17 Directors who cast their family members in their own movies

Modified Jan 20, 2025 07:39 ET

BAM Hosts Barbie Screening and Q & A With Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, and Tony Kushner - Source: Getty

12. John Cassavetes

On the Set of "Husbands" - Source: Getty

John Cassavetes liked to cast his wife, Gena Rowlands, as the leading lady in so many of his films, most often in A Woman Under the Influence (1974), Gloria (1980), and Opening Night (1977). Certainly, she does some of her best work here, along with her association with John, which is a component of what differentiates this method of filmmaking. His relationship gave his films emotional depth and raw authenticity, making them cult classics in independent cinema. John Cassavetes often drew both professional and personal inspiration from his family.

Edited by Anshika Jain

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17 Directors who cast their family members in their own movies

12. John Cassavetes

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