Actors Who Are Secretly Writers Under Pen Names

It’s common for actors to pursue writing, including novels and screenplays, as a way to express their creativity. Some choose to publish under pen names, hoping their work will be evaluated on its own merits, rather than their celebrity. This allows them to try out different writing styles and genres without facing immediate public or industry expectations. Many well-known actors – from acclaimed dramatic leads to famous comedians – have quietly built separate careers as writers using these secret identities.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became widely known for his role in the TV show ‘Prison Break’. He secretly wrote the screenplay for the film ‘Stoker’ under the name Ted Foulke, wanting the script to be judged on its merits rather than his fame. Before filming started, it was considered one of the best unproduced screenplays. Miller didn’t reveal he was the writer until a director and cast were secured for the project.

Sean Penn

Two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn shocked readers when he published his novel, ‘Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff.’ He first released it as an audiobook under the pseudonym Pappy Pariah. This allowed the story—a satire filled with surreal moments—to connect with listeners without people focusing on his celebrity. The novel looks at contemporary life through the experiences of a unique handyman. Penn later revealed he was the author when the printed book came out.

W.C. Fields

I was always amazed by this comedian – his voice was so unique, and he was just brilliantly funny in those old movies! What I found really interesting was that he usually wrote his own films, but he’d hide behind fake names like Mahatma Kane Jeeves or Otis Criblecoblis. It turns out those were actually inside jokes, a way for him to poke fun at how things worked in Hollywood. He really shaped the kind of silly, physical, and witty comedy that was popular back then.

Stephen King

Stephen King is best known as a novelist, but he’s also acted in many movies and TV shows, including ‘Creepshow’ and ‘Maximum Overdrive.’ He famously experimented with a pen name, Richard Bachman, to see if he could achieve success without relying on his established reputation. Under this alias, he published popular novels like ‘The Running Man’ and ‘Thinner’ at the height of his career. However, a sharp-eyed bookstore employee eventually figured out the alias by recognizing similarities in his writing style. Even today, King often makes brief appearances in film and television adaptations of his own books.

Charlie Chaplin

The famous silent film star wasn’t just a brilliant actor and director – he was also a talented musician and writer who often worked under different names. He used the pseudonym Guy Blackwell for his musical pieces, wanting to keep that work separate from his well-known on-screen persona. This gave him the freedom to experiment with other art forms without the expectations that came with his global celebrity. His music and writing significantly contributed to iconic films like ‘The Gold Rush’ and ‘City Lights’, solidifying his place as one of the most versatile artists in cinematic history.

Sacha Baron Cohen

This actor is well-known for fully immersing himself in his roles, staying in character throughout filming. He often writes his own scripts for shows like ‘Da Ali G Show’ and films like ‘Borat,’ and frequently credits his characters as the authors. This technique strengthens the believability of his characters and makes it seem like they are real people. His distinctive writing style has earned him award nominations and significant commercial success.

Woody Allen

This incredibly creative filmmaker and actor started his career writing comedy for TV and magazines. Born Allan Konigsberg, he quickly became known by his more famous stage name. Before achieving widespread recognition in film, he even used the pen name Heywood Allen for some of his writing work. He’s best known for the witty and insightful scripts he wrote for movies like ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘Manhattan,’ which feature memorable and complex characters. Even now, he continues to create projects that combine dramatic storytelling with his unique brand of observational humor.

Orson Welles

Orson Welles, the director famous for ‘Citizen Kane,’ actually started his career as a writer for radio and stage. He frequently used pen names to handle a large volume of work and avoid issues with performers’ unions. This let him work on many different shows at the same time without anyone realizing just how much he was contributing. He’s particularly remembered for his work on the legendary ‘War of the Worlds’ radio broadcast, and he continued writing throughout his impactful career.

Peter Sellers

Peter Sellers, famous for ‘The Pink Panther,’ was incredibly versatile and could convincingly play almost any character. Before his film success, he was a writer for the influential radio show ‘The Goon Show,’ often credited under group pseudonyms. This allowed the show’s cast to collectively create its uniquely bizarre and unpredictable comedy. Sellers’ writing and performing skills were groundbreaking for British comedy in the mid-1900s. He frequently used these writing sessions to brainstorm and refine the characters he would later portray on screen.

