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5 Lead Actors Who Also Directed Episodes of Their Hit TV Shows 

5 Lead Actors Who Also Directed Episodes of Their Hit TV Shows 
Image credit: Fox, The CW

Behind every great actor might just be a budding director.

It's always a treat to see our favorite TV actors dazzle us on screen, but what's even more intriguing is when they switch gears, stepping off the stage and into the director's chair. Directing an episode requires a different set of skills, and it's impressive when actors take on this challenging role.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston not only nailed his role as Walter White but also directed a few episodes. Who could possibly forget the brilliant episode title Blood Money? In this episode, goes back to his old house, and it's all wrecked, with "Heisenberg" plastered ominously all over the walls.

This wasn't Cranston’s directorial debut. He had his hands in the direction of some episodes of Malcolm in the Middle and The Office. Later, he extended his talent to Modern Family and Sneaky Pete.

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Jason Bateman

Jason Bateman is a true gem. Whether making you chuckle in Arrested Development or leaving you thrilled in Ozark, he's done it all. At 18, he directed episodes of Valerie, marking him as the youngest-ever in the Director's Guild of America.

His directorial prowess is further showcased in Bad Words and The Family Fang, films he starred in too!

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Melissa Fumero

Detective Amy Santiago, as portrayed by Melissa Fumero in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, is all things awesome. And Fumero is not just the lead actress; she took on the director's role for a memorable episode in season 6.

It's safe to say Fumero killed it both in front of and behind the camera. And she didn't stop there; she also directed an episode for both seasons of the sitcom Grand Crew.

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Randall Park

Before Randall Park joined the Marvel Universe, he was the beloved Eddie Huang in Fresh Off The Boat. And as a cherry on top of an already spectacular run, Park directed the show's touching finale. The episode was a hit, winning the ratings game on the night it aired.

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Jensen Ackles

Supernatural is an epic saga that ran for a whopping 15 seasons. Jensen Ackles was more than just a face for the show. He directed multiple episodes, pouring in the same passion as his on-screen character.

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