scene-stealer

[ seen-stee-ler ]

noun

1. a performer in a play, motion picture, etc., who by charm, talent, or artifice, draws most of the audience's attention, often away from the leading performers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scene-stealer¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Check out Salon's interview with the stars, who discuss their current Swift era and what it was like meeting Donna Kelce . . . and the scene stealer known as Catrick Mahomes.

From Salon

Meanwhile, in the battle of the ‘Succession’ stars, I give Kieran Culkin the slight edge over ‘The Apprentice’ scene stealer Jeremy Strong.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Anatomy of Lies” is based on Vanity Fair’s “Scene Stealer” report in May 2022 that chronicled Finch’s ruse and how she climbed the ranks behind the scenes in the writers room.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite his lack of dialogue in “Breaking Bad,” Mr. Margolis proved a scene stealer from his wheelchair, his eyes bulging, his face trembling with rage, despite the nasal cannula pumping oxygen up his nose and his palm furiously banging his bell, taped to an arm of the chair, whenever he needed attention.

From New York Times

In the opening episode of Season 2 of And Just Like That …, there’s a scene stealer, and it’s not a dress or a celebrity: It’s a purse stool.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• actor
• performer
• star