STAR DIRECTORS: Actors behind the camera

Woody Allen, known for starring in films he also directs, takes the plunge with his first TV drama (Crisis In Six Scenes, Amazon). Here, we look at other directors with double credits…

Mel Brooks A big hit for the comic was Blazing Saddles (1974), a brilliant satire of American westerns, which starred director and co-writer Brooks (left) in two supporting roles. It marked the start of his 1970s heyday, in which he had roles in many of his films – although in Young Frankenstein (1974), he only provided the mewing voice of a cat. Clint Eastwood Starting out in front of the camera, Eastwood began directing with Play Misty For Me in 1971, in which he also starred. As an actor, he hasn’t won an Oscar, but in 1993, his film Unforgiven won him Best Director, as did Million Dollar Baby in 2005. Aged 86, he often hands over leading man duties these days, most recently to Tom Hanks in Sully.

Barbra Streisand The singer and actress made her directorial debut with Yentl (1983), in which she also played the title role – it won her the Golden Globe for Best Director. She has directed and starred in two other features – The Prince Of Tides (1991) and The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996). There are rumours that she will return to the director’s chair for a biopic of Catherine the Great.

Christopher Guest Famous for hilarious mockumentaries such as Waiting For Guffman (1996) and Best In Show (2000), Guest not only writes, directs and stars in his films, but also uses a regular cast of actors, including Jennifer Coolidge and Jane Lynch. His latest film, Mascots, comes to Netflix in October.