by David Braybrooke

Created on: March 08, 2007   Last Updated: November 21, 2010

When I first read the topic I considered writing about politicians.  Many being great actors!  Or perhaps people in sales?  But why give them the victory by making them the 'best'?  So, to fit in with the typical line of this subject matter, let's plumb the talent pool of Hollywood thespians throughout the ages to attempt to come up with a short list of the very best actors in history.  So many to choose from and such a range of impressive and well-crafted talents!  My list of best actors, in no particular order:

~  Sir Lawrence Olivier:  A grand exponent of the Shakesperean tradition.  Born in England in the early 20th century, Lawrence garnered 14 Oscar nominations throughout his impressive career and really came in to his own as the first artistic director of the National Theatre of Great Britain. 

~  Sir Anthony Hopkins:  Surely the Olivier of his day!? Who could forget his stunning, nuanced performance as the sinister serial killer, Hannibal Lecter in the Oscar winning film 'The Silence of the Lambs'.  Tony Hopkins is a true thespian of the highest order.

~  Robert de Niro:  Such intensity and gravitas!  De Niro shined in such classics as 'Raging Bull' - the film he won an Oscar for and also the legendary 'Taxi Driver'.  His presence in the 'Godfather' series added to his C.V. of charismatic roles.

~  Marlon Brando:  Some say that Brando is the greatest actor of all time - his classic performance in 'On the Waterfront' stands as a timeless role of the silver screen. His leading turn in the original 'Godfather' cemented his reputation as one of the greats.

~  Jack Nicholson:  The ultimate showman and bad boy of cinema. One of only a handful of actors to have won three acting Oscars, Jack Nicholson shall be forever immortalised through his roles as the capricious Joker in Tim Burton's 'Batman' and for the creepy performance he delivered as the axe-wielding maniac in Stanley Kubrik's masterpiece, 'The Shining'.

~  Katherine Hepburn:  Queen Kate reigned supreme!  A nuanced and intelligent star, she holds the record for winning the most acting Oscars with four awards to her name.  Strong, determined and a classic feminist, Katherine Hepburn was renowned for her avoidance of attending awards ceremonies and public spectacles.

~  Bette Davis:  Beginning on Broadway and moving to Hollywood in the 1930's, Bette Davis was a strong-willed and feisty performer known for her wide range of acting credits across film, television and the stage.  With ten Oscar nominations and two wins, as well as a stint as being the first female president of the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Bette Davis was a true legend!

~  Ingrid Bergman:  An Academy favourite and fine screen performer!  Who could forget her incredible performance in the legendary 'Casablanca'?  Ingrid Bergman was a skilled and charismatic actor of the highest class.

~  Meryl Streep :  Sixteen Oscar nominations and countless unforgettable movie roles.  Meryl Streep is one of those rare Hollywood talents who is known for her dramatic roles as well as her many comedic turns.  She also possesses a remarkable singing voice and musical talent.

To add to the above lists one should really include a selection of the many fine stage performers who pre-date the age of cinema. There are so many to choose from so I shall simply tip my hat to the many grand exponents of the stageplay!  Bravo!

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