Famous American Actors Of The 20th Century
20th century cinema was all about advancements - technologically, emotionally, artistically and creatively. The era gave us some world-class classics that shall be revered and enjoyed for generations to come in the future centuries. These movies are monumental in all terms – some unforgettable performances, charismatic screen presence, perfect script, brilliant direction and top-notch editing. Be it ‘Casablanca’ or ‘It happened One Night’, ‘North by Northwest’ or ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’, ‘The Godfather’ or ‘The Searches’, ‘Top Hat’ or ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’, all of these movies and many more are today institutions in their own self. They beautifully portray the tradition and ethnicity of the bygone era, thus bringing out the historical and cultural context of the century. Though due credit for the same goes to the entire cast and crew of the films, one cannot ignore the hard work done by the actors in projecting the vision and making it a reality. Popularly called the face of cinema, American actors of the 20th century largely contributed in turning the fate of films with their inherent acting talent and their brilliant portrayal on screen. Today, it is hard to ignore the contribution made by Marlon Brando, Humphrey Bogart, James Stewart, John Wayne or Fred Astaire in the field of acting. Check this section and find out some of the famous American actors of the 20th century.
This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.
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1
Johnny Depp(Actor and Producer Best Known for His Role in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Film Series)
Birthdate: June 9, 1963
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Owensboro, Kentucky, United States
Johnny Depp is one of the most versatile and successful actors in Hollywood today. He wanted to become a musician and became actor by chance. The star of Pirates of the Caribbean film series is known for selecting challenging roles that have the potential to amaze both audience and critics.
2
Leonardo DiCaprio(One of the Highest Grossing Talented Actors in Hollywood Known for His Work in Biopics and Period Films)
Birthdate: November 11, 1974
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Leonardo DiCaprio is a name every movie lover reveres. An Oscar, a BAFTA, and 3 Golden Globes does not do justice to DiCaprio’s immensely skilful performances and his top-notch portrayals of addicts, historical figures and business tycoons. From epic dramas and romances to crime and political thrillers, DiCaprio has constantly left a mark in each of his films.
3
Ryan Reynolds(One of the Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time Known for His Role of 'Deadpool' in ‘Marvel’ Films)
Birthdate: October 23, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
The charismatic Canadian-American actor and film producer, Ryan Reynolds is best known for his work in Deadpool, Green Lantern and The Proposal. The talented star, who was once named by People magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive, has also featured in a music video, acted in a web series, lent his voice to animation films and successfully ventured into business.
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Birthdate: September 25, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
The charismatic, versatile and bankable American artist, Will Smith, tasted early success with rapping. A successful transition into films and television soon followed and made Smith a phenomenal success. With solid earnings, he has also frequently secured himself a place in the list of highest paid actors in world.
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Tom Cruise(One of the Highest-Grossing Box Office Stars of All Time)
Birthdate: July 3, 1962
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Syracuse, New York, United States
Actor-producer, Tom Cruise, is an international superstar, heartthrob of millions and is a recipient of numerous awards. The Mission: Impossible star has been one of the most bankable and versatile Hollywood actors since 1980s. Interestingly, he once aspired to be a priest but is now amongst the highest paid actors in the world.
6
Robin Williams(Actor & Comedian Best Known for His Roles in 'Mork & Mindy ', 'Popeye' and 'Good Will Hunting')
Birthdate: July 21, 1951
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: August 11, 2014
One of the finest comedians of all time, Robin Williams began his career as a stand-up comedian and soon moved to act in television and films. Though widely recognised for his comedic skills, the immensely talented Williams proved his versatility by taking up and successfully performing more serious roles in films like Good Will Hunting and The Fisher King.
Birthdate: April 4, 1965
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, United States
Robert Downey, Jr is an American actor who is best known for his performances in the movie Chaplin as well a in the Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes film series. The son of filmmaker Robert Downey, Sr, he entered the world of acting early, fought a successful battle with drug and alcohol addiction and proved his talent and versatility with his impressive body of work.
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Birthdate: December 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States
Counted among the most influential and powerful people in the American entertainment industry, Brad Pitt is an actor and film producer who has appeared in many big-budget productions. He was cited as the world’s most attractive man for several years. He is also involved in various philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors.
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Harrison Ford(One of The Highest-Grossing Actors in North America)
Birthdate: July 13, 1942
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
With an extensive career spanning six decades, veteran actor Harrison Ford is a major figure in Hollywood. The recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Cecil B. DeMille Award, he is one of the highest-grossing domestic box office stars of all time. Besides acting, he is a licensed pilot of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
Birthdate: November 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Uvalde, Texas, United States
Born into a family of mixed ancestry in Texas, actor Matthew McConaughey had an interesting childhood. He played sports as a young boy and aspired to become a lawyer. However, he ultimately changed course to venture into acting, a field where he was able to make a mark with his brilliant performances. He is also a producer.
