Celebrities Who Excelled in Directing: Denzel Washington, Olivia Wilde, Ben Affleck, and Beyond
Discover the Hollywood actors who have successfully transitioned into directing films From Denzel Washington to Olivia Wilde and Ben Affleck, learn about their impressive work behind the camera and how they have made their mark in the industry
Many actors have successfully transitioned from being in front of the camera to behind it, such as Denzel Washington and Ben Affleck. However, the process is not always as simple as it appears. During the production of her directorial debut, Booksmart in 2019, Olivia Wilde received some misguided advice from a fellow actor turned director that she remembers vividly and chose to ignore.
A Hollywood star, who the O.C. alum chose not to name, once gave her a terrible suggestion that almost made her disbelief. The star suggested that in order to gain respect on a set, one should have three arguments a day to reinstate power and remind everyone who's in charge, essentially being a predator. This goes against Wilde's process and she wants no part of it.
Bradley Cooper's passion for directing was evident from an early stage in his career. Despite achieving success as an actor in movies like The Hangover, he revealed in a 2018 interview with NPR that he had always aspired to direct. Unlike most actors, Cooper's fascination with the craft of filmmaking led him to spend countless hours in editing rooms, shadowing directors, and quizzing crew members about lenses and other technical aspects of the craft.
He gained valuable experience from his years of studying, which proved useful in directing his first film, A Star is Born, in 2018. Despite receiving high praise, he admitted to Time that it required a great deal of bravery to take on the role of director. His long-standing desire to direct motivated him to face his fears and take the leap, stating that he would have felt regret if he hadn't tried by the age of 40.
There is no set age for a career change in Hollywood, as demonstrated by Ron Howard's success. Despite starting his acting career at the young age of 5 on The Andy Griffith Show, Howard later realized directing was a better fit for him. As he explained to CBS News in 2013, "I didn't feel I was quite a strong enough actor...I felt in a lot of ways [directing] was a more complete reflection of who I am, what I like to do."
Howard discovered his passion for being the one in charge after directing the low-budget film Grand Theft Auto in 1977 at the young age of 23. As an actor, he often felt victimized by the end result of a production, questioning why certain takes were not used. However, as a director, he relished in the responsibility and accountability of being the sole decision-maker on set. He stated, "There's only one person to look at. Walk over to the mirror if you want to know why. But I prefer that."
Keep scrolling to learn about the actors who are directors too:
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Hollywood Actors Turned Directors: Denzel Washington, Olivia Wilde, Ben Affleck and More
During the production of her first film as a director, Booksmart, Olivia Wilde received advice from a fellow actor-turned-director that she deemed to be "terrible" and decided to go against it. This experience highlights the challenges faced by actors transitioning to the role of director, despite the seemingly smooth transitions made by others such as Denzel Washington and Ben Affleck.
The Hollywood actress, who remains unnamed, gave a piece of advice to the former O.C. star that was so terrible, it was almost unbelievable. The suggestion was to have three big arguments a day in order to assert one's power and dominance on set, which goes against Wilde's own approach. She expressed that she wants no part in such behavior.
Bradley Cooper, known for his successful acting career with movies like The Hangover, shared in a 2018 NPR interview that his passion for directing stemmed from a young age. He highlighted his unique curiosity in the craft, spending most of his free time in editing rooms, shadowing directors, and constantly asking crew members questions to learn about the technical aspects of filmmaking, including lenses.
He credited his extensive studying for giving him the skills he needed to direct his first film, A Star is Born, in 2018. Despite the initial fear, the film received widespread acclaim. In an interview with Time, he expressed his lifelong desire to direct and acknowledged that it took courage to finally take the leap. He stated that if he hadn't tried by the age of 40, he would have felt ashamed.
There is no specific age requirement for making a career change in Hollywood, as proven by Ron Howard. Despite starting his acting career at the age of five, the former Andy Griffith Show star realized that directing was a better fit for him. In a 2013 interview with CBS News, Howard explained that he didn't feel he was a strong enough actor and that directing was a more accurate representation of his interests and personality.
Howard discovered his passion for directing after being given the opportunity to helm the low-budget film Grand Theft Auto in 1977, when he was just 23 years old. As an actor, he had often felt powerless and at the mercy of others' decisions. However, as a director, he relished being the one in charge and having complete creative control over the final product. In Howard's words, "There's no 'how come?' with the director. There's only one person to look at. Walk over to the mirror if you want to know why. But I prefer that."
