scene-stealer

American  

[seen-stee-ler] / ˈsinˌsti lər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of scene-stealer

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Rudy may have been the scene-stealer in the earliest seasons of the show, but Theo had the most heart, striving to live up to his parents’ high expectations while behaviorally overcompensating for his low grades.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2025

Braugher, who died on Monday at age 61, became a breakout scene-stealer in this series as Frank Pembleton, a Baltimore detective who acted as the squad’s frustrated moral center.

From New York Times • Dec. 13, 2023

She also was scene-stealer in season two of “Schmigadoon!”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 26, 2023

My other favorite choice is veteran scene-stealer John Lithgow as the adversary of Jeff Bridges’ ‘The Old Man.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2023

In that vein, “Fabelmans” scene-stealer Judd Hirsch could sneak in as part of a groundswell of support for the best picture front-runner.

From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2023

Related Words

• actor
• performer
• star