Spike Milligan

As a comedy fan and critic, I’ve always been amazed by this guy. He wasn’t just a performer, he was the driving force behind so much classic radio and TV comedy. What’s fascinating is he often wrote under different names, or as part of a group – especially when working with The Goons. His humor was brilliantly bizarre, and he really pioneered the use of sound effects in a way that hadn’t been done before. Honestly, his work practically invented modern sketch comedy and continues to inspire comedians today. Beyond the laughs, though, he had a real gift for weaving personal experiences into his writing, making it both funny and surprisingly poignant.

Harry Secombe

This actor was a vital part of ‘The Goon Show’ comedy team and a skilled writer as well. In the beginning of British comedy on the radio, he often wrote under different names and as part of various writing groups. His writing was key to creating the show’s playful and lively style. Though famous as a singer and performer, his behind-the-scenes work was essential to the group’s success. Secombe remained a well-loved entertainer thanks to his many talents.

Graham Chapman

Known as a member of Monty Python, Graham Chapman often played characters in positions of authority and was a talented surrealist writer. He frequently collaborated with John Cleese, and they sometimes used different names for their work on TV and in films. This helped the team appear united while creating projects like ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. Chapman’s writing was usually responsible for the most unusual and absurd parts of their comedy. He continued to write and act in interesting projects until his death.

John Cleese

As a critic, I’ve always admired John Cleese. He’s a true comedy legend, not just as the star of ‘Fawlty Towers’ but as a founding member of Monty Python. What I find particularly interesting is how he’d often credit ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ scripts under a group name – a real testament to how collaborative that team was. His writing is brilliant; it’s all about perfect timing and building up these wonderfully absurd characters. And before his fame, he was a clever writer for magazines and radio, sometimes even using pseudonyms! Cleese has earned his place as a hugely respected figure in both acting and writing, and his influence is still felt today.

Michael Palin

Michael Palin was a key writer for Monty Python, known for his kind wit and travel shows. He and the other Python members often credited their work to the group as a whole, emphasizing their collaborative spirit. His writing style typically took ordinary situations and made them hilariously chaotic with unexpected twists. Beyond acting in films like ‘Life of Brian,’ he played a major role in shaping their scripts. More recently, Palin has found success as an author, publishing books and diaries under his own name.

Terry Jones

This talented actor and director played a key role in writing many of the most iconic comedy sketches ever created. He frequently collaborated with the Monty Python team under shared pseudonyms, encouraging a spirit of teamwork and shared creativity. His writing was known for its clever visual jokes and playful takes on history, which became hallmarks of the group’s style. He not only directed films like ‘The Meaning of Life,’ but also acted in them and contributed to the writing. Terry Jones was admired for his unique ability to combine intellectual pursuits with wonderfully absurd humor.

Terry Gilliam

Terry Gilliam is best known for his distinctive animation, but he was also a key member of the Monty Python team, contributing to their writing and performing. His creative visual ideas frequently shaped the stories and scenes in their TV show and films. He later became a successful film director, with movies like ‘Time Bandits,’ and continues to be a unique and imaginative filmmaker, often writing his own original material.

Eric Idle

Eric Idle was a key writer for the Monty Python team, creating many of their most memorable songs and sketches. To emphasize the group’s collaborative nature, he often used shared writing credits. Known for his clever humor and catchy tunes – like the famous ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ – Idle also successfully transformed the film ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ into the popular stage musical ‘Spamalot’. He continues to perform and write for audiences worldwide.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover is a highly skilled actor and musician, famous for his roles in ‘Atlanta’ and his music as Childish Gambino. He started his career using the name McDJ, allowing him to gain experience and recognition in various creative fields before becoming known under his own name. He also worked as a writer for the comedy show ’30 Rock’ while building his acting career. Glover has become a leading example of a versatile artist in today’s entertainment world.

James Franco

I’ve always been fascinated by this actor’s dedication to more than just filmmaking. It’s well known he’s a serious writer, and he’s published quite a few books and poems over the years. What’s really interesting is he often used a pen name – William Tracy, if you’re curious – especially when he was starting out. He wanted to see if his work would be judged on its own merits, separate from his fame as a movie star. It’s a testament to his commitment to the craft, and he continues to be incredibly productive in both film and literature, which I really admire.

