20 Actors who later turned into film directors

Films are a combination of many art forms. Cinematography, music, and of course acting. Some actors have forayed into other parts of the filmmaking process, by trying their hands at direction. No wonder, after all, art is something that has always attracted creative minds. During their acting career, some of these actors took an interest in film direction while some always had a knack for the process behind the camera. So, here is a list of 20 actors who later turned into film directors:

1) Clint Eastwood

Starting as an action star, Eastwood became an Oscar-winning director with hits like Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. Known for his minimal style, he’s made some of Hollywood’s most iconic dramas. As an actor, Eastwood always desired control over the art of filmmaking. This desire turned into reality with his directional debut Play Misty for Me in 1971. It’s needless to say this actor was made for both front and behind-the-camera duties when it comes to engaging the audience. Recently, Eastwood's directorial Juror #2 was released in cinemas.

2) Ron Howard

From Opie on The Andy Griffith Show to Richie on Happy Days, Ron Howard transitioned into directing blockbusters like Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and The Da Vinci Code, earning multiple accolades including two Academy Awards, six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and a Grammy. Those are some huge achievements, don’t you think? Howard left Happy Days in 1980 to focus on directing and producing. Judging by his achievements, we can say it was a pretty good decision on Howard's part.

3) Greta Gerwig

The indie actor-turned-director made waves with Lady Bird and Little Women. Her heartfelt, sharp storytelling earned her multiple Oscar nominations and established her as a major creative force. Although she wanted to become a playwright, she turned initially towards acting. Gerwig made her solo directional debut in 2017 with the movie Lady Bird which won the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 75th Golden Globe Awards.

4) Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck proved his flare for direction with Argo, winning the Best Picture award despite doubtful critics. The actor, who is known for his role as Bruce Wayne a.k.a Batman faced failures at the box office after his success with Good Will Hunting. A series of flops led him to get behind the camera and Affleck proved himself to be multitalented. His directorial debut was a detective drama named Gone Baby Gone.

5) Jon Favreau

Best known as Happy Hogan in the Marvel Universe, Favreau’s directing credits include Iron Man (kickstarting the MCU) and The Mandalorian, proving his knack for action and innovation. Favreau made his directional debut with a self-written screenplay of the comedy thriller, Made in 2001. Favreau’s magnificent career is full of surprises and diversity. Apart from being an important character in MCU, both on and off screen, his first musical, The Lion King remains his highest-grossing movie as a director. Moreover, he directed the pilot episode of Young Sheldon in 2017.

6) Jordan Peele

After cracking up audiences in Key & Peele, Jordan Peele shifted to directing psychological horror hits like Get Out and Us, becoming a master of socially conscious, spine-chilling cinema. Get Out received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and got nominations for Best Picture and Best Director. Apart from directing, Peele has also shown his knack for writing and producing with movies like Us and Nope. Get Out, Us and Nope are frequently mentioned by critics when asked about the best films of the 21st century.

7) Barbra Streisand

Already a legendary singer and actress, Streisand proved her directing skills with Yentl and The Prince of Tides. Her work broke barriers for women in Hollywood and earned her critical acclaim. Yentl marked Streisand as the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star in a major film. And to add a cherry on top, this film won an Oscar for Best Original Score and a Golden Globe for Streisand for Best Director. As an actor, Streisand shined as she won the Academy Awards for Best Actress for Funny Girl.

8) Robert Redford

This Hollywood icon forayed into directing with Ordinary People, which won him four Oscars including Best Director and Best Picture. His work focuses on human stories and has earned him lasting respect in the industry. Redford started his acting career in 1959 with a small role in a Broadway play named Tall Story. His debut in film was marked by the 1962 movie War Hunt.

9) Bradley Cooper

After years of excelling as an actor, Cooper’s directorial debut with A Star is Born was a smash hit. The film earned multiple Oscar nominations and showed his range as a filmmaker and storyteller. After playing Rocket Raccoon in Avengers: Infinity War, Cooper turned towards directing. A Star is Born earned Cooper a National Board of Review Award for Best Director and two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor and Best Director.

10) Mel Gibson

Known for his intense acting roles, Gibson directed epics like Braveheart and Hacksaw Ridge. Braveheart earned Gibson a Golden Globe Award for Best Director and an Academy Award for Best Actor. Apart from multiple awards and nominations, Gibson’s directional work also attracted controversies. His Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto, both were marred by controversies. His directional debut was The Man Without a Face in 1993.

