Clint Eastwood on Actors Who Set the Gold Standard

When Clint Eastwood made the switch from being in front of the camera to calling the shots behind it, he found himself looking at his fellow performers in a whole new light. Having spent years as a leading man, Eastwood probably figured he was a pretty decent bloke to work with—easy-going, professional, and respectful. But stepping into the director’s chair, he soon realised that not every actor made life so simple for the crew.

There’s no shortage of tales from the film industry about stars who turn up unprepared, throw a wobbly, or cause chaos that drags out the day for everyone else. Some are notorious for their diva antics, costing the production heaps in overtime and frayed nerves. Others get so deep into their roles that they leave everyone, including the director, feeling a bit on edge. Only by directing did Eastwood get a real taste of how much hassle the wrong cast can bring to a set.

Discovering the Other Side of the Coin

Fortunately for Eastwood, he also got to see the best the acting world had to offer. One particular project in 1992 left a lasting impression on him, showing just how smooth things can run when you’ve got the right people on board. With his reputation, Eastwood could attract some of the biggest names in the business. For Unforgiven, he brought together Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman—two heavyweights who’d already earned plenty of respect for their craft and attitude.

Eastwood started out as usual, getting the cast together for rehearsals. But it didn’t take long for him to realise that the usual routine wasn’t needed. The story made the rounds, eventually reaching Matt Damon, who remembered,

“He said, ‘They each got one or two lines out, and I said – stop, just get the cameras in here right now.’”

Eastwood saw straight away that these two didn’t need any extra help. Damon recalled Eastwood saying,

“I never rehearsed again with either of them… They’re ready to go. They’re like thoroughbreds.”

Setting the Bar for Professionalism

It’s hard to think of anyone in the industry who commands more respect than Freeman or Hackman. Their reputation for being switched on and ready to work is second to none. For Damon, just hearing about their approach was enough to shape his own attitude on set. He took it as a lesson in what it means to be truly prepared, quoting Eastwood’s advice:

“When they show up at work, you have to be ready to go.”

That kind of work ethic is what sets the best apart from the rest. Eastwood’s experience with Freeman and Hackman became a benchmark, not just for him, but for anyone keen to make their mark in the industry. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smoothest productions come down to having the right people who know exactly what’s expected and are ready to deliver from the get-go.