A History of Actresses Turned Music Video Directors

Image via Complex Original

Regardless of Scarlett Johansson's reputation as one of the sexiest starlets in Hollywood, the actress has been the target of some criticism, for everything from her singing career to her relationship with Sean Penn. However, with her foray into the world of music video directing, there's little to poke fun at. The video she recently directed for childhood friend Jessie Baylin's clip, "Hurry Hurry," is actually watchable. Scarlett may have found her second talent after all. She's in good company too, considering these actresses turned music video directors who came before her.

RELATED: Green Label - 10 Best Music Video Directors of All Time

NIA LONG

Directed video for: Ashanti "Baby" (2002), Yolanda Adams "This Too Shall Pass" (2005)
Nia starred in Ashanti's music video for "Baby," and she's also credited as the director alongside Irv Gotti. Later, the acting veteran, who got her big break with Boyz N The Wood, continued to dabble in the music industry, appearing in Kanye's video for "Touch the Sky" and taking on directing duties for Yolanda Adams' "This Too Shall Pass."

SALMA HAYEK

Directed video for: Prince ft. Mia Maestro "Te Amo Corazon" (2005)
The Purple One called up the Latina actress to helm the video for the Spanish-titled single. Years later, Prince propositioned Hayek in his song "Valentina," also the name of Hayek's daughter.

KERRY WASHINGTON

Directed video for: Common "I Want You" (2007)
Although Common and Kerry never confirmed their romance, there is one bond between them that is irrefutable. The actress, who is starring in Quentin Tarantino's highly anticipated Django Unchained, co-directed and starred in the rapper's music video for "I Want You" back in 2007, around the same time there was speculation about her more intimate connection to the Chicago MC.

JOEY LAUREN ADAMS

Directed video for: Dashboard Confessional "Belle of the Boulevard" (2009)
As one of of Kevin Smith's muses, Joey Lauren Adams got her start in classic comedies like Mallrats and Chasing Amy, and later went mainstream debut in the Adam Sandler's box-office smash, Big Daddy. Her acting career has dwindled since the early 2000s, but she's gotten it in behind the lens, directing Dashboard Confessional's "Belle of the Boulevard" in 2009.

SHANNYN SOSSAMON

Directed video for: Warpaint "Undertow" (2010)
Shannyn first gained notice in 40 Days and 40 Nights and recently ended her run on the canceled How to Make It in America. She keeps a low-key profile, but the girl puts in work. The model, DJ, actress and former drummer for Warpaint, directed a psychedlic video for the band's single, "Undertow."

NIKKI REED

Directed video for: Sage "Edie Sedgwick" (2010)
At the age of 15, Nikki co-wrote and starred in the controversial feature film Thirteen, about two middle school students spiraling into a world of sex and drugs. At 21, she directed her first music video for her good friend Sage while she was in London. Reed has plans to direct another video for indie rock band 100 Monkeys, of which her Twilight co-star Jackson Rathbone is the frontman.

DREW BARRYMORE

Directed video for: Best Coast "Our Deal" (2011)
She started acting at 11 months old, launched her own production company Flower Films in 1995, and made her directorial debut with Whip It in 2009. Naturally, she decided to give music videos a shot. In August 2011, the child star turned mini mogul filmed the video for Best Coast's "Our Deal," and enlisted young actors Miranda Cosgrove, Chloe Moretz, Tyler Posey, Donald Glover, Shailene Woodley and Alia Shawkat to star in it.

REGINA KING

Directed video for: Kelly Price "Not My Daddy" (2011)
If you know Regina King's past, it's easy to see its influence on this music video. Having gone through a rough divorce in 2006 where she cited "physical abuse, drug use, and extramarital affairs," a song  about personal redemption and self-empowerment seems appropriate. The Southland actress also has ambitions to direct her own feature film.

SAMANTHA MORTON

Directed video for: The Kills "Last Goodbye" (2012)
Oscar-nominated actress Samantha Morton stepped behind the camera to direct The Kills' video for "The Last Goodbye," a celebration of the band's ten year anniversary. The British star directed her first movie, The Unloved, in 2009.

SCARLETT JOHANSSON

Directed video for: Jessie Baylin "Hurry Hurry" (2012)
The actress, who already made her mark in music with Break Up, a collaborative album with Pete Yorn, decided to explore directing for her friend Jessie Baylin's New York-set music video, "Hurry, Hurry." This isn't the first time Johansson has been able to channel her inner Woody Allen, a personal hero of hers. She filmed a segment for 2009 film, New York, I Love You, although her segment was eventually cut from the final product.