What is the proper term for a female actor?

Question

Usually, female actors seem to be called 'actresses'. At the SAG awards, both men and women state, "My name is ____, and I am an actor".

Are both of these suitable, or is there one proper term?

Answer 1

I prefer actor. Sometimes people try to correct me but I just quote Whoopi Goldberg. She said, "An actress can only play a woman. I am an actor, I can do anything." It's the feminist in me!

Answer 2

Nowadays actor is the preferred term for both men and women. Actress is of course correct, but some feel it is sexist. So stick with actor.

Answer 3

Actress has fallen out of favor.
We are equal and referred to as actors.
This has been true for many years. It was started by a celebrity female actor, I don't remember her name.

Answer 4

Both are acceptable. Most people refer to female actors as "actresses".

Answer 5

I prefer Actress but it is political correct to say actor.

Answer 6

The politically correct term is "actor" for both sexes now.

Answer 7

It is better to have gender-neutral terms for jobs. People used to use words like "poetess" and "avatrix," meaning a woman who writes poems, or a woman who flys planes.

These words make it seem she's a woman first, and the job she does is secondary. Aviator does not come with the same baggage as avatrix.

Answer 8

The cultural context is for a general reference, you use the male. While I think this is insular, that's the way it is currently.