Movie Directors You Didn’t Know Started as Actors

Plenty of filmmakers first learned the craft from the other side of the lens, getting their start in front of the camera before moving into the director’s chair. Below are forty directors who began as actors, with quick snapshots of the roles that put them on the map and the films they later steered. You’ll see child stars who grew up to command sets, comedy performers who pivoted into genre filmmaking, and acclaimed leads who expanded into writing and directing. Each entry spotlights early acting credits alongside notable directing work, so you can trace how performance shaped their filmmaking voices.

Ron Howard

Ron Howard first became widely known as Opie on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and later as Richie Cunningham on ‘Happy Days’. He shifted behind the camera with early TV work and then broke out as a feature director. His filmography includes ‘Apollo 13’, ‘A Beautiful Mind’, and ‘Rush’. He has also overseen major franchises and documentaries, consistently bridging performance instincts with classical storytelling.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood rose to fame acting in ‘Rawhide’ and the ‘Dollars’ westerns before leading ‘Dirty Harry’. He began directing while still starring, building a parallel career behind the camera. His directing credits include ‘Unforgiven’, ‘Mystic River’, ‘Million Dollar Baby’, and ‘Sully’. He often directs himself, blending lean character work with efficient, unfussy production.

Greta Gerwig

Greta Gerwig started out acting in American independent films, collaborating on microbudget projects and appearing in ‘Frances Ha’ and ‘Mistress America’. She co-wrote before directing solo features that drew from personal, character-driven material. Her directing credits include ‘Lady Bird’, ‘Little Women’, and ‘Barbie’. Her on-screen background informs dialogue-heavy scenes and sharp, rhythmic performances from ensembles.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele built his reputation as an actor and sketch performer on ‘MADtv’ and ‘Key & Peele’. He moved into horror filmmaking with a focus on precise casting and tonal control. His directing credits include ‘Get Out’, ‘Us’, and ‘Nope’. Peele’s performer’s sense of timing shapes his approach to suspense, satire, and audience expectation.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi acted in New Zealand films and TV, including appearances in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’. He developed a distinctive comic voice before taking on bigger projects. As a director, he has helmed ‘Boy’, ‘Jojo Rabbit’, and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. His acting background feeds into improvisation-friendly sets and character-driven humor.

Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh emerged as a celebrated Shakespearean actor on stage and screen, starring in adaptations like ‘Henry V’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. He transitioned seamlessly into directing, often guiding himself in lead roles. His directing credits include ‘Belfast’, ‘Cinderella’, and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. Branagh’s actor-focused method emphasizes text, blocking, and ensemble interplay.

Ida Lupino

Ida Lupino began as a contract actress in studio-era dramas and noirs, appearing in films like ‘They Drive by Night’ and ‘High Sierra’. She became one of the first prominent female directors in Hollywood, also producing and writing. Her directing credits include ‘The Hitch-Hiker’ and ‘Outrage’. Lupino’s experience on set helped her run efficient shoots and tackle challenging social subjects within tight budgets.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster started acting as a child, with early standout work in ‘Taxi Driver’. She later moved behind the camera while maintaining an acclaimed acting career. Her directing credits include ‘Little Man Tate’, ‘The Beaver’, and ‘Money Monster’, along with episodes of ‘Black Mirror’. Foster’s performer’s eye shows in her attention to casting, emotional beats, and controlled pacing.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie established herself as an actor in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and action projects like ‘Salt’ before focusing on directing. She launched a parallel career telling human-rights-driven and historical stories. Her directing credits include ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’, ‘Unbroken’, and ‘First They Killed My Father’. Jolie’s collaborations often involve extensive research and location-centric production.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde acted in ‘House’ and features like ‘Tron: Legacy’ while developing projects as a producer. She made a strong shift to directing with character-centric, contemporary stories. Her directing credits include ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. Wilde’s actor-friendly sets and knack for casting are central to the tone and energy of her films.

Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner first became known to TV audiences as Michael “Meathead” Stivic on ‘All in the Family’. He then segued into directing with an exceptional run across multiple genres. His directing credits include ‘This Is Spinal Tap’, ‘Stand by Me’, ‘When Harry Met Sally…’, and ‘A Few Good Men’. Reiner’s performer background supports naturalistic dialogue and memorable ensemble work.

Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola acted in small roles and appeared prominently in ‘The Godfather Part III’ before fully committing to directing and writing. She established a signature style focused on mood, isolation, and youth. Her directing credits include ‘The Virgin Suicides’, ‘Lost in Translation’, and ‘Priscilla’. Coppola’s sensitivity to performance dovetails with atmospheric sound and production design.

Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau acted in ‘Swingers’ and ‘Friends’, building a profile as a writer-performer. He moved into directing with intimate comedies and later large-scale visual-effects productions. His directing credits include ‘Elf’, ‘Iron Man’, and ‘The Jungle Book’. Favreau’s on-camera roots inform actor rapport, while his technical range supports blockbuster world-building.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski gained fame as Jim Halpert on ‘The Office’. He transitioned into directing with a focus on family dynamics and genre tension. His directing credits include ‘Brief Interviews with Hideous Men’ and the ‘A Quiet Place’ films. Krasinski’s performance background helps calibrate minimal-dialogue storytelling and close-up emotional clarity.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller started as a sketch performer and actor, appearing in ‘The Ben Stiller Show’ and films like ‘There’s Something About Mary’. He built a directing career that ranges from satire to adventure. His directing credits include ‘Reality Bites’, ‘Zoolander’, ‘Tropic Thunder’, and the series ‘Severance’. Stiller’s familiarity with performance nuances supports tonal shifts and tightly timed comedy.

Sarah Polley

Sarah Polley began acting as a child, with roles in projects like ‘The Sweet Hereafter’. She moved into writing and directing with a focus on intimate, character-driven narratives and documentaries. Her directing credits include ‘Away from Her’, ‘Take This Waltz’, and ‘Women Talking’, plus the documentary ‘Stories We Tell’. Polley’s actor-centered method emphasizes layered dialogue and ethical complexity.

Regina King

Regina King’s acting career spans ‘227’, ‘Jerry Maguire’, and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She expanded into directing for television before making the leap to features. Her directing credits include ‘One Night in Miami…’ and episodes of series like ‘Scandal’ and ‘Insecure’. King’s work reflects careful casting and grounded performances shaped by decades on set.

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner established himself in front of the camera with ‘The Untouchables’, ‘Bull Durham’, and ‘Field of Dreams’. He then moved into directing while continuing to star. His directing credits include ‘Dances with Wolves’, ‘Open Range’, and ‘Horizon: An American Saga’. Costner’s approach blends sweeping landscapes with classically staged character moments.

George Clooney

George Clooney broke through on ‘ER’ and then transitioned into leading film roles like ‘Ocean’s Eleven’. He turned to directing with interest in journalism, politics, and character studies. His directing credits include ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’, ‘The Ides of March’, and ‘The Tender Bar’. Clooney’s experience as an actor supports restrained performances and ensemble balance.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper became widely known through ‘The Hangover’ and later dramatic roles in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘American Sniper’. He expanded into directing with music-driven and biographical storytelling. His directing credits include ‘A Star Is Born’ and ‘Maestro’. Cooper’s performer’s training shapes vocal work, rehearsal processes, and close collaboration with composers and cinematographers.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck rose as an actor-writer with ‘Good Will Hunting’ and led films like ‘Armageddon’ and ‘The Town’. He moved into directing with crime dramas and political thrillers. His directing credits include ‘Gone Baby Gone’, ‘Argo’, and ‘Live by Night’. Affleck’s on-set experience supports grounded performances and tightly structured narratives.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson became an international star with ‘Mad Max’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’. He then turned to directing, often staging large-scale historical epics. His directing credits include ‘Braveheart’, ‘The Passion of the Christ’, and ‘Hacksaw Ridge’. Gibson’s performer’s intensity carries into rigorous action staging and physical storytelling.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn built a reputation with roles in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’, ‘Mystic River’, and ‘Milk’. He shifted to directing character-focused dramas with political and humanitarian themes. His directing credits include ‘The Indian Runner’, ‘Into the Wild’, and ‘Flag Day’. Penn’s actorly focus shows in long takes, lived-in performances, and spare compositions.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford’s acting career spans ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, ‘The Sting’, and ‘All the President’s Men’. He founded the Sundance Institute while also building a career behind the camera. His directing credits include ‘Ordinary People’, ‘A River Runs Through It’, and ‘Quiz Show’. Redford’s work emphasizes mentorship, precise casting, and thoughtful literary adaptations.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington rose with ‘Glory’, ‘Malcolm X’, and ‘Training Day’. He expanded into directing with intimate dramas that foreground mentorship and moral choice. His directing credits include ‘Antwone Fisher’, ‘The Great Debaters’, and ‘Fences’. Washington’s actor-first approach yields careful blocking, deliberate pacing, and strong ensemble work.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone became a cultural fixture with ‘Rocky’ and ‘Rambo’. He began directing entries in his own franchises and branched into other projects. His directing credits include ‘Rocky II’, ‘Rocky Balboa’, and ‘The Expendables’. Stallone’s performer’s perspective informs underdog storytelling, training montages, and kinetic boxing choreography.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan earned acclaim with ‘Fruitvale Station’, ‘Creed’, and ‘Black Panther’. He stepped behind the camera to shape a franchise installment from an actor’s vantage point. His directing credits include ‘Creed III’. Jordan’s approach leverages intimate character beats alongside stylized fight sequences and anime-inspired visual motifs.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt grew up acting in ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ and films like ‘Looper’ and ‘Inception’. He directed a feature while building collaborative platforms for creators. His directing credits include ‘Don Jon’, along with shorts and music videos through his production company. Gordon-Levitt’s performer background supports sharp editing rhythms and conversational, contemporary dialogue.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton debuted with ‘Primal Fear’ and starred in ‘Fight Club’ and ‘Birdman’. He moved into directing alongside producing and writing. His directing credits include ‘Keeping the Faith’ and ‘Motherless Brooklyn’. Norton’s actor-driven sets prioritize rehearsal, period detail, and jazz-influenced pacing.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman began as a teen actor in ‘Léon: The Professional’ and later led ‘Black Swan’ and ‘Jackie’. She directed a feature adapted from a memoir and has helmed shorts. Her directing credits include ‘A Tale of Love and Darkness’. Portman’s fluency in multiple languages and international experience inform casting choices and location work.

