With a career spanning more than five decades in front of the camera, Dustin Hoffman is one of the world's most accomplished and highly regarded actors.
Though despite long harbouring a desire to direct - and having done so on stage - it was not until he read Ronald Harwood's script for Quartet - a charming and funny story about a group of retired classical musicians - that Hoffman was able to make his first foray into the director’s chair.
This represents a growing trend in Hollywood for well established acting talent to try their hand behind the camera.
To celebrate the Blu-ray and DVD release of this screen giant’s directorial debut for Quartet, released on 6 May, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten Actors turned Directors
- Dustin Hoffman
Quickly becoming a movie legend at a young age with classics such as The Graduate, Little Big Man and Straw Dogs, Dustin continued on to become a household name delivering unparalleled performances in hits such as Kramer vs Kramer, Tootsie and Rain Man to name but a humble few.
Still well within his performing prime, this pint sized professional will never cease to provide film audiences with swathes of box office smashes.
A polished veteran in character acting, Dustin has worked with countless great directors over the years; however it is only now, as a sprightly septuagenarian, that he has moved his talents behind the scenes.
- Ben Affleck
This ‘movie man of the year’ said in his Oscar acceptance speech that he is in his ‘second act’ of his career after having been finally critically recognised by the industry for his achievements in filmmaking.
Affleck has appeared in over 50 films to date in his relatively short 41 years in the biz. From fan favourites Shakespeare in Love, Dogma and Pearl Harbour, to star-studded blockbusters; Armageddon, Good Will Hunting and Changing Lanes, Affleck’s career has been steady.
However he has arguably only been thrust into the spotlight in the past six years with a string of industry acclaimed productions, which he self-directed and performed in with vision and finesse. Most notably Gone Baby Gone, The Town and Oscar winning best picture; Argo.
- George Clooney
Stealing the world’s hearts as the generations favourite brown-eyed ER doctor, Clooney’s well renowned good looks, charm and acting aptitude has seen him soar through a host of popular titles including the Coen Brothers cult offerings O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Burn After Reading, along with Ocean’s Eleven (and subsequently twelve and thirteen), Solaris, Up in the Air and the film that won him a Golden Globe last year; The Descendents.
George not only directed a myriad of hit films including The Ides of March and Good Night and Good Luck but has also shown a hat trick of filmmaking talent by producing the great Michael Clayton, The American and most recently Argo.- Ron Howard
Making his name as the iconic Richie Cunningham in 70s sitcom Happy Days, Howard became famous initially for a host of 1950s and 1960s themed films and TV shows such as American Grafitti and The Andy Griffiths Show.
One of our most established movie director and producer, Ron has lent his behind the scenes skills to instant classics the likes of Cocoon, Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code, Cinderella Man, The Missing, Frost Nixon and Cowboys & Aliens - some of which still remain some of the most beloved and highly acclaimed films of all time.
- Clint Eastwood
The quintessential cowboy, Eastwood made a name for himself in spaghetti Western giants the likes of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Dirty harry, Escape from Alcatraz, Where Eagles Dare, A Fist Full of Dollars and its sequel A Few Dollars More .
Running alongside his illustrious acting career spanning every genre of film, Eastwood has directed and produced an enormous catalogue of masterpieces including, but not limited to; Gran Torino, Million Dollar Baby, Space Cowboys, The Bridges of Madison County, Unforgiven, J. Edgar, Hereafter, Invictus, Changeling and Mystic River which have attracted a host of top actors and crew over the years.
- Kevin Costner
Costner has given standout performances in numerous epic and unforgettable productions including The Bodyguard, JFK, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and The Untouchables.
Arguably his most famous role came in a film which he directed and produced; the wonderful Dances with Wolves in which he played the lead part of Lieutenant Dunbar.
Additionally Costner cast himself as the Mariner in the fantasy saga Waterworld for which he notched up yet another Directing credit in his impressive arsenal.
- Mel Gibson
Gibson made a name for himself first as a talented actor, for his roles in Mad Max and Lethal Weapon in the 90s.
Strongman Mel has continually enjoyed a career high with films such as What Women Want, Chicken Run and The Chariot grossing $100 million in 2000.
The success hasn’t stopped their for the lothario when he decided to take his turn at directing.
For his debut in the historical war film, Braveheart he received an Academy Award and he later directed controversial film, Passion of the Christ which received acclaimed international success.
- Sean Penn
Powerhouse performer Sean Penn has won two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe and been nominated for countless others.
Taking a star turn in strong, character driven knockouts Milk, The Tree of Life, This Must Be The Place, All The King’s Men, The Interpreter and most recently Gangster Squad.
Additionally, Penn has been in the director’s chair on a number of prestigious projects such as Golden Globe nominee The Crossing Guard with the brilliant Jack Nicholson and David Morse who he directed once again alongside Viggo Mortensen in The Indian Runner
- Jon Favreau
Jon is one of those faces that has popped up in more movies than you might think.
Racking up cameos and leading performances in comedies such as Couples Retreat, I Love you Man, Four Christmasses and The Break Up.
Favreau turned his talents to directing and gave the world the stunning Elf, Zathura and Cowboys & Aliens for his efforts. But Iron Man and Iron Man 2 remain the biggest directing projects of his career as he teamed up with Robert Downey Jr.
Iron Man really kicked off Marvel's assault on the box office and has become one of the biggest frachises in recent years - not to mention one of the most iconic characters.
Favreau may not be back in the director's chair for Iron Man 3 but he is returning as the Downton Abbey loving Happy.
- Sydney Pollack
The Hollywood veteran, found initial success for his role in 1960s series The Fugitive and Hitchcock Presents, he then made the jump into film giving him more public attention.
From his directorial debut in 1965 for The Slender Thread his films have received 48 Academy nominations and won 11 Oscars, the first being Out of Africa starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
His career has gone from success to success and it seems there is no stopping him, from his recent stint in Will and Grace to directing The Interpreter it seems that his star will keep on shining.
Quartet is out on Blu-ray, DVD and to download on 6 May.
Tagged in Ben Affleck Clint Eastwood Dustin Hoffman Sean Penn