Steven Spielberg, one of the most renowned directors in cinema history, confidently shared his opinion on who he considers the five greatest actors of all time.
Given the vast array of talented actors who have graced the screen, compiling a top five is no simple task. However, Spielberg, known for his unwavering dedication to the art of filmmaking, didn’t hesitate.
The director who brought us timeless classics like Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park, and the Indiana Jones series, has left an indelible mark on the film industry. At 78, Spielberg continues to build upon his impressive legacy, with a career spanning both the 20th and 21st centuries.
Since 2000, Spielberg has helmed an additional 19 films, including notable titles such as Catch Me If You Can, Lincoln, Bridge of Spies, and The Post.
Having collaborated with a wealth of talent including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford, and Whoopi Goldberg, Spielberg’s choices for top actors were eagerly anticipated. So, which actors does the esteemed director consider the greatest?
In a conversation with the late Stanley Kubrick, following a screening of The Shining, Spielberg critiqued Jack Nicholson’s performance. While acknowledging Nicholson’s talent, Spielberg described the portrayal as overly theatrical, likening it to the exaggerated style of Japanese Kabuki theatre.
Kubrick defended Nicholson and challenged Spielberg to name his top five actors. Surprisingly, Spielberg’s list did not include any actors he had worked with.
He quickly named “Spencer Tracy, Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Clark Gable”.
Kubrick noted the absence of James Cagney from the list, emphasizing his admiration for Cagney’s work and asserting, “Ah, but he’s not in [your] top five. You don’t consider James Cagney one of the five best actors around, but I do. And this is why Jack Nicholson’s performance is a great one.”
Kubrick’s argument was that while Spielberg might not prefer the acting style Nicholson employed in The Shining, it doesn’t diminish the quality of the performance.
Spencer Tracy is remembered for his roles in films like Judgement at Nuremberg (1961) and Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (1967), while Henry Fonda is famed for The Grapes of Wrath (1940) and 12 Angry Men (1957).
Jimmy Stewart is celebrated for his roles in Anatomy of a Murder (1959), Vertigo (1958), and The Philadelphia Story, the latter featuring Cary Grant, another actor Spielberg admires.
Clark Gable remains iconic for his role in the 1939 classic Gone with the Wind.
James Cagney, Kubrick’s favorite, was known for his dynamic performances, reminiscent of Nicholson’s portrayal in The Shining. Cagney shone in films like Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) and White Heat (1949).