character actor

British  

noun

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

character actor

A career character actor, Madigan has only been nominated for an Oscar once before, in the same category for 1985’s “Twice in a Lifetime.”

From Salon ● Mar. 16, 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

More character actor than leading man, he could be relied upon to inject a feisty, fiery machismo and a cantankerous contrariness into the most mainstream Hollywood offering.

From BBC ● Feb. 16, 2026

In this onerous undertaking he was favoured by an unexpected improvement in his position, for he obtained a remunerative, respectable, and permanent engagement, as a character actor, at the newly established Court Theatre in Dresden.

From My Life — Volume 1 by Wagner, Richard