by Kylie Fox

Created on: October 11, 2008

It would seem that every time we turn on the television or open a magazine, we see yet another actor trying their hand at donning the director's cap. Yet it is not a new phenomena. As early as 1925 classic film star, Charlie Chaplin was directing as well as starring in films such as The Gold Rush, Modern Times and The Great Dictator. Later we saw Laurence Olivier and Gene Kelly take on the dual actor - director roles.

Why so many actors decide to enter the foray of directing is difficult to assess, with each having their own reasons and motivations for doing so. But we can surmise that for most, particularly seasoned film stars, the extensive knowledge learned while being in front of the camera is something they feel can be translated from behind it too.

Yet others would seek the longevity in the industry that directing can bring, especially considering they youth oriented Hollywood we generally see in the casting of stars for the silver screen.

And, it's quite possible, that some are simply driven by their egos, assuming in their perceived greatness, that they could certainly do at least as good a job, if not better, than most of the directors they've had the good fortune to work with.

Some of the most notable stars we've seen excel in their dual roles are:

Clint Eastwood. With more than fifty films under his belt as an actor, this acclaimed star has certainly proven his prowess behind the camera as well as in front of it.

He made his directing debut with the popular "Play Misty for Me".

His greatest successes as a director came with the 1992 release "Unforgiven" which netted him both the Best Picture and Best Director Academy Awards and; "Million Dollar Baby" for which he again scooped the Oscar pool in Best Director and Best Picture categories.

Mel Gibson. One of Hollywood's favourite sons, Australia's Mel Gibson, tested his directorial prowess in "The Man Without A Face", with moderate success. In 1995 he both directed and starred in the epic tale of Scottish rebel, William Wallace, in Braveheart. His efforts earned him the Best Picture and Best Director Oscars.

Since then, Gibson has invested his own money into "The Passion of the Christ", one of the top grossing films of all time and, created a movie entirely in a language that nobody speaks from the ancient Mayans, "Apocalypto" which has been given rave reviews.

Ron Howard. Before his directing debut, Ron Howard was best known as Richie from long running television sit-com, Happy Days. Realising he was better suited behind the camera, Howard directed "Splash" in 1984, instantly sending him to the A-list.

"Apollo 13" (1995) was hugely successful and paved the way for his Best Director Oscar winning "A Beautiful Mind" in 2001.

Kevin Costner. Costner's success as a director has been a little hit and miss. His directorial debut "Dances With Wolves" in 1990 was a massive hit with critics and audiences alike, earning a total of seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. He has yet to repeat that success, however, with flops like "The Postman"(1997) and "Open Range" (2003)

Others worthy of note are Ben Stiller's stellar efforts with hits like "The Cable Guy", "Zoolander" and "Tropic Thunder" and; George Clooney for "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind", "Good Night and Good Luck" and "Leatherheads".

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