Best American Actor
I got schooled on the rules: actor does not include women, and of course Pete will someday do a show on who’s your favorite actress (yeah, right). Anyway, I said Forest Whitaker and George Clooney, though Clooney was just my safety pick because I knew Pete would only allow actors he personally would blow. Pete likes Johnny Depp.
So what do you think?
During the show, Pete had me give my douchey response, and I had said Ryan Reynolds and Jason Biggs. I really do not think that these two are the greatest living American actors.
I do enjoy some of the ones mentioned today during the show. No question that Depp is probably the best, but I do enjoy Clooney, Keaton and I believe Pete mentioned Jason Bateman. What do I know, though?… I’m constantly mad for mango’s!
Samuel L Jackson… he is in everything (playing Samuel L Jackson).
In all seriousness, I am a firm believer in James Earl Jones’ movies. He has the ability to make you believe the part he is playing.
I know it’s an obvious choice but I’m giving props to Robert Deniro, specifically his portrayal of Vito Corleone in the Godfather 2. Greatest movie ever
Gary Oldman because he’s so versatile and so engaging in everything he does.
Chica Reply:
May 6th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I hate to break it to you, but Gary Oldman is English.
Dane Cook
Just because i want to piss Pete off.
Wesley Snipes because the IRS are vampires.
Pete I have to disagree. And I’m not gay…far from it infact. But, Loenardo DiCaprio is a great actor, maybe not the best "living and working" today though, but hes toward the top. You can’t deny his role in Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, The Quick and the Dead, Gangs of New York, Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, The Departed and The Blood Diamond. He also has seven movies either in completion, filming, announced or post production. Give him credit. Hey I don’t like Barry Bonds but you can’t take away true talent.
Christ Killer Reply:
July 31st, 2008 at 4:05 pm
you left out, The Basketball Diaries which is an amazing performance.
My picks, ‘cuase I always have a back-up, would be Tom Hanks and Will Smith. Both of these guys show incredible versatility and true talent not displayed by many of our grneration’s actors.
Scott, You are right about DeCaprio. Even though he seems a bit of a "poof", sure he gets more ass than you, me, and P. Jiminy all together. He was spectacular in The Aviator as Howard Hughes. His best role in my humble opinion.
Don’t exclude Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. I just saw part of One Flew Over the Cuckoo"s Nest again and Nicholson was great. You can’t help but admire these two along with many of the aforementioned actors.
I just saw Sweeney Todd. I may have to say Depp as well. He is really the king of creepy characters. He makes dark fictional characters seem almost real.
How about Phillip Seymour Hoffman, plays a good role nearly every time.
todd Reply:
April 28th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Right on, Scott. He was fantastic in Charlie Wilson’s War. I loved that character.
Jodi Foster is light years beyond everyone else:)
MNM, Petes rules, actors not actresses, I know bummer.
Nobody mentioned Bill Murray. He’s done some crap movies, but I think some of his other movies make up for them. Also, Jason Bateman rocks.
Jimmy Stewart was good in just about every movie he made.
Gene Hackman has done like 3 or 4 movies a year for the last 3 decades, so if one measure by productivity, he’s up there!
Henry Fonda.
Jack Nicholson.
Dustin Hoffman.
EminemsRevenge Reply:
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
i didn’t know this include DEAD actors too…in that case DEFINITELY Fonda…his Tom Joad speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM0rb_kT9yE is SITLL one of the greatest scenes ever!!!
And of course you gotta throw in Bogart and Beluschi [if comedic acting counts]. Biggest letdown in the latter was Pryor…NONE of the movies he did truly captured his genius:(
I must object to your definition of “actor”.
The Oxford English dictionary states that “actor” refers to “one who acts.” Actor is not defined by gender. The word “actress” is a specific reference to the female gender, but does not derive from the Latin and the word was probably formed independently in English.
Although “actress” is still a commonly used word, I believe that an “actor” is a performer and performers should not be grouped by gender.
Additionaly, in my opinion the concept of THE BEST ACTOR is an oxymoron, a ripple in time and space, only determined by the quality of the roles offered to the performer and the effort the performer brings to the role.
I agree with Dee. Just because you are guys does not mean you all have to act like boys! Grow up!
Not sure who came up with the word actress but we do not gender specific other job titles. We do not call army soldiers who are female soldieresses! Why do it to actors?
I think people spend too much time thinking about gender and race. let it go. Why do so many people have to focus on stuff that does not matter. If titles and skin were important we would get to take it with us when we die.
We don’t and it stays here so it must not be important in the grand scheme of life!
Oops…well in that case, Clint Eastwood, for the same reasons as Jodi—they both direct and act…and pick damn good scripts too:)
Hey you lazy bastards…there’s TWO of you and this is STILL up…WTF!!!
i’m an indoor fieldnigger and still manage to post more than this
This was supposed to be an easy-going, light-hearted topic. Response # 17 and #18 shall be stricken from the record.
I’m going to vote for Robert Picardo as one of the greatest american actors.
Revolt: we need a new topic.
Todd Reply:
May 5th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I hope all is well with the BBB. What’s with the bloggy silence?
Meanwhile, check this out <a href=http://www.whatyououghttoknow.com/show/2008/04/28/an-open-mind/>An Open Mind</a>. There are loads of topics, but start with this one and move forward.
I hope all is well with the BBB. What’s with the bloggy silence?
http://www.whatyououghttoknow.com/show/2008/04/28/an-open-mind/
There are loads of topics, but start with this one and move forward.
I don’t know who schooled you on the rules Brian, but you may choose to trust your instincts next time. I am not Miss Politically Correct, but I have always been bothered by this. I am a woman, and I am an actor. Actor is not gender specific.
Best American male actors…Robert Duval Philip Seymour HoffmanRobert De Niro
Gene Hackman
I don’t know who schooled you on the rules Brian, but you may choose to trust your instincts next time. I am not Miss Politically Correct, but I have always been bothered by this. I am a woman, and I am an actor. Actor is not gender specific.
Best American male actors…Robert Duval Philip Seymour HoffmanRobert De Niro
Gene Hackman
at one time I would have instantly spouted Gary Oldman, but Depp has really grown over the years. Phillip Seymor Hoffman and Ed Norton (see primal fear) are also very talented actors.
In my opinion, the best american actor varies according to the generation. Having so many over the years makes it difficult to decide. One can judge the social impact or the box office profit. Since i am only 27 years old; i can only really judge with in a small time frame. Either Ed Norton or Johnny Depp are my choices. Agree or Disagree? You tell me.