Keep scrolling to learn about the actors who are directors too:
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Eva Longoria
The actress known for her role in Desperate Housewives stepped into the director's chair for the first time in June 2023, with the premiere of Flamin' Hot. The film tells the story of the individual who takes credit for inventing Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
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Michael B. Jordan
Jordan, known for his role in Black Panther, added another feather to his cap as he made his directorial debut in March 2023 with Creed III. The movie features him in the lead role of Adonis Creed, a character he originated in the Rocky spinoff Creed that was released in 2015. Jordan also reprised the role in the 2018 sequel, Creed II.
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Robert Redford
He made his directorial debut in 1980 with Ordinary People, a film that won him both the Best Director and Best Picture Oscars. Robert Redford later went on to direct a number of other successful films, including A River Runs Through It, Quiz Show, The Horse Whisperer, and more.
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Mel Gibson
The actor known for his role in Mad Max also has a knack for directing. His directorial debut was in 1993 with The Man Without a Face, and he went on to direct Braveheart, which earned him both Best Picture and Best Director Academy Awards in 1996. He has also directed The Passion of the Christ, Apocalypto, and Hacksaw Ridge.
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Kevin Costner
He not only starred but also made his directorial debut in 1990 with Dances With Wolves, which earned him Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director, along with a nomination for Best Actor. Following this success, he went on to direct The Postman and Open Range.
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Clint Eastwood
The accomplished actor ventured into directing in 1971 with Play Misty for Me, a film in which he also showcased his acting skills. Since then, he has added a plethora of impressive titles to his filmography, including The Outlaw Josey Wales, Sudden Impact, Unforgiven, Mystic River, Gran Torino, and American Sniper.
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Sean Penn
He made his directorial debut in 1991 with The Indian Runner, a film he not only directed but also wrote. Over the years, he has gone on to direct a number of other films such as The Crossing Guard, The Pledge, Into the Wild, The Last Face, Flag Day, and Superpower.
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Drew Barrymore
The Never Been Kissed actress made her directorial debut with 2009's Whip It, which starred Elliot Page and Kristen Wiig.
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Sofia Coppola
The talented actress, who happens to be the daughter of renowned director Francis Ford Coppola, has made a name for herself as a prolific filmmaker. Her impressive directorial portfolio includes The Virgin Suicides, Somewhere, Marie Antoinette, The Bling Ring and many more. In fact, Lost in Translation, her 2003 masterpiece, not only won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay but also received nominations for Best Picture and Best Director.
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John Krasinski
John Krasinski, best known for his role as Jim on The Office, started his directing career with the release of Brief Interviews With Hideous Men in 2009. Since then, Krasinski has directed two successful horror films, A Quiet Place and its sequel A Quiet Place Part II, both of which starred his real-life wife, Emily Blunt.
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Sarah Polley
Polley, who started her career as a child actor on the TV series Road to Avonlea and Ramona, has made a name for herself as a director with feature films like Away From Her, Take This Waltz and Stories We Tell. Her latest project, Women Talking, earned her two nominations at the 2023 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
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Joseph Gordon-Levitt
The Looper actor directed himself and Scarlett Johansson in the 2013 rom-com Don Jon.
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Jonah Hill
The Superbad star honed his skills behind the camera with 2018's Mid90s and the 2022 documentary Stutz.
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Zach Braff
Zach Braff, known for his directorial work on titles such as Scrubs and Ted Lasso, believes that his upcoming film A Good Person will be his best yet. Starring Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman in a dramedy, Braff expressed his pride in the film, particularly Pugh's performance against one of the greatest legends of all time. The picture is locked and sound mixing is about to begin, with Braff stating that it is the best thing he has ever made or been a part of.
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Channing Tatum
In February 2022, Tatum took on his directorial debut with Dog, where he also starred as the leading man. The plot follows a veteran on a road trip to deliver a military dog to a fallen soldier's funeral. Despite his involvement in the project, Tatum admitted to not enjoying the process of watching himself on screen during the editing phase.
"I realized that I have a tendency to overanalyze and criticize myself during the editing process," Tatum chuckled in an interview with USA Today leading up to the film's release in theaters. "If I had removed all the scenes that I initially wanted to, the movie would have been much shorter. It was a personal revelation for me. It made me uncomfortable to watch myself and be overly critical of my performance."
