character actor

British  

noun

1. an actor who specializes in playing odd or eccentric characters

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Example Sentences

Whether it’s the senior analyst, the aging character actor, or the middling sports columnist at a financial newspaper, one must never underestimate a youthful competitor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

"I've always been a character actor and I like to submerge myself and try to be somebody else, that's part of the challenge," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Tom Noonan, a character actor and filmmaker known for playing villains in “Manhunter” and “The Last Action Hero,” died on Valentine’s Day.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

While his friends were among the era’s pre-eminent leading men, Duvall had significant roles himself, but became best known as a character actor in supportive yet unforgettable performances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

And this lantern-jawed 76 fellow might possibly be a character actor of high ability.

From Short Stories of the New America Interpreting the America of this age to high school boys and girls by Various