You Won’t Believe Which 10 Movie Stars Secretly Write Your Favorite TV Shows

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Some well-known actors not only captivate us with their performances on the big screen, but also contribute significantly behind the scenes in television production by penning scripts for engaging shows. These multi-talented individuals don’t merely act; they craft narratives, characters, and universes that keep us spellbound as we watch.

I’ve delved into the obscure authorship behind some prominent figures in Hollywood. Here are ten film actors who covertly pen popular television series, showcasing their narrative skills on the small screen.

Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham first gained recognition as a filmmaker through ‘Tiny Furniture’ in 2010, later becoming widely known for her role in the TV series ‘Girls’ (2012-2017). Her authentic and candid acting translates into her writing, where she deals with genuine real-life challenges using humor and emotion.

Lena Dunham is the creator and primary writer of the TV show ‘Girls,’ which explores the lives of young women in New York City. Her episodes deftly blend humor with heavier themes such as relationships and mental health, winning her a Golden Globe for her writing. Additionally, she has demonstrated her talent for intricate, character-focused narratives through her work on ‘Camping’ (2018).

Bill Hader

Bill Hader, famed for movies such as ‘Superbad’ (2007) and ‘It Chapter Two’ (2019), is an actor who combines comedy mastery with a touch of the ominous. During his Saturday Night Live tenure, he showcased his acting abilities, but it was later when his writing prowess truly took the spotlight.

Bill Hader is the co-creator and writer for the series ‘Barry’ (2018-2023), a dark comedy that follows the journey of a hitman who dreams of becoming an actor. He penned episodes such as ‘710N’, seamlessly combining wit with high-stakes drama. His talent in scriptwriting demonstrates he is equally adept off-screen as he is on it, and his work has garnered three Emmy awards to showcase this skill.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Phoebe Waller-Bridge captivated audiences in movies such as ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ (2018) and ‘Indiana Jones 5’ (2023). Her quick humor and daring characters are striking on screen, but it’s her writing that truly sets her apart.

In the world of cinema, I penned, acted in, and birthed ‘Fleabag’ (2016-2019), a gripping blend of humor and heartbreak that resonated deeply with audiences. My words, brimming with sharp wit and emotional nuance, earned me numerous Emmys. Beyond Fleabag, I also lent my writing talent to ‘Killing Eve’ (2018-2022), weaving captivating tales that left millions on the edge of their seats.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey, famously known for movies such as ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) and ‘Baby Mama’ (2008), has carved out a successful career through her quick-witted humor. Her tenure on Saturday Night Live demonstrated her ability to act and write with equal proficiency, cementing her as a TV writing icon.

Tina Fey is responsible for producing and penning the hit series ’30 Rock’ from 2006 to 2013, offering a side-splitting perspective on what goes on behind the scenes of a sketch comedy show. Her scripts, brimming with sharp humor and eccentric characters, garnered numerous Emmy awards. Furthermore, she collaborated on ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ from 2015 to 2020, demonstrating that her talent for comedic writing remains as fresh and amusing as ever.

Donald Glover

In 2015’s ‘The Martian’ and 2017’s ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, Donald Glover dazzled the cinema screen. His captivating acting ability harmonizes beautifully with his innovative talent as both a writer and musician.

Glover developed and penned ‘Atlanta’ (2016-2022), an exclusive blend of comedy and drama that offers insights into the world of rap music. His screenplays deftly weave together humor, bizarre incidents, and societal observations, garnering him two Emmys. Remarkable episodes such as ‘Teddy Perkins’ demonstrate his knack for experimentation while maintaining viewer engagement.

Jason Segel

Jason Segel won over viewers in films such as ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ (2008) and ‘The Muppets’ (2011), where he was not only an actor but also a writer. His sincere and humorous portrayals suggest his knack for storytelling.

Jason Segel not only co-created but also penned the script for the peculiar 2020 TV series titled ‘Dispatches from Elsewhere’. This unique anthology revolves around strangers banding together to unravel a mystery. His writing style combines offbeat humor with profound emotion, resulting in a show that seems both innovative and intimately personal – much like his work in film.

Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari left a significant impression with movies such as “This Is the End” (2013) and “Epic” (2013). His comedic performances and acting are brimming with warmth and laughter, yet it is his writing that gives depth to his narratives.

Ansari played a significant role in creating and penning ‘Master of None’ (2015-2021), a series that delves into life, relationships, and culture with humor and sensitivity. His scripts address various topics such as dating and diversity in an authentic yet gentle manner, winning him an Emmy for the episode titled ‘Parents.’

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling showcased her talent in movies such as ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’ (2005) and ‘Inside Out’ (2015). Her lively acting style mirrors her ability to craft witty, down-to-earth humor.

Mindy Kaling is responsible for both developing and scripting the romantic comedy series “The Mindy Project” (aired from 2012 to 2017). This show followed the personal and romantic journey of a doctor. Her writing, brimming with humor and emotion, has also been instrumental in crafting stories for the series ‘Never Have I Ever’ (premiered in 2020 and running through 2023), capturing the attention of a vast audience.

Tom Hardy

In movies such as ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) and ‘The Revenant’ (2015), Tom Hardy dominates the screen with his powerful acting. The depth of emotion in his performances suggests a rich imagination, which he also uses to write.

In 2017, Hardy not only co-created but also wrote for the series ‘Taboo’, which is a historically grounded drama with a gritty edge. In this production, he portrays a relentless adventurer seeking vengeance. Alongside his father, Chips Hardy, he skillfully constructed a tale of darkness and suspense, demonstrating his versatility as a storyteller beyond acting.

Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton, famed for movies such as ‘Sling Blade’ (1996) and ‘Bad Santa’ (2003), delivers a palpable intensity in his acting performances. However, it is through his writing that he demonstrates an intricate grasp of character development and narrative structure.

Thornton played a significant role in developing and penning the script for ‘Goliath’, an intriguing legal series from 2016 to 2021. In this show, he portrayed a former lawyer struggling for redemption. His scripts are renowned for their exploration of multi-layered characters and ethical dilemmas, receiving acclaim for their richness and emotional resonance.

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2025-07-14 20:14