Men get to be a mixture of the charming mannerisms of the women they have known.
I remember opening my dad's closet and there were, like, 40 suits, every color of the rainbow, plaid and winter and summer. He had two jewelry boxes full of watches and lighters and cuff links. And just... he was that guy. He was probably unfulfilled in his life in many ways.
I think what makes a good actor's director is the same thing that makes a good director. Acting is just one of the trades necessary to make a movie.