Birthdate: October 28, 1974
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Award-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix is widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation. In his career of four decades, he has starred in numerous films playing characters that have become memorable. These include movies like Gladiator, Joker, Walk the Line and Her. The acclaimed actor is also a social activist, environmentalist, animal rights activist and producer.
12
Robert De Niro(One of the Best and Most Eccentric Actors of His Generation)
Birthdate: August 17, 1943
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Greenwich Village, New York, United States
Amongst the best actors of his generation, Robert De Niro is known for his exceptional method acting skills. His formidable acting talent has impressed audience and critics alike in movies like Mean Streets, The Godfather Part II and Meet the Parents. The talented actor has also been applauded for his directorial skills in A Bronx Tale and The Good Shepherd.
Birthdate: January 7, 1964
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States
Counted among the top movie stars in the late 1990s, actor Nicolas Cage continues to be a key figure in Hollywood. In a career spanning around four decades, he has appeared in a variety of mainstream films. The recipient of numerous awards, he has won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe among others. He often donates to charities.
Birthdate: August 18, 1952
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Died: September 14, 2009
Patrick Swayze, the American actor, dancer, singer and songwriter, was very popular during the 1980s. His movie the ‘Dirty Dancing’ catapulted him to stardom. Ghost was another of his hit films. Swayze died in September, 2009, at the age of 57 due to pancreatic cancer. His final role was that of a FBI Agent in the television series ‘The Beast’.
15
Liam Neeson(Starred as Oskar Schindler in 'Schindler's List')
Birthdate: June 7, 1952
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Ballymena, Northern Ireland
The recipient of multiple awards, actor Liam Neeson has been ranked among the '100 Sexiest Stars in Film History'. One of the highest-grossing actors of all time, he first rose to prominence in the 1990s with his title role in the epic drama film Schindler's List. Since then, he has appeared in many other critically acclaimed films.
16
Denzel Washington(One of the Most Profound Actors Best Known for His Academy Award Winning Movie 'Training Day')
Birthdate: December 28, 1954
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Mount Vernon, New York, United States
Actor, director, and producer, Denzel Washington, is famous for portraying strong real-life characters like anti-apartheid activist, Steve Biko, and human rights activist, Malcolm X, in films. Well-built and ruggedly handsome, he became the first black star to be named the Sexiest Man Alive in 1996.
17
Al Pacino(One of the Few Actors To Achieve the 'Triple Crown of Acting')
Birthdate: April 25, 1940
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: East Harlem, New York, United States
Considered one of the greatest actors, Al Pacino gained wide acclaim and recognition for his portrayal of Michael Corleone in the movie, The Godfather in 1972. He’s been a part of many successful and iconic films and won an Oscar for playing a blind military veteran in the movie Scent of a Woman. Pacino has three children, but has never been married.
18
Matt Damon(One of the Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time)
Birthdate: October 8, 1970
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
One of the biggest Hollywood stars of his time, Matt Damon is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time. Saving Private Ryan, The Talented Mr Ripley, The Martian and The Departed are some of his notable films. He has also been part of the highly successful Bourne franchise and the Ocean's trilogy.
Birthdate: December 21, 1948
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Actor and producer, Samuel L. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most popular actors of his generation. A highly prolific actor, he has appeared in over 150 films and is especially known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films. Besides acting, he has voiced for several animated films, television series, and video games.
Birthdate: May 6, 1961
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Multiple award winning actor, producer, writer and director, George Clooney rose to fame with a medical drama ER and has since then established himself as a bigtime star with movies like Syriana, Good Night, and Good Luck and Ocean's Eleven trilogy. The living legend is also known for his humanitarian work and support to numerous social and political causes.
21
John Wayne(A Popular Icon During Hollywood's Golden Age)
Birthdate: May 26, 1907
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Winterset, Iowa, United States
Died: June 11, 1979
Famous for his roles in Western films in the mid-20th century, actor John Wayne was among the top box office draws for three decades. In a career spanning over half a century, he starred in 142 motion pictures. Upon his death, he came to be recognized as “an enduring icon who symbolized and communicated American values and ideals.”
Birthdate: November 17, 1944
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Neptune Township, New Jersey, United States
An award-winning actor, Danny DeVito overcame a rare genetic disorder called Fairbank's disease to become an influential figure in the American film industry. Along with Michael Shamberg, he founded a production company called Jersey Films, which went on to produce films like Pulp Fiction. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.
23
Jack Nicholson(The Most Nominated Male Actor in the History of Academy Awards)
Birthdate: April 22, 1937
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Neptune City, New Jersey, United States
From being a stage and B movie actor, Jack Nicholson went on to become one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors and a huge star. The three time Academy award winning legendary actor has, in his six decades career, delivered performances that have become iconic. His notable performances include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and As Good as It Gets.
