Top 50 Legendary White Actors Of All Time

Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, Daniel Day-Lewis has earned three well-deserved Academy Awards for Best Actor.

Remarkably, he stands alone in cinema history as the only actor to win three Oscars in this prestigious category.

His legendary commitment to his craft extends to remaining in character throughout the filming of each role, a method that has profoundly influenced Hollywood standards.

With such dedication, it comes as little surprise that he has set new benchmarks for excellence among performers.

It is worth noting that following the acclaimed release of "Phantom Thread" in 2017, Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting, leaving an indelible legacy.

Clinton Eastwood made his screen debut with an uncredited role in the 1955 film Revenge of the Creature. Over the years, he has become known as one of the most accomplished and versatile talents in Hollywood.

He gained early recognition through his performance in the television series Rawhide, which paved the way for his breakthrough as the iconic "Man with No Name" in Sergio Leone's legendary Dollars trilogy.

Celebrated as a cultural symbol of masculinity, Eastwood has directed numerous critically acclaimed films, including Unforgiven, The Bridges of Madison County, Sully, Changeling, Million Dollar Baby, and Gran Torino.

Notably, he has also starred in several of these acclaimed projects, further cementing his status as a cinematic legend.

Leonardo DiCaprio began his acting career at the remarkably young age of five, establishing early on that he was destined for greatness on screen.

Renowned for his compelling performances, especially in biographical films, DiCaprio earned an Oscar for Best Actor for his gripping role as Hugh Glass in The Revenant.

Throughout his career, DiCaprio has starred in numerous box office hits such as Romeo and Juliet, Titanic, Inception, The Aviator, The Revenant, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

His outstanding talent has garnered him a multitude of awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and many more nominations and honors.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was renowned for his ability to deliver subtle, deeply moving performances that left a lasting impact on audiences.

He began his screen career with an appearance on the television show Law & Order in the early 1990s, marking the start of an impressive journey.

Throughout his career, the late actor became known for taking on a wide range of supporting roles, excelling both on stage and in film.

Hoffman received widespread critical acclaim for his performances in acclaimed features like Scent of a Woman, Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, Almost Famous, and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

His exceptional talent was recognized with an Academy Award for Best Actor for his unforgettable role in Capote.

Renowned for his masterful use of Method acting, Jack Nicholson has brought some of cinema’s most intense and unforgettable characters to life. Over his extraordinary five-decade career, Nicholson has left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his powerful and dedicated performances.

Nicholson stands out as one of the few actors who has earned an Academy Award nomination in every decade from the 1960s through the early 2000s. This achievement is a testament to both his versatility and lasting impact on the film industry.

Throughout his career, he has taken on a remarkable variety of roles, though he is especially celebrated for portraying authoritative figures and characters with a razor-sharp sense of humor.

Jack Nicholson's rise to international stardom was fueled by his iconic roles in classics such as Easy Rider, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Chinatown, The Shining, Batman, A Few Good Men, As Good as It Gets, and The Departed.

With twelve Oscar nominations, he holds the record for the most nominations for a male actor in Academy Awards history. He has won the Best Actor award twice—once for his groundbreaking role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and again for his memorable performance in As Good as It Gets in 1997.

Sean Penn began his career as a teenager with an appearance on the classic television series Little House on the Prairie.

Penn is renowned as an actor, director, screenwriter, and producer, consistently showcasing his exceptional talent across the film industry.

He made his feature film debut in Taps and has since earned two Academy Awards: one for his riveting performance in Mystic River and another for his role in the biopic Milk.

Rising to prominence, Penn became a major Hollywood leading man through standout roles in films such as Bad Boys, At Close Range, and Carlito's Way.

His impressive filmography also includes acclaimed titles like State of Grace and Dead Man Walking, further cementing his legendary status.

Tom Hanks stands as one of the most accomplished actors ever to grace the silver screen, with a career celebrated worldwide.

Renowned for his remarkable versatility, Hanks has captivated audiences with his unforgettable performances across a wide variety of roles in film history.

He is best known for starring in beloved classics such as Big, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, and Saving Private Ryan.

