Several writer-directors throughout Hollywood history have become known forappearing in their own films, like Woody Allen and Spike Lee. Other writers are perhaps more known for their acting stints, like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. But throughout the years, several actors have dabbled in the realm of screenwriting in an under-the-radar fashion.
These 20 are among the most famous performers of their respective generations. You should know the majority of names featured on the list, if you don’t know each entry outright. Either way, you can rest assured that they’re A-list actors with numerous acclaimed performers under their belts. All that said, these are 20 actors with little-known screenwriting credits.
20Justin Theroux
After appearing in back-to-back critical darlings at the turn of the century —American Psycho(2000) andMulholland Drive(2001) — American actorJustin Therouxshifted his sights to the realm of comedy. He appeared as “Evil DJ” inZoolander(2001), and, later in the decade, Theroux collaborated with Ben Stiller again onTropic Thunder(2008).
On top of a cameo appearance, he also co-wrote that famous war comedy with Stiller and Etan Cohen. And although he wasn’t part of the cast, Theroux dipped his toes into the Marvel Cinematic Universe by penning the script forIron Man 2(2010). WithZoolander 2(2016), he added another comedy to his screenwriting resume, and in tandem he solidified himself as a well-known actor with impressive filmmaking credits.
19Joel Edgerton
Among themost star-studded castsyou’re ever likely to see is featured inThe King(2019), directed by David Michôd. That filmmaker co-wrote the script alongsideJoel Edgerton, with the latter also appearing in one of the film’s leading roles. He plays Falstaff, a fictional character created by William Shakespeare, while other actors include Timothée Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, Lily-Rose Depp, and Ben Mendehlson.
While the name Joel Edgerton may not ring as many bells as some of the other performers among the cast ofThe King, he’s nonetheless one of the finest actors of his generation. Along with his contemporaries, Edgerton performs brilliantly in the film that he also co-wrote. Even with just one screenwriting credit, his placement on this list is essentially undeniable.
18Bruce Willis
Throughout his career in Hollywood, famous actorBruce Willishas amassed a sole screenwriting credit to his name. The film wasHudson Hawk(1991), directed by Michael Lehman. The performer at hand provided the titular effort, playing a master safe-cracker whose real name is Eddie Hawkins.
On top of acting in the project, Willis co-wrote the story alongside Robert Kraft. But there’s more: he also co-composedthe film’s theme song. And sure, upon release,Hudson Hawkefailed to make waves in any realm of success, but today, the film is considered something of a cult classic by a certain corner of fans, and thus, Bruce’s appearance is rather well-known. The same can’t be said for his screenwriting credit.
17Johnny Depp
Throughout the 1990s, American actorJohnny Deppappeared in two lesser-known westerns:Dead Man(1995), andThe Brave(1997). The former was written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, and it holds up wonderfully today. Meanwhile,The Bravewas actually directed by Depp himself, and it marks the sole screenwriting credit of his career.
Along with D.P. Depp and Paul McCudden, this actor adapted Gregory Mcdonald’s novel of the same name. And while the overall project bombed across the board of success, it’s worth noting that Depp co-stars inThe Bravealongside the talented Marlon Brando. Although the movie is of no real value, the two thespians perform brilliantly, nonetheless.
16Kristen Wiig
Among the funniest movies ever made isBridesmaids(2011),directed by Paul Feig. It features a star-studded cast of Hollywood names, from Rose Byrne and Maya Rudolph to Melissa McCarthy and Ellie Kemper. There’s alsoKristen Wiig, who puts forth her all-time funniest performance as lead character, Annie Walker.
While the role is rather well-known in the grand scheme of contemporary comedies, Wiig’s screenwriting credit forBridesmaidsseems to go unnoticed by film fans. Alongside co-writer Annie Mumolo, she crafted one of the best comedy movies of the 21st Century. And although audiences disregarded the scriptwriters, their efforts were immortalized with a Best Original Screenplay nomination at the Academy Awards. Pretty impressive.
15Natalie Portman
While the film itself went rather under the radar, it’s entirely worth noting thatNatalie Portmanboth wrote and directed a project in which she starred. Adapted from Amos Oz’s memoir of the same name,A Tale of Love and Darkness(2015) takes place in Jerusalem during the first few years of Israeli Independence.
Hard-hitting themes are battled from there, with Portman performing to perfection as the matriarch of a Palestinian family. The film also marks the sole screenwriting work of her career, and the same can be said for directing. And while her debut directorial featurebombed at the box office, it did resonate fondly enough with pundits of the industry.
14Sean Penn
Off the bat, it’s worth noting that one movie written bySean Pennis not like the others, asInto the Wild(2007) holds great name value today. Meanwhile, neitherThe Indian Runner(1991) norThe Crossing Guard(1995) gained any sort of traction with audiences. And frankly, their popularity has only waned as of late.
Nonetheless, Penn holds screenwriting credits for all three of the aforementioned projects. And he even directed them all, to critical acclaim no less. Respect should be put on Penn’s name for his behind-the-scenes efforts re:Into the Wildby itself, not to mention the other two films under his belt.
13Ethan Hawke
Among the most popular roles from the career ofEthan Hawkegoes to Jesse Wallace intheBeforetrilogy. Starting withBefore Sunrise(1995), director Richard Linklater led the actor at hand to tremendous critical acclaim alongside co-star Julie Delpy. The three collaborated again onBefore Sunset(2004), and lastly withBefore Midnight(2013).
On the last two projects, both Hawke and Delpy helped Linklater write the scripts. Their efforts resulted in nominations at the Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, and with good reason. Hawke has since made his directorial debut withBlaze(2018), which he also wrote, with an impending release calledWildcatonly adding to his resume.
12Kurt Russell
Though not the most acclaimed film from the career ofKurt Russell, a certain corner of fans holdEscape From L.A.(1996) in relatively high regard. It was directed by John Carpenter, whom Russell had worked with onThe Thing(1982) andBig Trouble in Little China(1986). Their first film together wasEscape From New York(1981), which featured an original story by Carpenter and Nick Castle.
Escape From L.A.is its sequel, with Carpenter returning to co-write the script alongside Debra Hill and, for the first time in his career, Russell. In both films, Russell plays Bob “Snake” Plissken, a fan-favorite character that many audiences closely associate with his career. But his screenwriting credit deserves more respect.
11Jonah Hill
Although you may not have realized it,Jonah Hillhas three screenwriting credits to his name:21 Jump Street(2012), its sequel22 Jump Street(2014), and a romantic comedy calledYou People(2023). The most recent of those three received fairly mediocre reviews overall. But for his other screenwriting credits, Hill deserves far more credit.
In theJump Streetfranchise, Hill co-stars alongside fellow comedian Channing Tatum. The pair of performers share a hilarious rapport that defines two ofthe decade’s most uproarious comedies. When it comes to the careful art of screenwriting, the success of theJump Streetmovies by themselves warrant more respect for Jonah Hill.
