10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Many actors eventually try directing, but only a smaller group manage to build real credibility behind the camera. Transitioning from performer to filmmaker requires a different skill set involving planning, pacing, vision and leadership on set. Some actors surprised audiences and critics by proving they could direct projects that were thoughtful, commercially successful, or even award winning. In several cases, their directing careers became just as respected as their acting work. Here are ten actors who successfully made the switch to the director’s chair.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Mel Gibson

Gibson directed ambitious and commercially successful films like Braveheart and Hacksaw Ridge, establishing himself as a serious filmmaker.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Olivia Wilde

Wilde received strong attention for her directorial debut, Booksmart, which showcased confident comedic and visual storytelling.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Rob Reiner

Reiner transitioned from television acting into directing classics such as Stand by Me, Misery, and When Harry Met Sally.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Ron Howard

Howard successfully transitioned from child actor to award winning director, building a career that included Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Taika Waititi

Waititi combined acting, directing, and writing into a distinctive style visible in films like Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Ben Affleck

Affleck earned widespread praise as a director through films like Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and the Oscar winning Argo.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Clint Eastwood

Eastwood became one of the most respected directors in Hollywood with films like Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, both of which earned major awards and critical acclaim.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Greta Gerwig

After starting as an actress in independent films, Gerwig became one of the most acclaimed directors of recent years with Lady Bird and Barbie.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Jordan Peele

Known first for comedy performance work, Peele reinvented himself as a major filmmaker with Get Out and later psychological horror projects.

10 Actors Who Successfully Made the Switch to the Director's Chair | Den of Geek

Kenneth Branagh

Branagh built a strong directing career through literary adaptations and large productions, balancing both acting and filmmaking successfully.