11) Sofia Coppola

Although she acted in The Godfather Part III, Sofia Coppola truly shone behind the camera with films like Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides, becoming a celebrated director. Coppola’s acting career was stained by the word ‘nepotism’ as she appeared in eight films directed by her father. Her directional film debut was The Virgin Suicides in 1999. Later Coppola directed Lost in Translation and bagged an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay along with three Golden Globe awards including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

12) Taika Waititi

This quirky actor and comedian moved into directing with Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok, blending humor and heart to become one of Hollywood’s most beloved filmmakers. Waititi made his debut as an actor in a romantic comedy film named Eagle vs Shark. Apart from feature films, Waititi also takes an interest in short films. Two Cars, One Night a short film directed by Waititi was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short.

13) Denzel Washington

The legendary actor directed films like Fences and Antwone Fisher, bringing his deep understanding of character-driven stories to the big screen. His work has received critical acclaim. Washington made his acting debut with a made-for-television film Whilma in 1977. But his directional debut came later in his career. Washington went behind the camera for the first time in 2002 with the film Antwone Fisher. After that he directed three more movies; The Great Debaters in 2007, Fences in 2016, and A Journal for Jordan in 2021.

14) George Clooney

George Clooney’s charm extended to directing with movies like Good Night, and Good Luck and The Ides of March. His films often tackle complex political and social themes with finesse. Clooney made his directional debut with the film Confession of a Dangerous Mind in 2002. This film wasn’t a box-office hit but surely looked promising.

15) Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has made a name for herself as a director with powerful, emotionally driven films. She debuted with In the Land of Blood and Honey, a haunting story about love and survival during the Bosnian War. Then came Unbroken, an inspiring true story of resilience during World War II. She followed it with By the Sea, a more intimate tale of a struggling marriage, and First They Killed My Father, a gripping look at the Cambodian genocide. Her work reflects her passion for human rights and deep storytelling.

16) Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner’s directing career is full of hits across genres. In 1984, he kicked things off with the hilarious This Is Spinal Tap. In 1986, he brought us the coming-of-age classic Stand by Me, followed by the timeless fairytale The Princess Bride in 1987. In 1989, he nailed romantic comedy with When Harry Met Sally.... Then came the intense courtroom drama A Few Good Men in 1992. He also explored political themes in The American President in 1995. Reiner’s films blend heart, humor, and unforgettable stories, making him a versatile filmmaker.

17) Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner made his directorial debut in 1990 with Dances with Wolves, an epic tale of a Civil War soldier living among Native Americans that won seven Oscars, including Best Director. In 1997, he directed The Postman, a post-apocalyptic story about hope and rebuilding society. Open Range in 2003 was a beautifully shot film about loyalty and justice on the frontier. Known for tackling expansive, character-driven stories, Costner’s work behind the camera showcases his love for big landscapes, emotional depth, and classic storytelling.

18) Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster stepped into directing with Little Man Tate in 1991, a heartfelt drama about a child prodigy and his mother, exploring genius and belonging. In 1995, she directed Home for the Holidays, a warm, funny look at family chaos during Thanksgiving. She took a darker turn in 2011 with The Beaver, a quirky story about a man coping with mental health issues. In 2016, she helmed Money Monster, a tense thriller about a financial hostage situation. Foster’s directing focuses on character depth and tackling emotional, thought-provoking stories.

19) Eli Roth

Eli Roth made a name for himself in horror with Cabin Fever in 2002, a gory tale about a flesh-eating virus terrorizing a group of friends. In 2005, he upped the shock factor with Hostel, a gruesome thriller that became a cult hit and solidified his reputation. He followed it with Hostel: Part II in 2007, delivering more unsettling twists. Roth later explored cannibal horror with The Green Inferno in 2013 and remade a revenge classic with Death Wish in 2018. His films are bold, graphic, and unforgettable.

20) Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh started his directing career with Henry V in 1989, bringing Shakespeare’s classic to life with intensity and earning Oscar nominations. He continued with Much Ado About Nothing in 1993, a lively, star-studded adaptation. In 1994, he directed Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, giving the tale a dramatic twist. Branagh explored big-budget filmmaking with Thor in 2011, adding depth to Marvel’s Norse hero. In 2017, he brought us Murder on the Orient Express, a stylish take on Agatha Christie’s mystery. Branagh’s work blends drama, grandeur, and a love for storytelling.