10 Actors Who Became Successful Directors as Well

While many people dream about becoming famous Hollywood stars, those who are actually fortunate enough to reach that position, often dream of going even further.  Over the years,  some of the entertainment industry’s most talented actors and actresses have gone on to use their talents in other areas of the film and television world.  While many of those who have attempted to transfer their skills have found little to no success, others have reached unimaginable heights in all of their efforts.  Some of Hollywood’s best actors and actresses have also become some of Hollywood’s best directors. Here are 10 actors who became successful directors as well.

10. Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, well-known for his role as the infamous Forrest Gump, has also directed several films and television shows throughout his career.  Hanks began his career as a director in 1996 with the film, That Thing You Do!  Although the film was not a huge box office success, it was critically acclaimed and currently holds a 93% on the popular film website, Rotten Tomatoes.  Since the, Hanks has directed several on-screen productions including the TV miniseries, Band of Brothers.

9. Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck is one of the most popular actor’s of his generation.  Throughout his career, he has starred in several box office hits including Pearl Harbor, The Town, and Gone Girl.  As an actor, Affleck has also earned numerous awards for his work including two Academy Awards.  However, over the years, Affleck has proven that his talents extend behind the camera as well.  Affleck has also enjoyed a successful directing career, and has directed several of the films he’s starred in.  Affleck’s directing credits include Gone Baby Gone and Argo.

8. Peter Berg

Throughout his acting career, Peter Berg has played a variety of roles.  From FBI agents to love interests, Berg has shown that he is more than capable of displaying his versatile abilities.  However, Berg’s career took a turn for the better when he made his directing debut in an episode of the popular 90s medical drama, Chicacgo Hope – a show that he had also appeared in as a starring actor.  Since then, Berg has gone on to have a successful career behind the camera.  He directed the 2004 film, Friday Night Lights, which has since been ranked one of the Best High School movies by entertainment weekly. Berg also directed two episodes of the series of the same title which earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series”

7. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.  She has maintained a successful acting career for more than two decades, and has lived an equally impressive life off-screen as well.  In 2011, Angelina Jolie made her directional debut in the film In the Land of Blood and Honey which received mixed reviews from viewers and critics.  In 2014, she returned to the director’s chair with the  World War 2 themed drama film, Unbroken.  The film, which chronicled the military career of Olympian Louis Zmperini,earned the National Board of Review’s 2014 award for “Top 10 Films.”

6. George Clooney

Once considered one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors, George Clooney has enjoyed a successful career for more than 30 years.  Throughout his career, Clooney has appeared in both film and television roles, and has played a number of memorial characters.  Aside from a successful on-screen career, Clooney has also found success as a director.  In 2011, he directed and starred in the award winning film, The Ides of March.  The film was based on the Farragut North by Beau Williams. The film also earned Clooney an Academy Award nomination for “Best Adapted Screenplay.”

5. Robert Redford

Robert Redford is one of the most successful and memorable actors of his generation.  The 78 year-old California native began his acting career by making numerous small TV appearances in 1959.  In 1965, Redford made his big screen debut in the film, Inside Daisy Clover,  and went on to have a legendary film career.  As a director, Redford has also found success.  In 1980, Redford directed the film Ordinary People, which earned him a Directors Guild of America Award for “Outstanding Directing – Feature Film.”

4. Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is one of the few former child stars who has gone on to have an even more successful career as an adult.  Foster began acting at the age of three and earned an Academy Award nomination before reaching adulthood.  Foster began her career as a director in 1988 with an episode of Tales from the Darkside.  Foster has gone on to direct several films and TV shows, including the critically acclaimed 1991 film, Little Man Tate, which also featured Foster in a starring role.

3. Mel Gibson

Although he is best-known for his acting career, Mel Gibson has been working as a director for more than 20 years. In 2004, he received a lot of attention when he directed The Passion of the Christ, a film chronicling Jesus’ last days. The film’s portrayal of events led to accusations of Gibson being an anti-semite.  Although Gibson has not directed a film since 2006, his last attempt at directing, earned him praise for his work.

2. Ron Howard

Ron Howard has been fortunate enough to play not one, but two of TV’s most memorable characters.  His roles as little Opie Taylor and retro teen Richie Cunningham have given Howard a lasting place in TV history.  However, in recent years, Howard has become more well-known for his work as a director.   Howard, who has over directing credits to his name, has worked on several hit films including Apollo 13 and The Da Vinci Code.   For his work as a director, Howard has earned several awards, including two Directors Guild of America Awards for Outstanding Directing.

1. Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood is one of the most legendary stars of all-time.  For 60 years, Eastwood has used his talents to dazzle viewers and critics alike.  Throughout his career, he has earned countless awards, and has worked with some of the most talented people in the entertainment industry.  Eastwood began working as a director in 1971 and has since gone on to create an extremely impressive resume that includes more than 30 director’s credits.  Most recently, Eastwood directed the 2014 film, American Sniper, which has been a huge commercial and critical success.

 (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

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