Thanks to his warm demeanor and affable nature, Hanks often embodies uplifting or hopeful characters—roles that frequently cast him as the eternal optimist or the good guy triumphing against adversity.

His exceptional talent has earned him two Academy Awards for Best Actor: one for Philadelphia and another for Forrest Gump.

Far from slowing down, Hanks continues to impress with standout performances in recent films like Elvis and A Man Called Otto.

Moreover, he both starred in and wrote the screenplay for the gripping war drama Greyhound, solidifying his reputation as a creative force in Hollywood.

Sir Anthony Hopkins, inspired by the legendary Richard Burton, has established himself as one of cinema's most gifted actors.

Remarkably, he became the oldest recipient of the Best Actor Oscar for his powerful role as a father battling aging and dementia in 2020's The Father, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Throughout his illustrious career, Hopkins has delivered countless memorable performances. However, his unforgettable portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs stands out, leaving a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.

Robert De Niro began his film career with an uncredited appearance in the 1965 movie "Three Rooms in Manhattan."

Since then, he has become widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors to ever appear on the silver screen.

De Niro is celebrated for his portrayal of tough, complex characters infused with both depth and charm, yet he has also demonstrated his skill in comedic roles that highlight his versatility.

Known for his remarkable ability to fully embody his characters, it's no wonder he has earned two Academy Awards for acting.

He won Best Supporting Actor for playing Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s crime masterpiece "The Godfather Part II." Later, he took home the Best Actor award for his intense performance as a troubled boxer in Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull."

In 2023, the legendary actor was featured as William King Hale, a wealthy cattleman involved in the Osage Indian murders, in Martin Scorsese's acclaimed film "Killers of the Flower Moon."

That same year, De Niro also appeared in the comedy film "About My Father" and the television series "Nada."

Kevin Spacey began his career on stage in the early 1980s, quickly transitioning to notable roles in both film and television.

He first rose to prominence with his masterful performance in The Usual Suspects, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role.

Spacey further cemented his status as a leading actor by winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his outstanding portrayal in the drama film American Beauty.

Over the years, he has showcased his talent in acclaimed projects such as Seven, L.A. Confidential, Pay It Forward, Baby Driver, and the series House of Cards.

Robert Duvall's illustrious career in acting has spanned more than seven decades, making him a truly enduring presence in Hollywood.

He has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, four Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Duvall began his journey in the world of theater before transitioning to film and television roles throughout the 1960s, quickly establishing himself as a versatile performer.

Audiences have recognized him for his memorable performances in iconic titles such as M*A*S*H, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, Tender Mercies, Days of Thunder, and The Judge.

Dustin Hoffman is a remarkably versatile actor whose legendary career spans more than five decades in the entertainment industry.

Hoffman first rose to prominence with his iconic, breakthrough performance in Mike Nichols’ The Graduate. Interestingly, before pursuing acting, he aspired to be a classical pianist and even played the piano during his college years.

Beyond The Graduate, Hoffman has delivered acclaimed performances in classic films such as Kramer vs. Kramer, Rain Man, and Midnight Cowboy.

His immense talent has earned him two Academy Awards for Best Actor—one for Kramer vs. Kramer and another for Rain Man.

In recent years, he appeared in Mayim Bialik’s film As They Made Us in 2022. That same year, he starred alongside his son, Jake Hoffman, in Sam & Kate, marking director Darren Le Gallo’s feature film debut.

Looking ahead, Dustin Hoffman is set to appear in legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola's upcoming project, Megalopolis.

Christopher Plummer, one of Canada's most esteemed thespians, captivated audiences with outstanding performances in film, on stage, and on television.

Throughout his illustrious career, he earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Plummer skyrocketed to international fame for his portrayal of Captain Georg von Trapp in the beloved musical drama, The Sound of Music.

Jeff Bridges made his on-screen debut with a minor role in the 1951 film The Company She Keeps. Renowned for his versatility and unique acting presence, Bridges has become a standout figure in Hollywood.

Among fans, he remains iconic as "The Dude" for his unforgettable, laid-back performance in the cult classic The Big Lebowski.

Bridges earned the Academy Award for Best Actor thanks to his outstanding portrayal of an alcoholic singer in Crazy Heart.

