10 Greatest Actors Turned Directors

Even without his directorial work, the erstwhile man with no name has a resume to be proud of, with a classic in every genre. Add in his second life as an auteur, though, and Clint Eastwood has arguably one of the best careers the movie business has ever seen.

Known for his remarkable work ethic, Eastwood churned out films from his first screen appearance, and learned at the feet of directors Don Seigel and Sergio Leone. He first stepped behind the camera with Play Misty For Me, but moved onto the genre for which he’s most famous, westerns. Few can have had such an impact on a single genre - Eastwood has reinvented it repeatedly, culminating in 1992 Oscar triumph Unforgiven.

He casts himself a lot, but he’s able to do so with precious little vanity, giving choice roles to the likes of Morgan Freeman, Hilary Swank, and Kevin Costner, and leading many performers to awards glory.

Now 90 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down, and is still making fascinating and varied movies. He sings, too, but he’s not quite so good at that.