The Most Influential Actors In Hollywood History: a blog about actors and their impact on the industry.
Actors are often thought to be less important than directors but this is not the case. The director may be the master of the film, but it takes a talented actor to bring the script to life. The most influential actors on this list have not only starred in some of the biggest movies of all time, but they have also paved the way for future generations of actors.
Some people only care about box office numbers and commercial success. However, there are many factors that make up an actor’s influence. Their influence can be measured by their performance and longevity, or by their ability to take risks and push boundaries within their roles.
All too often, popular movies with big budgets overshadow those that really test an actor’s limits. This list will highlight those that are known for taking chances in their roles rather than just cashing paychecks from big-budget blockbusters.
The Most Influential Actors In Hollywood History
Hollywood history is packed with actors whose talent and charisma has influenced the course of film-making, some more than others. But what makes one actor stand out from the crowd? What makes an actor influential?
Most obviously, their talent. A great actor can make any movie better, even if it is only a small part. They have the ability to bring life to a character and make them seem real. All great actors have this ability which they bring not only to their characters but also to the screen. Think of Marlon Brando in On The Waterfront or Al Pacino in Godfather Part II and you understand what I mean. Both actors were able to find depths to their characters that most other actors could not. They made those characters seem more human and therefore more believable, which meant that you felt more for them as they went through their exploits on screen.
But there is more to being influential than just having talent. An actor needs charisma as well as talent; an ability to enthral audiences with their mere presence on screen. Think of Bruce Lee in Enter The Dragon or Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible and you will see what I mean. Both actors had an energy about them that was undeniable and made
The Most Influential Actors In Hollywood History
How do you measure an actor’s influence? That is the question I found myself asking when I started this project. The answer was not at all straight forward and that was before I even had to decide on who would make the list.
It took me a little more than a week of research, rewrites, revisions and tough choices to narrow down the list from a preliminary 99 actors to the final 15. The first criteria for making this list was success (as measured by awards and box office results). The second criteria was impact (how big of a change did the actor bring about in Hollywood). As it turns out these two things are very closely related. To be successful in Hollywood an actor has to do something different, something unique, something special. And that is why these 15 actors made the list. They were successful because they found a way to stand out from their peers and they brought about change in Hollywood.
Hollywood is a town that requires talent, but also a bit of luck to become a star. For every Will Smith or Jennifer Lawrence, there are thousands of stars who worked hard, made great movies and TV shows, but were never able to become the breakout stars they deserved to be.
But it’s also a town that rewards actors with long careers. Some actors have been working for decades and have put together an unparalleled body of work, from the silent era all the way through today. There are some actors who have played so many iconic roles that we remember them for those parts more than anything else.
These are the most influential actors in Hollywood history, listed in order from the newest to oldest. The measure of influence is not just how many great works they’ve put together, but how much they’ve changed the course of Hollywood history by doing so.
Without further ado, here are the most influential actors in Hollywood history:
This list is not exhaustive, but it reflects the most notable actors that I think have had the most significant impact on Hollywood during their career and afterwards.
I will try to be as objective and fair as possible, although I know that some of my selections are bound to be controversial. In some cases, I have included actors that are still working today. I have also chosen not to include people who have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame because they are already very well known by the public and don’t need my help.
So here we go:
1. Jack Nicholson: The most popular actor in Hollywood history and one of the most influential as well. His roles in “The Shining”, “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”, “Batman” and many other films helped to establish him as an icon of cinema. His personality has transcended his work and made him a household name even among those who haven’t seen his movies.
2. Humphrey Bogart: This actor was a big star during the golden age of Hollywood (the 1930s through 1950s) and his persona helped define what it meant to be a “movie star”. His performances in films like “Casablanca”, “The Maltese Falcon” and “The
It’s common knowledge that the only reason Hollywood exists is because film is a visual medium. And who, more than the actors, provide that rich texture we all know and love? This blog seeks to pay tribute to the greatest gift to our eyes and ears:
The actor.
We will be examining the greatest actors in history, as well as providing a list of the best actors today. Additionally, we will be looking at what makes an exceptional actor, and how they can use their craft to make a difference in the world.
Finally, we will answer some of your questions about acting careers. How much do actors get paid? Where do I look for auditions? What do I need to do to prepare for an acting career? Should I go to school for acting?
We hope you enjoy this blog as much as we enjoy writing it!
Chaplin, the Little Tramp – Charlie Chaplin was a silent film actor and director. He is one of the most influential people in the history of Hollywood. His character “The Tramp” changed cinema forever and influenced countless actors after him.
Gable, the King – Clark Gable was an actor who rose to fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He signed a $1 million dollar contract with MGM and became one of the biggest stars in film history. His most famous role was Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind (1939).
Robinson, the Gangster – Edward G. Robinson was an actor known for playing gangsters and villains in films such as Little Caesar (1931) and Key Largo (1948).
Wayne, The Duke – John Wayne is considered by many to be one of the greatest actors ever. He starred in over 160 films, including True Grit (1969) and The Alamo (1960). He won an Oscar for his role in True Grit.
Keaton, The Great Stone Face – Buster Keaton was a silent film comic actor who appeared in more than 100 films from 1917-1965. He is best known for his deadpan expression which earned him the name “The Great
