Book Reviews (Commonwealth Union) _ We’ve all heard about writers who have published novels and become famous. Surprisingly, there are also quite a few people who become famous and THEN publish a book. Here is a list of 10 actors turned writers from the Hollywood Hills, complete with a list of novels you can add to your ever-growing reading list.
- Ethan Hawke
A two-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Ethan Hawke’s novels are spectacular reads. It also wouldn’t be surprising to hear that the actors’ novels tend to favour quieter plots with beautifully constructed characters.
Some of his novels include A Bright Ray of Darkness, Manhattan Story, The Hottest State, and Ash Wednesday.
- Hugh Laurie
Widely known as Dr House, this Emmy-winning actor has an incredible skill set under his belt, from acting to comedy to singing to writing. This British actor’s novel, The Gun Seller, features a conspiracy theory interlaced with terrorists, arms dealers, the CIA, and fast motorcycles. If you’ve been binge-watching House, this is your sign to check out the book to discover a different side to the cranky doctor with a walking stick.
- Lauren Graham
Fans of Rory and Lorelei gather around, because this Gilmore girl is a writer! The actress made her writing debut with Someday, Someday, Maybe, a mid-90s novel filled with charm and witty banter. She has also released several autobiographies since then – Talking As Fast As I Can: Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don’t Want To, and In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It.
- David Duchovny
This X-Files star is also an actor, writer, and musician, and has a Golden Globe award under his belt. He has written several well-received novels, including Miss Subways, Truly Like Lightning, The Reservoir, and Kepler. He has also written a poetry anthology titled About Time.
- Sidney Poitier
A Bahamian-American actor, film director, activist, and diplomat, Poitier has achieved an impressive number of accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Academy Award, the Kennedy Centre Honours, a Grammy Award, and several Golden Globes, among many others. He has authored several works, like Montaro Caine, This Life, and The Measure of a Man.
- Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne, a Disney child actress who starred in Shake It Up alongside Zendaya Coleman, has dived into the craze of young adult fiction and has published several novels, such as The Life of a Wannabe Mogul: Mental Disarray, Autumn Falls, and Autumn’s Wish.
- Sean Penn
Most known for playing intense lead roles in films, this award-winning actor, in addition to collecting awards left, right and centre, tried his hand at writing and has published bizarre satirical novels, titled Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff and Bob Honey Sings Jimmy Crack Corn. It’s intriguing enough that you would just have to see what it’s about!
- Gene Wilder
The Original Willy Wonka, who starred in the first adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel about truckloads of candy, Gene Wilder, has a serious number of books under his name, including Something to Remember You By, Gilda’s Disease, Kiss Me Like A Stranger and The Woman Who Wouldn’t.
- James Franco
Known for his roles in films such as The Interview, 127 Hours, Pineapple Express, and As I Lay Dying, James Franco has demonstrated his proficiency in writing. Some of his works include Palo Alto, Directing Herbert White, Actors Anonymous, Flip Side: Real and Imaginary Conversations with Lana Del Rey, and A California Childhood, among others.
- Tom Hanks
A well-established actor and filmmaker, Hanks is known for delivering spectacular performances in whatever role he plays. However, being one of the most recognised movie stars worldwide has not stopped him from dabbling in other professions. His two novels are named Uncommon Type and The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece, and are definitely worth checking out.
