Making the transition from in front of the camera to behind it is not uncommon for actors, and Michael B. Jordan is the latest to join the list with his directorial debut in ‘Creed III.’
READ: 20 Years of TV: 25 TV Shows That Premiered in 2003
Many notable actors have taken on the challenge of directing a feature film, and some have become successful directors in their own right. From Denzel Washington to Regina King, Eddie Murphy to Angela Bassett, there are many examples of actors who have stepped behind the camera to direct some memorable films.
Take a look at 34 actors who directed at least one feature film below.
David Oyelowo made his directorial debut with ‘The Water Man’ about an 11-year-old who is desperate to save his sick mother so ventures into the remote Wild Horse forest to search for a mythical figure rumored to have the power to cheat death.
The GOAT of acting known for his powerful performances, Denzel Washington has also made a mark as a director, helming films such as Antwone Fisher, Fences, The Great Debaters and more.
A comedy legend, Eddie Murphy made his directorial debut with “Harlem Nights,” he also co-wrote and starred in the movie that featured comedy legends.
Regina King is one of the greatest actresses who has directing credits under her belt and a few years ago made her feature film directorial debut with One Night in Miami.
Chiwetel Ejiofor made his directorial debut in the 2019 film The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.
Jordan Peele is a writer, director, and producer known for his innovative and socially conscious horror films. After years penning comedy for shows like MADTv and then acting with Key & Peele, he introduced fans to his directorial side with Get Out, Us and most recently with Nope.
Angela Bassett made her directorial debut with Whitney, about the biographical drama about the late singer Whitney Houston.
The only Academy Award-winning actress for her lead role, Halle Berry made her directorial debut with the film Bruised. The movie centered on a former mixed martial arts fighter trying to regain custody of her son.
Chris Rock is a known comedian and actor who also has a few films directed under his belt. Rock has directed the comedies Head of State, Top Five, and I Think I Love My Wife.’
Forest Whitaker is a well-known actor who has also directed music videos and movies like Waiting to Exhale, First Daughter, Hope Floats, and Strapped.
Martin Lawrence wrote and made his feature film directorial debut with ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.
Ivan Dixon was an actor for years prior to tapping into his directorial side. While he has many TV shows under his director’s belt he has also directed the films ‘The Spook Who Sat by the Door,”Trouble Man,’ Percy & Thunder,’ and more.
Ossie Davis was a legendary actor, director, and writer who made a big impact in Hollywood. He directed ‘Cotton Club Comes to Harlem,’ ‘Gordon’s War,’ and more.
Outside of acting, Charles Dutton made his directorial debut with “Against the Ropes” (2004), a film about a female boxing promoter who tries to make it in the male-dominated world of boxing. He continues to impress audiences with his work as a director.
Ice Cube made his directorial debut with “The Players Club” (1998), a movie about a young woman named Diana who works as a stripper to make ends meet.
Debbie Allen is multifaceted is known equally for her talents in front and behind the screen. While she’s directed on plenty of TV shows she made her feature film directorial debut with Polly, Stompin’ at the Savoy and more.
Sidney Poitier was a legendary actor and director who made a big impact in Hollywood during his career. He directed several films, including Uptown Saturday Night, Fast Forward, Stir Crazy, and much more.
Idris Elba made his feature directorial debut with “Yardie” (2018), a movie about a young man named D who is haunted by the death of his brother and tries to find redemption.
Morgan Freeman made his directorial debut with “Bopha!” (1993) and “The Magic of Belle Isle” (2012), both of which were well received by audiences and critics.
Robert De Niro made his directorial debut in the ’93 classic ‘A Bronx Tale.’
Nate Parker made his directorial debut with “The Birth of a Nation” (2016), a movie about Nat Turner, a former slave who led a rebellion against slave owners. He also directed the 2019 film, American Skin.
Bill Duke is a talented actor and director who has directed several films, including “Deep Cover” (1992) and “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” (1993), both of which were well received by audiences and critics.
Sanaa Lathan recently made her feature film debut with On The Come Up
Tom Hanks is a highly acclaimed actor who made his directorial debut with “That Thing You Do!” (1996) and later “Larry Crowne” (2011), both of which were well received by audiences and critics.
Laurence Fishburne made his directorial debut with “Once in the Life” (2000), a movie about two brothers who must navigate the dangerous world of organized crime
Tim Reid directed a few projects including ‘Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored” and ‘Asunder.’
Carl Anthony Payne II directed Misguided Behaviour and Strange Love which was released this year.
In 2019, Meagan Good made her feature film directorial debut with If Not Now, When.
Terri J. Vaughn has quite a few directing credits under her belt like the most recent film Unthinkably Good Things.
Danny Glover directed two movies ‘Override,’ and “Just a Dream” about a young man named Terrence who must navigate the challenges of growing up in a rough neighborhood.
Jada Pinkett Smith directed the psychological drama, The Human Contract about a successful businessman named Jaden who begins to question his life choices after meeting a free-spirited woman named Maya.
Martin Lawrence: The comedian and actor, known for his hit TV show “Martin” and the “Bad Boys” film franchise, made his directorial debut with the film “A Thin Line Between Love & Hate.”
In 2022, Washington made his directorial debut with the film Corsicana, which he also co-wrote and starred in.
Ben Affleck is a talented actor and director known for his powerful performances and socially conscious films. He made his directorial debut with “Gone Baby Gone” (2007), a movie about two private detectives trying to find a missing child, which was well received by audiences and critics.
Tamara Tunie made her directorial debut with “See You in September” (2010), a movie about Lindsay who is abandoned by her therapist all August. All NYC therapists are on vacation. She complains on Craigslist – hundreds respond. Ten start a group (therapy session).
Danny DeVito made his directorial debut with “Matilda,” based on the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl. The film stars Mara Wilson as Matilda, a precocious young girl with telekinetic powers who must stand up to her cruel and neglectful parents.