Photo: YouTube / Warner Bros. Entertainment
Cover Photo: YouTube / Warner Bros. Entertainment

On and off-camera, these directors shined along with their co-stars in their own movies

As if directing a film isn't arduous enough, these directors gladly take an acting role in their own movies to tell their story.

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It's always interesting to see directors on screen, whether they appear as lead characters or merely extras.

Browse below to see which directors and actors were brave enough to take on both roles:

Charlie Chaplin

Above Charlie Chaplin delivers the final speech from 'The Great Dictator', a film he directed in 1940

Charlie Chaplin was revered for his silent films and beloved character Little Tramp. More than a comic, Chaplin was truly multi-faceted and produced iconic films like The Great Dictator which remains one of the most historically significant releases to this day.

The director starred in the film as both the antagonist and protagonist. As the antagonist, Adenoid Hynkel, a parody of Adolf Hitler, he delivered a powerful and moving speech which the film is also famous for.

Taika Waititi

Above One of the best performances of Taika Waititi as a fictionalised version of Adolf Hitler in 'Jojo Rabbit'

The brilliant mind of Taika Waititi has earned him an Academy Award in 2021 for Jojo Rabbit, a war comedy where he appears as a young German boy's imaginary friend who happens to be Adolf Hitler.

Apart from this satire, the New Zealand filmmaker has also appeared in other films he has directed, namely Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder where he portrayed the lovable Korg.

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Barbra Streisand

In 1983, Barbra Streisand appeared in Yentl, a musical drama she directed that revolves around Yentl (Streisand), who was taught to read the Talmud, a religious scripture, by her father and disguises herself as a male to enrol in a religious school after his passing. 

One of the romance film's popular songs is Papa, Can You Hear Me sung beautifully by Streisand.

Orson Welles

Known for the controversial film Citizen Kane, Orson Welles portrayed Charles Foster Kane in the movie which garnered him nominations for Best Actor and Best Director and won him the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Welles is also known to appear in the films he directs such as Othello, The Stranger, and Casino Royalle to name a few.

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Tyler Perry

For years, Tyler Perry has produced, written, and directed the Madea film series. You might not recognise Perry in the comedy as he's dressed as the brash elderly, Mabel "Madea" Earlene Simmons.

The franchise has been well-received by fans over the years. 

Ben Affleck

Academy-award winner Ben Affleck has directed a film in the past, namely The Town, a crime romance based on Chuck Hogan's novel The Prince of Thieves, wherein he stars as Doug MacRay, a leader of a band of bank robbers, who falls for a bank employee.

Through the film, the actor showed great potential, earning him praise from various critics.

See also: Ben Affleck: 5 Thrilling Movies We Love To Rewatch

Angelina Jolie

In By The Sea, a romantic drama directed by multi-award-winning actress Angelina Jolie, the actress starred alongside her then-husband Brad Pitt.

Apart from the effusive chemistry between Jolie and Pitt, the film is worth watching for its visuals and compelling portrayal of relationships and married life as well.

Sylvester Stallone

Above Sylvester Stallone's performance as John Rambo in 'Rambo'

The mighty Sylvester Stallone has directed a few films, most of which are globally renowned such as The Expendables, Rambo, and the Rocky Balboa franchise. In these films, the director takes the lead role and steals the show—both with his storytelling and performance.

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Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau's Chef has received a cult following for its humour and charming cast which includes the director himself as Carl Casper, a former chef at a restaurant who starts his own food truck.

Favreau had to learn many cooking skills to portray his character in Chef.

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