His impressive filmography includes notable titles such as Hell or High Water, True Grit, King Kong, Tron, and Bad Times at the El Royale.

Sir Ben Kingsley is a celebrated actor who began his illustrious career on television before transitioning to film and achieving global recognition.

With a distinguished career spanning more than five decades, Kingsley has earned acclaim for his remarkable talent and versatility.

He is the proud recipient of an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Grammy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, highlighting his diverse achievements.

Kingsley's most powerful performances can be seen in films such as Gandhi, Schindler's List, Shutter Island, and Sexy Beast.

Tommy Lee Jones began his illustrious film career with a debut in the 1970 classic "Love Story."

Over the years, he has earned acclaim for his powerful roles in renowned movies like "No Country for Old Men," "In the Valley of Elah," "Batman Forever," "Under Siege," and "JFK."

Jones has been nominated for the Academy Awards four times, highlighting his exceptional talent and range as an actor.

He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his memorable performance in the 1993 thriller "The Fugitive," securing his place among the most respected actors in Hollywood.

Considered one of the greatest comedic actors in film history, Robin Williams is celebrated for his remarkable ability to bring a wide array of memorable characters to life on screen.

Williams' brilliant improvisational talent can be traced back to his roots as a stand-up comedian, which shaped his dynamic and engaging performances.

He earned numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, six Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards, underscoring his immense impact on entertainment.

Williams showcased his versatile acting prowess in acclaimed films such as Good Will Hunting, Jumanji, Dead Poets Society, Good Morning, Vietnam, and Mrs. Doubtfire, among many others.

Al Pacino stands as a true icon in Hollywood, with a remarkable career spanning over five decades. Widely acclaimed for his powerful performances, he has become synonymous with excellence in the film industry.

Pacino is among the rare actors to achieve the prestigious Triple Crown of Acting, having won an Academy Award, an Emmy, and a Tony Award.

Although he appeared on screen before 1972, it was his unforgettable role in Francis Ford Coppola’s "The Godfather" that propelled him to international stardom.

Throughout his illustrious career, Pacino has showcased extraordinary range, taking on diverse roles across genres. From ruthless gangsters to devoted cops, football coaches, musicians, and principled journalists, he continually redefines his craft.

In recent years, Pacino has brought Aldo Gucci to life in Ridley Scott’s "House of Gucci" and portrayed Meyer Offerman in the Amazon Prime series "Hunters," earning critical praise for both performances.

He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his compelling portrayal of a blind military veteran in "Scent of a Woman" and is slated to produce "Modi," a film about Amedeo Modigliani.

Described by The Guardian as "the most successful tragi-comedian of his age," Jack Lemmon was a legendary actor, celebrated for his memorable performances in classic comedy films.

However, Lemmon was equally adept at tackling dramatic roles, demonstrating extraordinary versatility throughout his career.

His exceptional talent for both comedy and drama often saw him portraying relatable, anxious, middle-class American characters.

Lemmon's illustrious career was recognized with an impressive array of accolades, including two Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, two Cannes Film Festival Awards, two Volpi Cups, a Silver Bear, three BAFTA Awards, and two Emmy Awards.

Michael Caine made his screen debut with an uncredited role in the television film Morning Departure in 1946.

Renowned for his distinctive South London accent, Caine has starred in over 160 films throughout a remarkable career spanning more than seven decades.

Collectively, the films he has featured in have generated an impressive $7.8 billion at the global box office.

Caine's outstanding talent has earned him two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA Award, solidifying his place among the legends of cinema.

The tall and handsome Sean Connery burst onto the scene during the mid-1950s.

He was the first actor to play the fictional character of the British secret agent James Bond; appearing in as many as seven motion pictures of the franchise.

The success of the Bond films made iconic directors like Alfred Hitchcock, Sidney Lumet, and John Huston take notice of Connery.

Sooner than later, the talented screen performer was seen making his presence felt in feature films such as Marnie, Murder on the Orient Express, and The Man Who Would Be King.

Russell Crowe is known to have portrayed strong-willed and talented individuals in a few of his critically acclaimed projects.

The supremely talented screen performer gained international attention after having played the role of Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the epic historical feature film Gladiator.

