Who is the best classically trained actor of our time?

Answer 1

As others have answered, most classically trained actors that you will know have come from here in Britain. It's part of our heritage. The true "greats" are sadly no longer with us, which include
Sir Alec Guinness (my own personal favourite)
Lord Laurence Olivier
Sir John Gielgud
Richard Burton
Sir Ralph Richardson
Sir John Mills

Those still with us
Dame Maggie Smith
Sir Anthony Hopkins
Dame Judy Dench
Sir Ian Mckellen
Kenneth Branagh
Alan Rickman
Michael Gambon
Albert Finney
I could go on but really I suppose it comes down to your own personal taste.

Answer 2

I take exception to the remarks about Americans. The question stated nothing about ethnicity, the asker only asked our opinion as to which actor is the best classically trained of our time and my completely American opinion is Gary Oldman. I could care less what nationality an actor is, I care only for the work an actor does. The fact that Gary Oldman can melt into any role beautifully is something to behold. I even watched Dracula and endured watching Keanu Reeves because of him.

so there :-P

Answer 3

Theattre doc is only partially correct -- Americans may have a good answer or two, but probably less classically trained actors. Richard Chamberlain is good; unfortunately, the other good ones are either dead or British -- Orson Welles (American but dead), Johm Barrymore (also American and dead), Sir Lawrence Olivier (British and dead), Sir John Gielgud (British and dead), Emma Thompson, Joan Plowright, Maggie Smith. Ian McKellan, and Kenneth Branagh -- all British and alive, although Dame Maggie (Minerva Maghonagal) just barely, hope she lives to complete two more Harry Potter movies. However, with Richard Chamberlain, also include John Lithgow -- preacher in Footloose, Dick in Third Rock from the Sun and M. Butterfly on Broadway

Answer 4

There are so many that I admire. I think my choice would be Patrick Stewart. He was with the Royal Shakespeare Company for a long time before he ever got his role as Jean Luc Picard. I actually studied his methods of acting and I truly believe he has helped me. I was rehearsing a one man version of A Christmas Carol that he inspired me to take on. I couldn't do it, unfortunately because the college theater in my town has decided to do that show this year. I am going to audition even though I'm not a student anymore....lol. Good question!!

Answer 5

this is a really good question. I am afraid that Americans will not have a good answer. Of American actors, perhaps Richard Chamberlian.

Answer 6

Robert Downey Jr. :)