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison was best known as an award-winning writer, but he also appeared in TV shows like ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’. When he disagreed with how a project was developing, he sometimes wrote under the name Cordwainer Bird. Fans quickly learned this meant the final version wasn’t quite what he’d intended. He was a lifelong champion for writers’ rights, and his occasional acting appearances were always popular with his fans.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone is famous for writing the screenplay for ‘Rocky,’ the film that made him a star. Early in his career, he sometimes used the name Q. Moonblood to submit his ideas, so people wouldn’t judge his work based on how he looked. He’s since written many of his hit movies, including the ‘Rambo’ and ‘Expendables’ series. Stallone is one of the rare actors who’s also become a highly successful screenwriter.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks, the comedic genius behind films like ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein,’ started his career writing and performing for television. Early in his career, he often used different pen names, such as Harry Gribble, which was a common practice for writers working on several shows simultaneously. Brooks’ distinctive style of satirical and musical comedy quickly became a beloved part of American film. He continues to be a major influence on comedy writing and performance today.

Viggo Mortensen

I’ve always admired Viggo Mortensen for his acting, but I recently learned about another side to this incredibly talented artist. Beyond ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ he’s a deeply committed poet and publisher! He actually founded his own press, Perceval Press, and has quietly contributed writing and photography to numerous projects – often under pseudonyms. He does this intentionally, wanting his work to be judged on its own merits, not because of who he is. It’s a fascinating approach. His poetry and photography really focus on the beauty of nature and the complexities of human feeling, all observed with a wonderfully subtle touch. And he’s still very involved in independent publishing, which I think speaks volumes about his dedication to the craft.

Buck Henry

This talented actor and writer significantly shaped comedy in the twentieth century. He’s known for writing the screenplay for ‘The Graduate’ and co-creating the TV show ‘Get Smart’. Earlier in his career, he often used pen names when writing for magazines, letting him satirize people and organizations while remaining somewhat anonymous. He was a popular guest host on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and earned a reputation as a well-respected figure in Hollywood.

Stan Laurel

Stan Laurel, one half of the beloved comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, was actually the main creative force behind their films. Though he rarely received official writing credit, he frequently wrote and edited their material. He preferred to use group names for the writing team to highlight the collaborative spirit of the studio. His commitment to comedy helped ensure their films remain classics to this day. Laurel often spent hours in the editing room, meticulously perfecting the timing of their famous gags.

Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton, nicknamed “The Great Stone Face,” was a groundbreaking comedian and filmmaker. He wrote and directed most of his famous silent films, though he sometimes used different names to share or hide his writing credits. This let him keep creative control while still working with film studios. He was famous for writing scripts that included incredibly complex and risky stunts, which he then performed himself. Keaton is celebrated as a true cinematic genius, skilled in both the technical side of filmmaking and performing.

Harold Lloyd

This famous actor from the silent film era was known for his exciting comedies and the memorable image of him clinging to a clock. He wasn’t just a performer; he actively wrote his movies, sometimes using different names to control how the credits appeared. His stories often featured a cheerful, ambitious young man trying to make it in the modern world, a character that audiences connected with and helped make him hugely popular. Even later in his career, Lloyd stayed influential by running his own production company and maintaining creative control over his work.

Robert Benchley

Robert Benchley was a well-known comedian and actor who starred in numerous films during Hollywood’s peak years. He frequently published humorous essays and stories under various pseudonyms, helping him develop a unique writing style. His work was celebrated for its subtle irony and clever observations about ordinary life. He even won an Oscar for his short film, ‘How to Sleep,’ which he wrote and performed in himself. A member of the renowned Algonquin Round Table, Benchley also guided and inspired many aspiring writers.

Fred Allen

As a huge fan of classic comedy, I’ve always been fascinated by this guy. He was a radio and movie star, famous for being incredibly quick-witted and for his hilarious, decades-long rivalry with Jack Benny. What a lot of people don’t realize is he was the primary writer for himself – he’d come up with all his own jokes and stories, often using pen names for his scripts and articles. His humor wasn’t just silly; it was actually really smart and often made pointed observations about society, but always wrapped in a funny package. He really set the stage for a lot of comedians who came after him, especially with how carefully he built out his radio sketches and characters. And he didn’t just disappear when TV came along – he stayed relevant and successful through the whole transition.

Jack Benny

The famous comedian and actor created a memorable career playing a character known for being cheap and a bit delusional. Though he worked with writers, he actively participated in crafting the material, often using pen names to credit his contributions. This teamwork helped maintain a consistent character whether he was on the radio or television. Known for his perfect comedic timing, he relied on his scripts to emphasize it. Benny remains a hugely influential figure in the history of American broadcasting.

Let us know in the comments which actor’s hidden talent for writing surprised you the most!

2026-02-16 11:19