What do you look for in an actor? That is, when you see a play or movie, what is it that makes an actor great?

Answer 1

For me, believability is what I look for. I don't want to see someone acting, I want to see the person really getting into the character and having me feel as though I'm "seeing" the real thing. I don't like watching something and the actor is overacting (or underacting). It's so hard watching someone put-on and be so fake.

Answer 2

Often a great actor is simply a person who fits a role. So even Madonna and Keanu Reeves have been perfect in some roles.

Great stars are those people who you identify with when they are in a movie, rather than their character.

Great actors are those who can do many different roles and make you forget the actor and take an interest in the character.

Answer 3

To me, the secret to good acting is when you forget you are watching a movie or play. They make you so absorbed in the story all you can think about is what happens next, you don't even see them as an actor anymore for those short few minutes or hours. Even if you've seen them many other times before.

Answer 4

there can be differences between theatre actors and movie actors. there are those who can act in a film but then can't act on stage to save their life and there are those who can.
a great actor on stage will be one who can make the character his or her own and will make the audience believe that he/she is the actual character and not just playing the part. the actor will be able to show a wide range of emotions and they would be believable emotions. voice projection and speech is also an important factor, and if you know what you are looking for then it is easy to pick up good breath control.

Answer 5

A great actor is an actor who takes great risks in performance. Someone who "walks the tightrope," and understands that a performance can only succeed mightily to the extent that the actor is willing to fail utterly while attempting something grand.

Other respondents here have referred to honesty and believability in performance, and, of course, that's part of it. But, beyond truthfulness in playing, the great actor takes every opportunity to REVEAL something of his/her essential nature, even if what's being revealed isn't one of their more pleasant aspects.