10 Celebs You Didn't Know Worked on Films Behind the Scenes

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most surprising celebrities who have also worked on movies as producers and directors.

#10: Elizabeth Banks

Producer & Director

If realizing that the actress who plays Effie Trinket is also the director of both “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Cocaine Bear” shocks you, Elizabeth Banks has achieved her goal. After starting Brownstone Productions back in 2002, she has refused to be pigeonholed into any specific genre or career path, especially as a woman in the male-dominated film industry. Not only has she juggled big-budget acting and directing roles on both sides of the camera, but she’s also worked as a producer for TV shows like “Shrill” and the comedy film “Bottoms.”

#9: Forest Whitaker

Producer & Director

Not many Oscar-winning dramatic actors are also in the business of directing rom-coms, but multihyphenate Forest Whitaker can do it all. Since beginning his acting career in the 80’s, he has delivered a long list of moving performances throughout the years. As a director, you might not know that he followed up the success of “Waiting to Exhale” with “Hope Floats” and “First Daughter.” Even beyond his own projects, Whitaker supports up-and-coming filmmakers through his company “Significant Productions,” which has helped launch the careers of incredible artists like Chloé Zhao and Ryan Coogler.

#8: Bradley Cooper

Producer, Director & Camera Operator

A celebrity producer credit can mean anything from financially investing in a film to playing a more hands-on role. In Bradley Cooper’s case, not only has he actively produced and directed many of his own projects, but he also worked on the 2019 hit movie “Joker.” From the initial phone call pitch with director Todd Phillips to helping out in the editing room, the well-known actor was involved from start to finish. Even with his recent undertaking “Is This Thing On?,” Cooper joined the crew as a B Camera Operator, adding yet another on-set job to his impressive resumé.

#7: Angelina Jolie

Producer & Director

If you only knew Angelina Jolie from her famous on-screen roles, you might not guess that she’s also directed several international war dramas. The actress herself even shared that she ended up on the other side of the camera by accident. After finding inspiration in her humanitarian work, Jolie felt compelled to tell the powerful stories in “First They Killed My Father,” “Unbroken,” and “In the Land of Blood and Honey.” The movies earned recognition for bringing the nuance and heart of war-torn stories to light, and proved her range as both a leading lady and director.

#6: Margot Robbie

Producer

In 2014, Margot Robbie joined forces with her roommates, including her future husband, to create LuckyChap Entertainment. Together, they’ve been behind some of the actress’s most popular films like “I, Tonya,” “Birds of Prey,” and “Barbie.” However, the company doesn’t only work on projects featuring the Aussie star. With a goal of highlighting female storytellers, LuckyChap has produced “Dollface,” “My Old Ass,” and director Emerald Fennell’s movies “Promising Young Woman” and “Saltburn,” just to name a few. After finding her own passion for film production, Robbie is now helping other creative women do the same.

#5: Emma Stone

Producer

Following her years of success in the acting world, Emma Stone made the leap to start a production company called Fruit Tree in 2020. Working alongside her husband Dave McCary, the duo have since joined forces with A24 for several popular releases including “I Saw the TV Glow.” They’ve also helped launch Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial career, and thanks to “Poor Things” and “A Real Pain,” the company has produced two Oscar-winning films in just a few years. With even more exciting projects lined up for the future, it looks like Stone is only just getting started.

#4: Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson

Producers

Since its founding in 1998, Tom Hanks’ production company Playtone has earned hundreds of award nominations and produced some of the beloved actor’s most memorable films. However, Rita Wilson is the one to thank for convincing her husband to turn a one woman show called “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” into the highest-ever grossing rom-com in the U.S. A few years later, the couple then added another successful Greek franchise to their roster with “Mamma Mia!” Though it might not seem like an obvious match for Hanks, the actor still jokes that his lack of musical talent was the only thing that held him back from joining the star-studded cast.

#3: Whitney Houston

Producer

Whitney Houston was a celebrated actress and undisputed music legend, but it might surprise you to learn that she was also behind some of the biggest teen movies from the early 2000’s. The star first formed BrownHouse Productions in 1996, taking on a new role in the industry as a film producer. After the company broke records with their diverse TV reimagining of “Cinderella,” Houston went on to back “The Princess Diaries,” which also became a smashing success. Then, in 2003, she lent her magic touch to Disney Channel’s “The Cheetah Girls” while also applying her musical expertise to its popular soundtrack.

#2: Brad Pitt

Producer

Though he’s best known for his acting career, Brad Pitt’s biggest impact on Hollywood might be through his production company Plan B. Compared to the star’s four Oscar nominations as an actor, Plan B films have collected more than ten Academy Awards, including clinching three “Best Picture” victories. While you wouldn’t initially connect projects like “Selma,” “Moonlight,” or “Minari” to Pitt himself, the industry veteran has said he believes every story needs “some champion behind it.” More than just a name in the credits, his work as a producer has given his love for filmmaking a brand new avenue.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Madonna, Producer & Director

The Queen of Pop Was Behind Both “Agent Cody Banks” Movies

Jodie Foster, Director

The Oscar-Winning Actress Directed “Home for the Holidays” & Others

Nicole Kidman, Producer

The Actress Produced Some of Her Own Projects As Well As “Monte Carlo”

Drew Barrymore, Producer & Director

The Multi-Talented Star Produced “Charlie’s Angels”

#1: Will Ferrell

Producer

After forming Gary Sanchez Productions together in 2006, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay worked on both sides of the camera for years. On top of their recognizable hits like “Step Brothers” and “Daddy’s Home,” the company is also behind more recent projects like “Succession” and “The Menu.” However, thanks to a female-centric sister label headed by Jessica Elbaum, Ferrell also has surprising credits on films like “Booksmart” and “Hustlers.” After parting ways with McKay in 2020, the comedian joined Elbaum full time, embracing her mission and continuing to produce unexpected titles like “May December.”

Which of these celebrities’ behind the scenes roles were the most unexpected? Let us know which star surprised you the most in the comments below.