24
Jamie Foxx(Best Known for His Portrayal of Ray Charles in the Biopic 'Ray')
Birthdate: December 13, 1967
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Terrell, Texas, United States
Actor, singer-songwriter, and comedian, Jamie Foxx became internationally famous for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biographical film Ray, a role that earned him an Academy Award. He is also known for hosting his own television sitcom, The Jamie Foxx Show. Besides acting, he is also a Grammy Award-winning musician who has released four albums.
Birthdate: January 3, 1956
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Peekskill, New York, United States
Actor and director, Mel Gibson is famous for action films like Lethal weapon. His directorial venture, Braveheart, in which he acted too, won him the Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. However, his alcoholism issues, drunken driving arrest and his anti-Jew statements landed him in trouble due to which he took a hiatus from Hollywood for a decade.
26
Marlon Brando(One of the Most Influential Actors of the 20th Century)
Birthdate: April 3, 1924
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Died: July 1, 2004
One of the greatest movie actors of all time, heartthrob of millions of women around the world, and a cultural icon, who had immense influence on actors of future generations, there are very few like Marlon Brando. In a career spanning six decades, Marlon Brando delivered critical and commercial successes in movies like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather.
27
Michael Douglas(One of the Most Popular and Critically Acclaimed Actor of His Generation)
Birthdate: September 25, 1944
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
One of the most decorated American actors, Michael Douglas is popular for playing a variety of roles. Apart from acting, Michael Douglas has received attention for his political activism and humanitarianism. A cancer survivor, Douglas serves as an inspiration to those suffering from the disease; he recovered from stage IV tongue cancer.
Birthdate: January 18, 1955
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lynwood, California, United States
Actor, film director, and producer, Kevin Costner, is a much-decorated Hollywood with two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards to his name. Even though he never dreamed of a career in films as a youngster, fate ultimately led him to Hollywood where he made a successful career. He is also a singer in a country rock band.
Birthdate: January 26, 1925
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Shaker Heights, Ohio, United States
Died: September 26, 2008
One of the most celebrated actors of the 1960s and 1970s, Paul Newman was a multi-faceted man. Apart from winning acting accolades, such as the Academy Award, he had also won many championships as a driver as part of the Sports Car Club of America. Also known for his philanthropy and political activism, Newman founded many nonprofit organizations.
Birthdate: December 3, 1968
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Brendan Fraser is the quintessential comical action hero of Hollywood. As a result of the stunts performed by him in movies, he has had to undergo many surgeries, including a laminectomy and partial knee replacement. He is also a successful amateur photographer and serves on the board of directors for a non-profit humanitarian organization called FilmAid International.
Birthdate: February 8, 1931
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Marion, Indiana, United States
Died: September 30, 1955
Best remembered for his role in the film, Rebel Without a Cause, actor James Dean was a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment. Despite having a difficult childhood, he was an exceptional student. He began acting as a young man and was quite successful. Sadly, he was killed in a car crash at the young age of 24.
Birthdate: January 17, 1931
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Arkabutla, Mississippi, United States
A veteran actor with a career spanning more than seven decades, James Earl Jones has been described as "one of America's most distinguished and versatile" actors. He initially aspired to be a doctor but fate had other plans for him. He began his career as a stage actor and soon joined films as well.
Birthdate: August 31, 1949
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Richard Gere's performance in the movie American Gigolo cemented his position as a sex symbol in the 1980s. He also established himself as a leading man, becoming one of Hollywood's most bankable and popular actors during the '90s. One of the most dedicated actors, he learned karate for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman and tap dance for Chicago.
Birthdate: March 31, 1943
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Astoria, New York, United States
Christopher Walken is one of the highest-grossing American actors as his films have generated over $1 billion in the US alone. He has a unique distinction of appearing in over 100 films and TV programs. A man of many talents, Christopher Walken is also known for his comedic, singing, screenwriting, directing, and dancing skills.
Birthdate: August 18, 1936
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, United States
Charles Robert Redford Jr. is a retired actor, activist, and director. He is credited with founding the Sundance Film Festival and was named in Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world in 2014. For his contributions to arts, Charles Robert Redford Jr. was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
36
James Stewart(Ranked 3rd on the List of 'Greatest American Male Actors')
Birthdate: May 20, 1908
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Indiana, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: July 2, 1997
Best known for his everyman screen persona, James Stewart was ranked third in the greatest American male actors list published by the American Film Institute (AFI) in 1999. During his 55-year acting career, he displayed strong morality both on and off the screen, as a result of which he epitomized the ideal American man of the 20th century.
