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

This platinum-haired schemer and scene-stealer often dressed head to toe in white and is as smart as he is smug.

From Salon

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

She’s a known scene-stealer, so remarkably adept in front of the camera that she can brighten up anything she’s in, even if it’s only for a second.

From Salon

She’s one of the best features in a smallish role in “Migration” and she’s an artful scene-stealer in “Panda 4.”

From Seattle Times

Olsen: You kind of had this niche of these really captivating, intriguing supporting roles and I’ve heard you say that you don’t like the phrase scene-stealer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• actor 
• performer www.thesaurus.com
• star