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Nina Dobrev
Dobrev recently made her directorial debut with her short film, The One, which premiered at the Mammoth Film Festival in February 2022. Reflecting on her past acting experiences, she shared that she used them as an opportunity to learn and grow, even if it meant occasionally annoying directors with her questions. For her directorial debut, she relied on the support of a talented team to navigate any challenges and bring her vision to life.
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Olivia Wilde
In 2019, the talented House actress made her directorial debut with the film Booksmart. Her upcoming project, Don't Worry Darling, featuring the remarkable Florence Pugh and Wilde's boyfriend Harry Styles, is set to release in September 2022.
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Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington, a recipient of two Academy Awards, has showcased his directorial skills in four movies, starting with Antwone Fisher in 2002. He followed it up with The Great Debaters in 2007, Fences in 2016, and most recently, A Journal for Jordan in 2021, which featured Michael B. Jordan in the lead role.
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Ron Howard
He made his first foray into directing with his debut film Grand Theft Auto in 1977, in which he also starred. From there, he went on to direct a number of successful films including Backdraft, Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code and Hillbilly Elegy.
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Maggie Gyllenhaal
The Donnie Darko actress made the jump to directing with her 2021 film The Lost Daughter, which stars Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson and Gyllenhaal’s husband, Peter Sarsgaard.
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George Clooney
George Clooney has proven himself to be a multi-talented artist with his skills in both acting and directing. Among his filmography, he has directed and starred in six out of eight films, including Leatherheads, The Monuments Men, The Midnight Sky, The Ides of March, and his directorial debut Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. His fellow actor-turned-director, Ben Affleck, also showcased his directing skills in his 2021 film, The Tender Bar.
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Regina King
She ventured into directing with her first feature film, One Night in Miami, in 2020, a year after receiving the Best Supporting Actress award at the Academy Awards. Prior to this, she had directed episodes of hit TV shows such as Insecure, Being Mary Jane, and Scandal.
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Jon Favreau
The actor, who plays Happy Hogan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has become best known as the man behind the camera for Elf, Iron Man, Swingers and The Lion King.
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Ben Affleck
In 2007, the Armageddon star made his directorial debut with Gone Baby Gone. He has since made The Town, Live By Night and Argo, which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2012.
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Elizabeth Banks
After establishing herself as a talented actress, Elizabeth Banks decided to try her hand at directing and has since directed several successful films. She made her directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 in 2015 and followed it up with the 2019 Charlie's Angels reboot, which starred Kristen Stewart. Banks returned to the director's chair in 2023 for the thriller Cocaine Bear, featuring Keri Russell and the late Ray Liotta.
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Bradley Cooper
In 2018, Cooper showcased his multifaceted talent as he assumed the roles of director, writer and actor in the remake of A Star is Born, starring alongside the incomparable Lady Gaga. He is set to repeat this feat in his upcoming project, Maestro, scheduled for release in 2023, where he will chronicle the legacy of renowned composer Leonard Bernstein.
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Jordan Peele
After winning a Best Screenplay Oscar for his debut film, Get Out, in 2017, which also made him the first Black man to win the award, Key & Peele alum Jordan Peele returned to the director's chair for his second film, Us, two years later. His latest project, Nope, made its debut in 2022, marking Peele's third feature film.
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Greta Gerwig
After gaining recognition for her outstanding performances in indie films, the talented actress ventured into directing and made a remarkable debut with her first two solo projects, Lady Bird in 2017 and Little Women in 2019. She later co-directed Nights and Weekends in 2008. Now, the world eagerly awaits her upcoming project, Barbie, set to release in 2023, starring the beautiful Margot Robbie as the iconic doll.
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Ben Stiller
The There’s Something About Mary star is the director behind Reality Bites, The Cable Guy, Tropic Thunder and Zoolander, as well as its sequel.
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Jodie Foster
She may be best known for her role as Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs, but the former child star has also proven her directing abilities with films such as Home For the Holidays, Money Monster, and The Beaver, which stars Jennifer Lawrence.
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Angelina Jolie
She made her directorial debut with the documentary A Place in Time in 2007 and has since directed several narrative features including Unbroken, First They Killed My Father, In the Land of Blood and Honey, and By the Sea, in which she also acted alongside her former spouse Brad Pitt.
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Bryce Dallas Howard
Following in her father Ron Howard's footsteps, the star of Jurassic World has successfully transitioned from acting to directing. She has directed several episodes of popular shows such as The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, as well as the heartwarming documentary Dads.