The aforementioned blockbuster fetched him an Academy Award, Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, Empire Award, and London Film Critics Circle Award for Best Leading Actor, respectively.

He has been seen in exceptional films such as L.A. Confidential, The Insider, and A Beautiful Mind over the years.

Orson Welles may have made arguably the most extraordinary Hollywood debut of all time. He not only directed his debut feature Citizen Kane but he also produced and starred in it.

Today, the motion picture is considered to be one of the greatest films to have ever been made.

While it may be true that not a lot of competent directors had gone on to become great actors at the time, Welles had arrived to change the game.

Besides Citizen Kane, he also starred in and helmed titles such as The Lady from Shanghai, The Trial, Othello, and Touch of Evil.

Laurence Olivier was one of three male actors who largely dominated the British stage during the mid-20th century.

He can be seen making his dynamic presence felt in critically acclaimed cult classics such as Rebecca, Wuthering Heights, Henry V, Hamlet, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and King Lear.

The iconic film star has been a recipient of four Academy Awards, five Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and two British Academy Film Awards, respectively.

Hollywood star Kirk Douglas did not have a financially supportive childhood.

The actor made his debut in the feature film The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, and soon established himself as one of the most sought-after actors of the 1950s.

He was placed at number 17 on the American Film Institute's list of 25 Greatest Male Stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Even though Douglas never won an Oscar, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performances in Champion, The Bad and the Beautiful, and Lust for Life, respectively.

Gene Hackman is a retired professional actor and novelist who made his big screen debut in 1961's Mad Dog Coll.

He's been a recipient of two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, one Screen Actors Guild Award, and two BAFTAs, respectively.

The actor can be seen in acclaimed motion pictures such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde, and Mississippi Burning.

In order to support himself financially between acting jobs, Hackman even worked at a restaurant before making it big in the industry.

The immensely good-looking Gregory Peck was one of the most popular and admired screen performers from the 1940s to the 1960s.

The American Film Institute placed him at number 12 in their list of the 25 Greatest Male Stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema.

Peck appeared in some truly remarkable feature films during the peak of his cinematic journey.

Some of his finest movies in my opinion are: To Kill a Mockingbird, Cape Fear, Moby Dick, Roman Holiday, The Keys of the Kingdom, The Omen, and Spellbound.

Paul Newman was an absolute screen legend and a bonafide superstar. He was blessed with the most striking blue eyes in the history of cinema.

Aside from being an award-winning actor, he was also an entrepreneur, race car driver, and film director.

The acclaimed screen performer was a recipient of an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

It is imperative to mention that The Hustler actor was nominated for the Oscars ten times and that he earned the Best Actor trophy for his performance in The Color of Money.

Marlon Brando is considered to be the greatest actor of the 20th century by many fans and critics across the globe.

One of the first few mainstream performers to apply the technique of Method acting in 1950s Hollywood, his celebrated career spanned over five wonderful decades.

The actor received great acclaim for his performances in titles such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Burn!, Julius Caesar, The Wild One, and Last Tango in Paris.

His mind-blowing role play in On the Waterfront fetched him his first Academy Award.

However, the marvelous Marlon did not stop there.

He went on to win an award for the Best Actor for the second time for his unparalleled performance as Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s cult classic The Godfather.

He was also known for raising his voice against the misrepresentation of Native Americans in mainstream cinema.

Alec Guinness was first seen playing the role of an extra/uncredited actor in the 1934 flick Evensong.

He burst onto the scene by performing in motion pictures such as Kind Hearts and Coronets, The Lavender Hill Mob, and The Ladykillers.

Popular for portraying Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy, he's known to have collaborated six times with director David Lean.

One of their collaborations, The Bridge on the River Kwai, ended up winning Guinness both the Academy and BAFTA Award for Best Actor.

James Stewart was known to bring a great amount of depth to the simplistic characters that he portrayed on celluloid.

One of the greatest American actors of all time, he is known for his unique dialogue delivery and stuttering voice that was often exaggerated to dramatize scenes.

He has acted in some of the finest motion pictures of his time.

While he was seen playing a charming and idealistic young man in Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, one can also find him portraying serious roles in features such as Vertigo and Winchester '73.

