The Most Famous Actor to Have Ever Lived, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the actor you think is the most famous!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:02
Determining who stands as the most famous actor of all time can be a thrilling undertaking, uniting cinema enthusiasts around the globe. Each generation offers its luminaries, stars who have captivated audiences on silver screens, and whose legacy persists well beyond their years. This ongoing debate not only enriches our appreciation of cinematic history but also connects us through shared cultural touchstones.
By participating in this live ranking, users contribute to an actively shaped historical record, ensuring that their voices are heard in a constantly shifting landscape of opinions. As you engage with this list, your votes help illuminate not just the prevailing trends but also personal favorites. It’s a unique way to see how your tastes align with the global community.
Who Is the Most Famous Actor to Have Ever Lived?
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122votes
None visible/Paramount Pictures · Public domainWidely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, Marlon Brando's performances in movies like The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire have cemented his place in cinematic history.Marlon Brando in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Nebraska
- Position 2 of 10 in Most attractive man that has ever lived
- Position 4 of 10 in Most handsome Robin
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235votes
Strauss-Peyton Studio · Public domainKnown for his iconic character "The Tramp," Charlie Chaplin's contributions to the film industry as both an actor and director have solidified his status as a legend.Charlie Chaplin in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous comedian of all time
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous pantomime performer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous mime artist
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous poor person
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous homeless person
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous bow tie wearer
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316votesWith his iconic voice and tough-guy persona, Humphrey Bogart was a dominant force in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. His performances in films like Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon have become cinematic classics.
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410votesOne of the most iconic actresses of all time, Marilyn Monroe's beauty, talent, and tragic life have made her a cultural icon. Her performances in films like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes continue to captivate audiences today.Marilyn Monroe in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous old Hollywood actress
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person to have been kissed
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous blondes of all time
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous fashion icon
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous white person
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful Muse
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517votes
Trailer screenshot · Public domainThough his career was brief, James Dean's performances in films like Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden have made him a cultural icon. His tragic death at a young age only added to his legend.James Dean in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most attractive man that has ever lived
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person from Indiana
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in Indiana
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous rebels
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616votes
Paramount-photo by Bud Fraker · Public domainKnown for her grace, elegance, and timeless beauty, Audrey Hepburn was a beloved actress and humanitarian. Her performances in films like Breakfast at Tiffany's and Roman Holiday have made her an enduring cinematic icon.Audrey Hepburn in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful actress of all time
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Belgian
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous fashion icon
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful hands in the world
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person born in May
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous old Hollywood actress
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712votes
Al Pacino
Al PacinoWith his intense performances in films like The Godfather and Scarface, Al Pacino has become one of the most respected actors of his generation.Al Pacino is a highly successful American actor known for his powerful and intense performances. He has been active in the entertainment industry for over five decades and is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in cinema history.- Age: 81
- Birthdate: April 25, 1940
- Nationality: American
- Academy Awards: 1 (Best Actor - 'Scent of a Woman')
- Golden Globe Awards: 4
Al Pacino in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person from the Bronx
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Italian-American
- Position 6 of 10 in Most successful actor
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person from New York
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88votes
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep herselfWidely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time, Meryl Streep has won three Academy Awards and been nominated for a staggering 21. Her versatility and talent have made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.Meryl Streep is considered one of the most successful and highly acclaimed actors in the film industry. With a career spanning over four decades, she has garnered numerous awards and accolades for her exceptional talent and versatility. Streep is known for her ability to immerse herself in a wide range of complex characters, bringing them to life with remarkable depth and authenticity.- Number of Academy Award nominations: 21
- Number of Academy Award wins: 3
- Number of Golden Globe nominations: 32
- Number of Golden Globe wins: 8
- Number of Primetime Emmy Award nominations: 4
Meryl Streep in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous actress in America
- Position 2 of 10 in Most successful actor
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous cheerleader
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful elderly actress
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in New Jersey
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Cancer Zodiac sign
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98votes
Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0Robert De Niro
Robert De NiroWith his powerful performances in films like Raging Bull and The Godfather: Part II, Robert De Niro has become one of the most respected actors of his generation.Robert De Niro is an American actor, producer, and director. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, known for his intense performances and ability to fully immerse himself in his roles.- Date of Birth: August 17, 1943
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, United States
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 9.5 inches (1.77 meters)
- Film Debut: Greetings (1968)
Robert De Niro in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Robert
- Position 3 of 10 in Most successful actor
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous actor in America
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person from New York
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Italian-American
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous elderly actor
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105votes
U.S. Department of State · Public domainWith his impressive range and likable persona, Tom Hanks has become one of the most beloved actors of his generation. From Forrest Gump to Saving Private Ryan, his performances have captivated audiences for decades.The 'Tom Hanks' voice is a popular voice used in various media applications, known for its warm and friendly tone. It is named after the renowned American actor Tom Hanks, whose voice is widely recognized and admired.- Clarity: Clear and articulate
- Tone: Warm and friendly
- Emotional range: Versatile, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions
- Naturalness: Smooth and natural sounding
- Soothing: Creates a sense of calmness and comfort
Tom Hanks in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous actor in America
- Position 1 of 10 in Most successful actor
- Position 2 of 10 in Most loved celebrity
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beloved famous person
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Cancer Zodiac sign
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Santa
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Ranking factors for famous actor
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Box office successHow many blockbuster movies has the actor appeared in? How much money have those movies made at the box office?
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Critical acclaimHas the actor won any major acting awards like an Academy Award or a Golden Globe? Have they consistently received positive reviews from film critics?
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LegacyHas the actor had a lasting impact on the film industry? Have they influenced other actors, filmmakers, or film audiences?
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PopularityHow recognizable is the actor's face or name? Are they widely known and adored by fans around the world?
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VersatilityHas the actor demonstrated a wide range of acting ability by successfully playing a variety of roles and genres?
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LongevityHow long has the actor's career spanned? Have they made significant contributions to the film industry over a long period of time?
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Cultural impactHas the actor represented or influenced a particular culture or society through their work in film?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous actor to have ever lived. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or actor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1850 views
- 141 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each actor once every 24 hours. The rank of each actor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous actor to have ever lived
Background Information:
Acting has been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, and the film industry has produced some of the most iconic and memorable actors of all time. From the early days of silent films to the modern era of blockbusters, there have been countless actors who have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. But who is the most famous actor to have ever lived?
This is a question that has been debated by film enthusiasts and critics alike for years, and there is no definitive answer. Some might argue that it is Marlon Brando, widely considered one of the greatest actors of all time, while others might argue for more contemporary stars like Tom Hanks or Leonardo DiCaprio.
Ultimately, the answer to this question is subjective, as fame and popularity are constantly shifting and evolving. However, one thing is certain: the world of cinema has produced countless talented and unforgettable actors who will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
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