The Most Famous Shakespeare Actor Alive, Ranked

Choose the alive you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 9, 2024 07:16
Many enthusiasts of Shakespeare's work often engage in discussions about which actor delivers the most powerful and authentic performances of his timeless characters. Identifying the most famous living Shakespearean actor can illuminate trends in theatrical interpretation and help new audiences connect with these classic plays. Through this dynamic ranking, users are given a voice to express their preferences and see how their views compare with those of others. Casting your vote can also influence how new generations perceive Shakespeare's works, ensuring the continuing influence of his masterpieces in modern culture.

Who Is the Most Famous Shakespeare Actor Alive?

  1. 1
    63
    votes
    He is a world-renowned actor and has played numerous Shakespearean roles throughout his career. He is known for his portrayal of King Lear and Macbeth.
    Sir Ian McKellen in other rankings
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    He is a celebrated actor and director who has directed and acted in several Shakespearean adaptations. He is known for his portrayal of Henry V, Hamlet, and Macbeth.
    Kenneth Branagh in other rankings
  3. 3
    15
    votes
    She is a legendary actress who has played several Shakespearean roles in stage productions and film adaptations. She is known for her portrayal of Lady Macbeth and Titania.
    Judi Dench in other rankings
  4. 4
    15
    votes
    He is a highly respected actor who has played several Shakespearean roles, including Macbeth and Othello. He is also known for his portrayal of Prospero in The Tempest.
    The "Patrick Stewart" voice is a synthetic voice modeled after the distinctive vocal qualities of the actor Sir Patrick Stewart. It is known for its deep, resonant tone and authoritative yet warm delivery. The voice is often associated with great presence and gravitas, making it highly suited for a wide range of applications.
    • Naturalness: Highly natural and human-like voice production
    • Pitch: Deep and rich tone with a wide pitch range
    • Articulation: Clear and precise enunciation
    • Emotional range: Capable of conveying various emotions, from authoritative to compassionate
    • Versatility: Suitable for narrations, audio books, voice-overs, and other similar applications
    Patrick Stewart in other rankings
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Tom Hiddleston
    Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 2.0
    He is a talented actor who has played several Shakespearean roles, including Coriolanus and Prince Hal in Henry IV. He is also known for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
    Tom Hiddleston in other rankings
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    David Tennant
    Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0
    He is a versatile actor who has played several Shakespearean roles, including Hamlet and Richard II. He is also known for his portrayal of the tenth Doctor in Doctor Who.
    David Tennant in other rankings
  7. 7
    3
    votes
    Mark Rylance
    Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He is a highly respected stage actor who has won several awards for his performances in Shakespearean plays. He is known for his portrayal of Richard III and Olivia in Twelfth Night.
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    Derek Jacobi
    Kontrola · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He is a legendary actor who has played several Shakespearean roles, including Hamlet and Malvolio in Twelfth Night. He is also known for his portrayal of the Master in Doctor Who.
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    He is a highly respected actor who has played several Shakespearean roles, including Coriolanus and Richard III. He is also known for his portrayal of Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter film series.
    Ralph Fiennes in other rankings
  10. 10
    12
    votes
    Emma Thompson
    Elena Ternovaja · CC BY-SA 3.0
    She is a highly respected actress who has played several Shakespearean roles, including Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew. She is also known for her roles in films such as Sense and Sensibility and Love Actually.
    Emma Thompson in other rankings

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Ranking factors for famous alive

  1. Body of work
    The actor's repertoire of Shakespearean roles and the range of characters they have portrayed.
  2. Critical acclaim
    The recognition and positive feedback received from theater critics and scholars for their performances of Shakespearean roles.
  3. Popularity and audience appeal
    The actor's ability to draw large audiences and maintain a dedicated fan base.
  4. Awards and honors
    Recognition in the form of prestigious theater awards or nominations for Shakespearean performances.
  5. Versatility
    The actor's ability to successfully perform a variety of Shakespearean genres (comedies, tragedies, historical plays).
  6. Longevity and experience
    The actor's sustained presence in the theater industry and the number of years they have dedicated to performing Shakespeare.
  7. Artistic interpretation
    The actor's ability to bring a fresh and unique perspective to Shakespeare's works, injecting their own creativity and interpretation into their performances.
  8. Impact and influence
    The actor's contribution to the broader understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare through their performances and engagement with the works.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Shakespeare actor alive. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or life is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1388 views
  • 176 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each life once every 24 hours. The rank of each life is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous shakespeare actor alive

Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the greatest playwrights in history, and his works have been performed countless times across the globe. Many actors have taken on the challenge of bringing Shakespeare's characters to life, but only a select few have truly become synonymous with the Bard's work. From stage to screen, there have been numerous actors who have left an indelible mark on Shakespeare's plays. In this poll, we're asking the question: who is the most famous Shakespeare actor alive? It's a tough question to answer, as there are many talented actors who have given memorable performances of Shakespeare's iconic characters. However, we're excited to see who comes out on top in this poll, and to celebrate the actors who have helped to keep Shakespeare's legacy alive for generations to come.

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