37
Kirk Douglas(17th-greatest male star of Classic Hollywood cinema)
Birthdate: December 9, 1916
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Amsterdam, New York, United States
Died: February 5, 2020
The quintessential American action hero of the 1950s, Kirk Douglas remained one of the most bankable stars of Hollywood throughout the decade. Regarded as one of the greatest actors of classic Hollywood cinema, Kirk Douglas was a man of many talents. Also known as a writer and philanthropist, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981.
Birthdate: June 20, 1952
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Affton, Missouri, United States
Regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation, John Goodman has contributed to the success of many films and TV series over the years. He has also had a major impact as a humanitarian by appearing in many recovery commercials post-Hurricane Katrina. Once an alcoholic, Goodman has stayed sober since 2007, thereby inspiring many people struggling with alcoholism.
39
Cary Grant(One of the Leading Men of Classic Hollywood)
Birthdate: January 18, 1904
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Horfield, Bristol, England
Died: November 29, 1986
Considered one of the greatest actors ever, Cary Grant’s good looks, popular appeal and a knack for romantic comedy made him an enduring Hollywood star from the 1930s to the 1960s. Penny Serenade, An Affair to Remember, To Catch a Thief, North by Northwest and Charade are some of his classic films. He was bestowed an honorary Oscar in 1970.
Birthdate: December 4, 1949
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Considered one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Jeff Bridges is known for his natural acting and his versatility. He has starred in acclaimed films like Fat City, Starman, Tron, Jagged Edge, Fearless, Against All Odds, The Big Lebowski, True Grit and Hell or High Water. He received a Best Actor Oscar for the 2009 film Crazy Heart.
Birthdate: September 15, 1946
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: San Saba, Texas, United States
Veteran actor and filmmaker, Tommy Lee Jones, has had a career spanning over half a century. he has played many notable roles onscreen and is especially known for portraying real-life characters like businessman Howard Hughes. He has won an Academy Award for his performance in the movie, The Fugitive. Tommy Lee Jones is an inductee to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Birthdate: August 18, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Amongst the most talented actors of his generation, Edward Norton won a Golden Globe Award for his debut film Primal Fear. The formidable actor later went on to work in movies like The Illusionist, The Incredible Hulk, The Birdman and American History X. Norton ventured into film direction with Keeping the Faith. He also supports various environmental and social causes.
Birthdate: February 20, 1927
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, United States
Died: January 6, 2022
Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor who became the first Afro-Bahamian and Black male actor to receive an Oscar for Best Actor in 1964. In 2009, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His life and work inspired a couple of documentary films, including the 2008 film Sidney Poitier, an Outsider in Hollywood.
Birthdate: February 1, 1901
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cadiz, Ohio, United States
Died: August 16, 1960
Popularly known as The King of Hollywood, Clark Gable appeared as a leading man for 30 years in an acting career that spanned 37 years. One of the most bankable Hollywood stars in the history of American cinema, Clark Gable was named in the greatest male star of classic American cinema list published by the American Film Institute.
Birthdate: July 23, 1967
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Fairport, New York, United States
Died: February 2, 2014
Philip Seymour Hoffman played distinctive supporting and character roles and is considered to be one of the greatest actors of his time. Some of his notable films are Scent of a Woman, Twister, The Big Lebowski and Magnolia. His lead role in the film Capote won him an Oscar for the Best Actor. He died of combined drug intoxication.
46
Dwayne Johnson(One of the Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time & One of the World's Highest-Grossing Actors)
Birthdate: May 2, 1972
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hayward, California, United States
A renowned former wrestler with numerous titles under his belt, Dwayne Johnson initially wanted to be a football player but an injury turned him towards wrestling. He soon entered the world of acting, experienced phenomenal success in television and films and became the highest earning male actor in the world.
Birthdate: November 29, 1964
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Don Cheadle is best known for his Academy Award-nominated performance as Paul Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda and as War Machine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has been a UN ambassador for environment and has won the BET Humanitarian Award for his efforts to end genocide in Rwanda and Darfur.
Birthdate: August 8, 1937
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
One of the most respected and decorated actors of his generation, Dustin Hoffman is the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors Award and AFI Life Achievement Award among many other prestigious awards. As a cancer survivor, Dustin Hoffman also serves as an inspiration to many people suffering from cancer.
Birthdate: April 5, 1916
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: La Jolla, California, United States
Died: June 12, 2003
American actor Gregory Peck was one of the most famous movie stars between the 1940s and the 1960s. In 1999, Gregory Peck was ranked 12th in the Greatest Male Stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema list published by the American Film Institute. Also known for his humanitarian efforts, Gregory Peck was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969.
Birthdate: November 29, 1976
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Anderson, South Carolina, United States
Died: August 28, 2020
A versatile actor and an inspiration for a generation of black youths, Chadwick Boseman is best remembered for portraying notable real life black figures like Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall and James Brown in their biopics. His excellent performance in Black Panther, though, turned him into a household name.