Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Actor for his work on ‘Hamlet’. He is remembered for bringing a cinematic quality to classic theatrical works and for his masterful command of the screen.

Please share which of these actor turned directors has made your favorite movie in the comments.