barbie Finally out! On July 21, the much-anticipated film hit the theaters after an intense and much-hyped promo campaign. It’s a big moment for director Greta Gerwig, who stars in her impressive third solo film in nearly five years. Even better, she got her start in movies as a successful actor, although she’s always been working behind the camera as well.
In honor of their latest film releases, here are 14 famous actors (including Greta) who made it big with directing:
1.
Greta Gerwig, barbie (2023):
On why he took the step towards solo direction lady birdGreta told Vulture in 2017, “When I finished the script, there was a moment when I thought, ‘Either you’re going to do it now or you’re never going to do it. Now you have to make your mistakes and find your gifts because you have to, at some point, make the jump.'”
2.
molly gordon, theater camp (2023):
why did he co-direct theater camp, “Especially as a woman, I need to assert myself and not wait for others to give it to me, because they’re not the only ones,” Molly told Nylon.
3.
Eva Longoria, flamin’ hot (2023),
On why now is the time for Eva to direct her first feature, she told The Hollywood Reporter that she first had to gain the confidence to direct. “The industry is certainly wary of an actor coming [to direct], For me, it was about overcoming that. It was not sexism or racism. It was like, ‘Here comes a dumb actor,” she said.
4.
ben affleck, Air (2023)
for why gone Baby Gone Ben told SFGate in 2007 that it was the right film for his feature directorial debut, “On some level, I wanted to set a film in Boston. I thought it would make me feel more secure and comfortable because it’s a place I know better than anywhere. I wanted to show the city as I know it, to say something personal. No one can say I don’t understand the place.”
5.
Michael B Jordan, Creed III (2023)
for why Creed III It was a true directorial debut for Michael, telling Deadline that he relished the film’s story about a young black man struggling with fame, career and family dynamics. “I [thought] Most of these can be universal and can be related to different people. For me, it felt like who else would be able to guide me into something I feel like I’ve lived?” he said.
6.
Olivia Wilde, don’t worry darling (2022)
As for why Olivia Wilde wanted to get into directing, she told Variety in 2020, “I never wanted to cheat myself. I was just, ‘I love everything. I’ll do anything.’ It was proof that what I really love is the process. It was a sign that I should be directing.”
7.
Jordan Peele, No (2022)
As for why Jordan wanted to direct, he told the Los Angeles Times in 2018 that he always felt compelled to but “gave up”. [his] behind the dream of becoming a director” because he “didn’t see a place for a lot of black directors.” He added, “I thought it would be hard for me as a colored person to convince anybody to let me use their money to make a movie. After many years of journey in acting and comedy, I came back to my original dream. And the fact that it was received the way it was taught me a lot about how I assimilated the system.”
8.
Maggie Gyllenhaal, lost daughter (2021)
As for why Magee wanted to direct, she told Deadline that she was inspired to play a porn director on the HBO series, Deuce. “I kind of opened the gate a little bit and talking about [The Lost Daughter producers] Little. And they were like, ‘Run, don’t walk. “That’s what you should do,” she said.
9.
George Clooney, tender bar (2021)
George talks about why he started directing CNN Last year, “When you’re acting in a film, you’re basically one of the colors. When you’re directing the film, you’re the painter. You get to pick and choose, and that’s infinitely more exciting.”
10.
Denzel Washington, a journal for jordan (2021)
On why Denzel enjoys directing, he told PBS in 2021, “I prefer not to be in movies [he directs.] Initially, I had to be able to raise money to make films. Then fence, obviously we had great success on stage, so it translated to film. But I enjoy being the person behind the scenes more.
11.
regina king, One Night in Miami… (2020)
As for why he made his feature directorial debut one night in miami… Regina told Thrillist in 2021, “Reading Kemp’s script, I felt so moved by the way he humanized these four men that I believe every black man I know and love could see themselves in this piece.”
12.
Bradley Cooper, a star is born (2018)
why did bradley direct a star is born, He told Time in 2018, “I always knew I wanted to direct. Always. So it was about facing the fear of doing it. I said if I haven’t shot by the age of 40, shame on me.”
Lastly, here are two renowned actors who will be making their directorial debut very soon:
13.
Randall Park, shortcomings (2023)
As for why Randall wanted to direct, he told GQ earlier this year, “I was almost taken aback by how comfortable I felt in that position. Being involved in every aspect, feeling like the leader of this team, helping others reshape my perspective — it was all really exciting to me.”
14.
Chelsea Peretti, first time female director (2024)
On why Chelsea wanted to direct, she told The Associated Press, “I think you just have to have this part of you that says, “F— it.” I always want to try new things and always move forward. That’s the fun of being creative for me. And that doesn’t mean all these ideas work. But I love following instincts and inspiration and seeing what happens.”