From Marlon Brando's raw intensity to Audrey Hepburn's timeless beauty and grace, these performers shaped the industry. They left behind legacies that continue to inspire and entertain audiences today. Here are 25 of the best actors and actresses from the 20th century.
1. Marlon Brando
The first movie of Marlon Brando that I ever saw was Julius Caesar, where he played the amiable character of Mark Anthony, and I thought him strikingly good-looking. Known for his intense and brooding performances, Brando is considered one of the greatest actors ever.
2. Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn is one actress who completely rocks her roles. Critics have praised her for taking up complex parts and making the best of them. A trailblazer for women in Hollywood, Hepburn won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, the most by any performer.
3. Humphrey Bogart
A true icon of the noir genre, Bogart's, or Boggie's, tough-guy persona and calm demeanor made him one of Hollywood's biggest stars. His role in the film High Sierra was his breakthrough to stardom.
4. Meryl Streep
Widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, Streep has been nominated for a record-breaking 21 Academy Awards. She's the kind of actress who is not versatile in her role but also has accent adaptability.
5. James Stewart
Known for his everyman charm and likability, Stewart was one of Hollywood's most beloved actors. James is the actor every aspiring actor wants to be. Scott Eyman described him as an instinctive actor. Despite his shy off-screen personality, he was natural and at ease in front of the camera.
6. Bette Davis
Unarguably, Bette Davis is a true Hollywood legend. Her career spanned six decades. She was known for her intense and compelling performances. Directors had little work to do on her on set and always longed to have Davis star in their movies.
7. Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was a British actress, model, dancer, and humanitarian. She is known for her charming and elegant appearance, evident in her films, such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, and My Fair Lady. Her style and grace have made her an iconic figure in Hollywood and a beloved actress to this day.
8. Paul Newman
Paul Newman was an American actor, director, and producer. He is known for his roles in films such as Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. He was also known for his philanthropy work and founding Newman's Own, a food company that donates all its profits to charity.
9. Gregory Peck
Gregory Peck's performance in the popular film To Kill a Mockingbird and Roman Holiday has had him in the top list of actors by critics. He had a career that spanned over five decades. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor and was respected in Hollywood and beyond.
10. Ingrid Bergman
One thing I can tell you about Ingrid Bergman is that she was a stellar performer. With her natural beauty and captivating performances, Bergman became one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses, winning three Academy Awards and starring in classics like Casablanca and Notorious.
11. Spencer Tracy
Spencer Tracy was a consummate actor who won two Academy Awards for Best Actor for his Captain Courageous and Boys Town roles. He starred in many other classic films, including Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and Adam's Rib.
12. Elizabeth Taylor
Most are familiar with the name Elizabeth Taylor. Well, if you are in the category of those who don't, she was known for her beauty, talent, and turbulent personal life.
She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in Butterfield 8 and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? She starred in many other classic films, including Cleopatra and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She was a powerhouse!
13. Laurence Olivier
When they describe one as the “actor's actor,” you know what stuff they are made of. Laurence Olivier was a British actor who brought Shakespeare to the masses.
He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Hamlet. He starred in many other classic films, including Wuthering Heights and Spartacus.
14. Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo was a Swedish actress who captivated audiences with her natural beauty and emotional depth. She starred in many classic films, including Anna Karenina and Grand Hotel.
15. Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich was that one actress who defied convention with her androgynous style and powerful performances. She starred in many classic films, including The Blue Angel and Witness for the Prosecution, and was known for her iconic song “Falling in Love Again.”
16. Clark Gable
Sometimes, you lack words to describe someone phenomenal, and Clark Gable is surely that kind of actor. Known as the “King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable was a leading man who brought charm and charisma to his roles.
His winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in It Happened One Night was, of course, expected.
17. Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier was an American actor who broke down racial barriers in Hollywood with his dynamic performances. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field.
18. Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin was a comedic genius who revolutionized the film industry with his unique brand of comedy. He was phenomenal at combining writing, directing, and producing, yet he kept up with the list of best actors of the 20th century.
Judge for yourself after watching these classic films: The Kid, City Lights, and Modern Times.
19. Tom Hanks
It's impossible to find a person who dislikes Tom Hanks, as he's one of the best actors of our time, and with good reason.
With over five decades of acting under the belt, he's played every possible role you can imagine. From cowboy to astronaut to Elvis' manager. He's the human equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold night.
20. James Dean
James Dean was a cultural icon and one of the most promising actors of his generation. He starred in only three major films, East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. Still, his performances left a lasting impact on Hollywood.
21. Montgomery Clift
Montgomery Clift was a method actor who was known for his intense, brooding performances. Montgomery starred in films like A Place in the Sun and From Here to Eternity.
22. Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly was an American actress who became a princess when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Country Girl and also starred in classic films like Rear Window and To Catch a Thief.
23. Barbara Stanwyck
Barbara Stanwyck was known for her versatility with acting. She could practically play tough and vulnerable characters, switching in the blink of an eye. She was featured in many classic films, including Double Indemnity and The Lady Eve.
24. Cary Grant
Do you want to see a suave, sophisticated actor who epitomized the ideal leading man? Then watch Cary Grant perform! He starred in many classic films, including North by Northwest and Charade. His charm and charisma made him one of the most beloved actors of his time.
25. Judy Garland
Judy Garland was a talented actress and singer who captured hearts with her performances in classic films such as The Wizard of Oz and A Star Is Born. Her voice and spirit continue to inspire generations of fans today.
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Boloere Seibidor, fondly called B.S. is a Nigerian-based writer and poet. Her favorite topics to cover include music, especially Hip-Hop, film, lifestyle, and fashion. She's been published by Feral Journal, Fantasy Magazine, The Temz Review, and most notably, Wealth of Geeks. She enjoys romantic dinners, movie nights, and touring new sites. When she's not writing, she's delving back in time to the underground world of Hip-Hop, watching TikTok, or visiting the cinema.