Stewart is ranked number 3 on the American Film Institute's list of the greatest American male actors of all time.

You'd be surprised to learn that the indomitable John Wayne played quite a few uncredited and minor roles before making it big in Hollywood.

Arguably the biggest Western and war movie star in the history of American cinema, he was seen in spectacular motion pictures such as Stagecoach, The Searchers, Red River, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Quiet Man, and Rio Bravo.

While he went mainstream with Stagecoach, it was his amazing role play in True Grit that fetched him a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor.

The inimitable Peter O'Toole gained recognition as a Shakespearean actor while working in theatre.

He shot to fame after playing the part of T.E. Lawrence in the film Lawrence of Arabia.

The actor holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for acting without ever having won one.

However, he did receive an Academy Honorary Award for his indisputable contributions to cinema.

Peter delivered some of his career-best performances in feature films such as Becket, The Lion in Winter, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, and My Favorite Year.

He's been a recipient of four Golden Globe Awards, one BAFTA Award for Best British Actor, and one Primetime Emmy Award, respectively.

Burt Lancaster was mostly seen playing tough characters with a kind heart on celluloid.

The four-time Academy Award nominee made his debut in Stanley Kubrick's critically acclaimed 1946 feature The Killers.

The man had been a recipient of two BAFTA Awards and one Golden Globe Award for Best Lead Actor.

Lancaster has been placed at number 19 on the American Film Institute's list of 25 Greatest Male Actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Often seen playing heroic characters with the neverending search for peace and justice, Henry Fonda is easily among the greatest Hollywood stars of all time.

The actor rose to prominence after having delivered strong performances in feature films such as Jezebel, Jesse James, Young Mr. Lincoln, My Darling Clementine, and The Ox-Bow Incident.

In addition, his deeply layered performances in 12 Angry Men, The Wrong Man, and The Grapes of Wrath brought him further fame.

However, the fabulous Fonda hit the ball out of the park by winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his final film performance in the endearing family drama, On Golden Pond.

Often seen wearing top hats and tails, Fred Astaire was an inimitable on-screen performer who managed to charm the audience both with his remarkable acting and dance abilities.

He is credited with transforming the musical movie genre with his all-dancing, all-singing mannerisms.

In fact, he is considered to be the best Hollywood actor who also went on to perfect the art of dacing. Needless to say, many of his movies saw him acting and dancing with great panache.

Astaire shared great chemistry with Ginger Rogers and the duo was seen in flicks such as Top Hat, Swing Time, and Shale Dance, to name a few.

Gary Cooper was a remarkable film star who was known for his understated style of acting and calm execution of sequences.

One of the most bankable Hollywood stars for close to two decades, he was a recipient of two Academy Awards for Best Actor.

He charmed the audience with his undeniable screen presence in motion pictures such as High Noon, Meet John Doe, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, and The Pride of the Yankees.

Cooper has been placed at number 11 on the American Film Institute's list of the 25 Greatest Male Stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema.

Jason Robards may not be a very well-known figure today, but he was one of the most respected screen performers of his time.

His memorable work in cinema allowed him to be a recipient of two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor, respectively.

Indeed, he is one of the 24 actors to have ever achieved the Triple Crown of Acting.

Robards was seen making his presence felt in motion pictures such as A Thousand Clowns, All the President's Men, Once Upon a Time in the West, and Melvin and Howard.

George Campbell Scott was a supremely talented actor on the stage, in films, and on television.

He mostly used to play stern and dominating characters in the projects that he was part of.

Some of his finest performances came in motion pictures such as Dr. Strangelove, Anatomy of a Murder, A Christmas Carol, and The Hospital.

His brilliant character projection in the 1970 war drama Patton earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Richard Burton was first seen in the television movie The Corn Is Green in 1946. Soon after his feature film debut, he went on to establish himself as a fabulous Shakespearean actor.

He consolidated his position as a performer following his extraordinary performance of Hamlet in the 1964 Broadway production of the same title.

That said, the actor also made headlines for his turbulent personal life with screen icon Elizabeth Taylor.

Burton went on to impress the viewers with his performance in movies such as Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, My Cousin Rachel, Becket, and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, among others.

