Talented Both In Front And Behind The Camera: Actors Who Have Also Dabbled In Behind-The-Scenes Work
It’s safe to say we all have at least some degree of love for stories. We love to listen to or read about them, and sometimes, we also enjoy sharing them, and because of this fascination, the spotlight has had the chance to shine its bright light on many great actors over the years. Their performances on screen and on stage are undoubtedly no easy feat. Still, it would also be a disservice not to acknowledge the efforts made by the people behind the scenes, like the crew, scriptwriters, and the director. Well, for this article, we’ll be taking a look at actors who have also garnered widespread recognition for their work on the opposite side of the camera. Goes to show that there’s always a trick hidden underneath one’s sleeve, especially when it comes to these star-studded figures.
Bradley Cooper
Suffice to say, Bradley Cooper has been on a roll quite recently. Beginning his career around 1999, the actor has gained widespread recognition for starring in films such as The Hangover, American Sniper, and most recently, Nightmare Alley. Besides these acting credits, however, he has also tried his hand at directing, making his debut with the 2018 hit musical film A Star Is Born, which he also wrote, produced, and starred in.
Clint Eastwood
The Western genre of cinema has introduced us to numerous famous figures, one of which is none other than Clint Eastwood. Well-known for starring in titles such as the Dollars Trilogy and Dirty Harry films, he has also found fame as a director. Some of his directorial endeavors include Letters from Iwo Jima, American Sniper, The Mule, and Unforgiven, the latter earning him an Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director. With his most recent project being 2021’s Cry Macho, it’s safe to say this actor/filmmaker is far from out of gas.
Sylvester Stallone
Here’s another figure who has garnered a skyrocketing degree of popularity under the spotlight. Sylvester Stallone made quite a name for himself in recent years, starring in movies based on established comic books, notably Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and DC’s The Suicide Squad. Before these projects introduced him to a new generation of fans, it’s no secret that the actor was already well-known for starring in movies such as the Rocky and Rambo films. Besides appearing in front of the camera, Stallone also wrote for several of his films, including a directing gig for a couple of Rocky installments.
Denzel Washington
If we were to ask someone to name a couple of talented actors, it’s safe to say Denzel Washington will make his way into that list sooner or later. With his acting roots originating from the theater scene, he has since garnered widespread praise for his performance in films such as Flight, Much Ado About Nothing, and Training Day, which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. He’s also made investments as a director along the way, with his most notable endeavor in this field being the adaptation of the Broadway play Fences – Washington also produced and starred in this award-nominated film.
Kenneth Branagh
Fans of the Harry Potter movies undoubtedly know Kenneth Branagh best as Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Well, prepared to be surprised because this actor has an impressive set of skills. Having starred in other movies like Tenet, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and Dunkirk, Branagh is also a successful director. Along with directing the MCU’s first Thor movie, other projects to his name include Death on the Nile, the previously-mentioned Much Ado About Nothing, and Belfast. The latter film is his most personal effort to date, a semi-autobiographical piece revolving around a boy living through 1969 Belfast.
Karen Gillan
The beginning is usually one of the hardest parts of every journey. With that in mind, it’s no surprise many filmmakers debut with a not-so-good movie, though that hasn’t stopped them from making even greater works later on in their careers. Meanwhile, for Karen Gillan, it sure looks like she started with a bang. Now recognized for her acting credit in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji films, the actress got her directorial debut back in 2018 with The Party’s Just Beginning – she also wrote and starred in it. Wonder what other movies she makes next.
Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller is surely one of the most well-known actors in the comedy genre. Now often regarded for starring in films such as the Night at the Museum movies and There’s Something About Mary, Stiller has also garnered a high degree of praise for his directorial efforts on movies such as The Cable Guy, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Tropic Thunder.