character actor

British  

noun

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

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Example Sentences

"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

After “The Godfather” made him a movie star in his 40s, he remained a beloved character actor for half a century, adding “I love the smell of napalm in the morning” to the cultural lexicon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 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

The crowd ate downhome food cooked by character actor Wilford Brimley, who had flown in from Tennessee.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Not the best character actor unhung could have simulated the owlish ignorance in Cash’s face.

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