He won and was nominated for several BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Tony Awards for Best Actor.

Humphrey Bogart has been called the greatest male actor by the American Film Institute. One of the biggest cultural icons in America, he was referred to as Bogie by his fans and colleagues.

The actor found stardom after having starred in motion pictures such as High Sierra and The Maltese Falcon in 1941.

He went on to headline and is perhaps best remembered for one of Hollywood's most-loved motion pictures of all time: Casablanca.

It's widely accepted that his performance and punchlines in the aforementioned project left an everlasting impact on the minds of the viewers.

He went on receive a Best Actor nomination for his performance in the same.

However, Bogart managed to win the award for his character play in the 1952 film The African Queen.

He made a name for himself by appearing in several gangster films throughout his distinguished career.

Some of his best feature films are The Public Enemy, Taxi!, The Roaring Twenties, Angels with Dirty Faces, White Heat, and City for Conquest.

He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his character projection in Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Cagney was placed at number 8 on the American Film Institute's list of the 25 Greatest Male Actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Peter Sellers was an actor, comedian, and singer who first shot to fame after performing on the BBC Radio comedy series, called The Goon Show.

He was popular for playing the role of Chief Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther series of feature films. 

Besides the aforementioned role, he was usually seen doing a parody of authoritative characters in his projects.

He won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role twice; one for I'm All Right Jack and another for The Pink Panther.

Spencer Tracy was a natural actor who was known for his versatility.

He was the first actor to have won an Academy Award for Best Actor for two consecutive years.

Even though the man took his time to make an impact on the box office, success came to him as he continued to star in amazing movies and impressed the critics with his performances.

Tracy even went on to win the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor for his performance in the feature film Bad Day at Black Rock.

William Holden was one of the biggest box office draws in Hollywood during the 1950s.

The actor made his debut by playing an uncredited role in the 1938 motion picture Prison Farm.

He shot to fame after having delivered commendable performances in features such as Sunset Boulevard, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Sabrina, Picnic, and The Wild Bunch.

For his outstanding performance in Stalag 17, Holden won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

A television film called The Blue Knight also fetched him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

Peter Finch made his big-screen debut in the 1938 feature film The Farmer Goes to Town.

His role play of the eccentric television anchor in the 1976 feature Network ended up fetching him an Academy Award for Best Actor, albeit posthumously.

For his performance in the very same movie, he even won his fifth Best Actor award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and a Best Actor award from the Golden Globes.

The incredible Charlie Chaplin was seen in a string of one-reel short features at the beginning of his illustrious career.

The celebrated performer was considered to be the most famous person on the planet during the 1910s and 1920s.

Considered to be one of the most influential actors in the history of motion pictures, he gained worldwide recognition for his on-screen portrayal of 'The Tramp'.

Some of Chaplin's best projects are City Lights, Modern Times, The Kid, The Gold Rush, The Circus, and The Great Dictator.

Trained in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Charles Laughton is one of the most memorable screen performers to have ever graced the silver screen.

Following his stint on stage, the actor made his debut playing an uncredited role in the movie Piccadilly.

However, he soon rose to prominence after having won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Private Life of Henry VIII.

The late actor can be seen in hits such as The Barretts of Wimpole Street, Mutiny on the Bounty, The Big Clock, and Witness for the Prosecution.

Best known for his transatlantic accent, great comic timing, and light approach to performing, the popular Cary Grant was placed at number 2 on the American Film Institute's list of the 25 Greatest Male Stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The handsome actor won hearts by making his charming presence felt in films such as Arsenic and Old Lace, Charade, Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, Notorious, North by Northwest, and His Girl Friday.

Grant is arguably the most popular star in Hollywood history to have never won an Oscar for acting.

The stylish Clark Gable was referred to as the 'King of Hollywood' by many fans and critics of his era.

He is known to have played a variety of roles in over 60 motion pictures that he'd been a part of.

While he is said to have found stardom after headlining 1932's Red Dust, his popularity went beyond the roof after he appeared in one of Hollywood's biggest box office blockbusters ever: Gone with the Wind.

The superstar won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Frank Capra's cult romantic comedy, It Happened One Night.