While we love seeing our favorite actors portray a particular character on TV, a lot happens behind the camera to perfect a scene. One such job — direction — helps the audience navigate a character, the environment surrounding them, the stakes of the episode, and the overall arc of the show.
It’s no secret that, being surrounded by different creatives on a TV set, many actors have learned from those around them and have therefore tried their hand at directing episodes of their own hit shows.Actors become great directorsby virtue of their own experiences on-set and with storytelling. Even though it might sound strange to a lot of TV show lovers, it’s true that most of their favorite episodes were directed by particular cast members. Here are 8 TV actors who successfully directed their own hit shows.
8James Lafferty — One Tree Hill
There’s only oneOne Tree Hill, and it will always be in our hearts. The CW teen drama that made us fall in love with its unique and promising story, alsointroduced us to the characterswe would cherish for life. Nathan Scott, played byJames Lafferty, is one of them. His bad boy turned good transformation was truly enthralling. However, besides playing Nathan with top-notch skills, Lafferty also directed a few episodes on the show. Over the span of nine seasons, the actor directed four episodes while maintaining his perfect character in front of the camera.
Related:One Tree Hill: Here’s Where the Cast is Today
7Julie Bowen — Modern Family
The modern mom of three on the show made her directorial debut within the show as well.Julie Bowenplays Claire Dunphy onModern Family, and after ten years, she finally gathered the courage to direct a few episodes of the ABC comedy. She even posted a picture of herself with her on-screen husband Phil, played by Ty Burrell. She further thanked him and the entireModern Familycastand crew for supporting her.
6Melissa Fumero — Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Melissa Fumerois widely regarded for playing the bold and capable detective Amy Santiago on the hit sitcomBrooklyn Nine-Nine. Like her character, Fumero is also packed with different talents. In addition to playing Amy in every episode of theworkplace TV comedy, the actress also took charge and directed an episode from season 6. With Gina Linetti, played by Chelsea Peretti, making a surprising return, the episode was definitely enhanced by the skills of the strong women ofB99.Apart fromBrooklyn Nine-Nine, Fumero recently directed an episode for a fresh American sitcom,Grand Crew,which premiered on NBC in December 2021.
5Ian Somerhalder — The Vampire Diaries
Ian Somerhalder, who starred as the cunning and witty Damon Salvatore in the fantasy romantic-thriller dramaThe Vampire Diariesfor 171 episodes, also had a chance to direct himself and his fellow cast mates for a couple of episodes. In brief, Somerhalder directed three episodes, two from the finale season, which he also co-produced. Paul Wesley, who plays Stefan Salvatore onThe Vampire Diaries, also directed a few episodes of the show, just like his on-screen brother.
4Stephanie Beatriz — Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Like her Latina castmate, Fumero,Stephanie Beatrizalso sat on the director’s chair to direct an episode forBrooklyn Nine-Nine.Beatriz plays the tough detective Rosa on the show, and has garnered a loyal fanbase, thanks to her character’s bold exterior yet soft personality. For 153 episodes, she played one of the main roles onB99and decided to direct an episode from season six.
Related:Brooklyn Nine-Nine: The Most Amazing Geniuses/Humans, Ranked
3Neil Patrick Harris — How I Met Your Mother
The ladies' player, Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris), decided to add another trait under his name by making his directorial debut for the 101th episode ofHow I Met Your Mother. The CBS sitcom saw a remarkable season high with 10.52 million viewers and overall high ratings for the episode. Undoubtedly, Harris' debut was a hit exactly like his beloved character. Since then, he has directed a couple of other projects, including two theater specials:RentandNothing To Hide.
2Troian Bellisario — Pretty Little Liars
Troian Bellisariostarred as Spencer Hastings on Freeform’s mystery teen dramaPretty Little Liarsfor seven seasons. The actress stunned the viewers with her double role during the last season, proving her top-class acting skills. However, she took her participation on the show to a next level when she decided to direct an episode from the finale season. Bellisario also showed her interest in directing the spin-off,The Perfectionists,but the series ended after releasing only one season. Luckily, the actress fulfilled her wish by directing three episodes of Freeform’s another hitGood Trouble.
1David Schwimmer — Friends
David Schwimmerplayed thefan-favorite TV characterRoss Geller for ten straight seasons onFriends, and just like his character, Schwimmer is also interested in learning new things. Hence, he decided to capture his friends through his angle for ten episodes. The iconic episode from season eight, where everybody finds about Ross being the father of Rachel’s child, is also directed by the star himself. Schwimmer has also directed two episodes of theFriendsspinoffJoey, six episodes ofLittle Britain USA,and an episode ofThe Tracy Morgan Show.