Julie Delpy

Julie Delpy acted in ‘Before Sunrise’ and international productions before stepping behind the camera. She writes, directs, and often stars in her films. Her directing credits include ‘2 Days in Paris’, ‘2 Days in New York’, and ‘My Zoe’. Delpy’s work blends wry dialogue, cross-cultural dynamics, and intimate domestic settings.

Lake Bell

Lake Bell established herself on television and in comedies like ‘No Strings Attached’ before writing and directing. She focuses on voice, identity, and industry satire. Her directing credits include ‘In a World…’ and ‘I Do… Until I Don’t’, plus episodes across television. Bell’s actor’s ear lends specificity to vocal performance and ensemble timing.

Zach Braff

Zach Braff broke out on ‘Scrubs’ and transitioned into filmmaking with character-centric dramedies. He directs features and television, often shaping tone through soundtrack choices. His directing credits include ‘Garden State’, ‘Wish I Was Here’, and ‘A Good Person’. Braff’s performance-informed approach favors intimate coverage and earnest, music-led montages.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock moved from stand-up and ‘Saturday Night Live’ to acting in films and TV before directing. He focuses on relationship comedies and industry satire. His directing credits include ‘I Think I Love My Wife’ and ‘Top Five’. Rock’s timing as a performer supports punchy dialogue, brisk scenes, and candid observational humor.

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke built a wide-ranging acting career with ‘Reality Bites’, ‘Before Sunrise’, and ‘Training Day’. He directs narrative features and documentaries with a literary bent. His directing credits include ‘Chelsea Walls’, ‘Blaze’, and ‘The Last Movie Stars’. Hawke’s rehearsal-heavy process emphasizes creative partnerships and performance discovery.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen’s acting spans ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘Eastern Promises’, and ‘Green Book’. He moved into writing, directing, and composing for his films. His directing credits include ‘Falling’ and ‘The Dead Don’t Hurt’. Mortensen’s multidisciplinary background shapes careful soundscapes and restrained, character-led visuals.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe became a leading man with ‘L.A. Confidential’, ‘Gladiator’, and ‘A Beautiful Mind’. He stepped behind the camera to direct and produce. His directing credits include ‘The Water Diviner’ and ‘Poker Face’. Crowe’s projects often pair rugged locations with stories about loyalty, grief, and personal codes.

Orson Welles

Orson Welles began as a stage and radio actor, headlining ‘The War of the Worlds’ broadcast before moving into film. He directed groundbreaking features while continuing to act. His directing credits include ‘Citizen Kane’, ‘The Magnificent Ambersons’, and ‘Touch of Evil’. Welles’s performer’s command of voice and presence infuses deep-focus staging and audacious editing.

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin rose as an actor with the Tramp character before becoming one of cinema’s first major writer-director-stars. He controlled performance, production, and music in his features. His directing credits include ‘The Kid’, ‘City Lights’, and ‘Modern Times’. Chaplin’s background in pantomime shaped visual storytelling, physical comedy, and precise choreography.

Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton started as a vaudeville performer and silent-film actor known for stone-faced physical comedy. He quickly moved into directing shorts and features while continuing to star. His directing credits include ‘Sherlock Jr.’, ‘The General’, and ‘Steamboat Bill, Jr.’. Keaton’s stunt-driven set pieces marry engineering ingenuity with deadpan character beats.

Share your favorite actor-turned-director stories in the comments and let us know who surprised you most!