27 Most Famous Actors of All Time

Find out more about the most famous and handsome actors, ranging from Robert Downey Jr. to Robert Pattinson

Updated on Jan 30, 2024  |  07:19 PM IST |  6M
Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Robert Pattinson
Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Robert Pattinson

The actors and actresses' popularity and ratings keep changing over the seasons. Rankings are never fixed from Robert Downey Jr. to Tom Hanks, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The popularity of actors depends not only on the movies they star in but also on factors like personality, humbleness, red carpet appearances, fans interactions, and more. For instance, even after Robert Downey Jr. was surrounded with so many controversies, he is still one of Hollywood's most popular and respected actors.  

Here is the list of most famous and handsome actors of Hollywood.

1. Robert Downey Jr.


  • Birthdate: April 4, 1965
  • Birthplace: Manhattan, New York
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: 2
  • BAFTA Awards: 1
  • BAFTA Nominations: 2
  • Golden Globes: 3
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 5

Robert Downey Jr. is one of the highly respected Hollywood actors who have worked in blockbuster movies like Iron Man, Avengers, Sherlock Holmes, and more. Robert’s career received a setback in mid 1990s due to his cocaine addiction and legal troubles. The actor slowly worked towards full recovery with his first big screen comeback being The Singing Detective. Since then, Robert Downey Jr. has won hearts of people and remains one of the most popular actors of all time.   

Advertisement

Top 5 Robert Downey Jr.’s movies

2. Al Pacino

Al Pacino

  • Birthdate: April 25, 1940
  • Birthplace: New York City
  • Oscars: 1
  • Oscar Nominations: 5
  • BAFTA Awards: 1
  • BAFTA Nominations: 5
  • Golden Globes: 1
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 18

Al Pacino is one of the few Hollywood actors who have achieved Triple Crown of Acting that includes Tony Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Academy Award. Al Pacino quickly rose to fame with his role in The Godfather and even struggled with drug use because of same. Pacino has three children though he has never been married.

Top 5 Al Pacino’s movies

3. Hugh Jackman


  • Birthdate: 12 October 1968
  • Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: 1
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: 1
  • Golden Globes: 1
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 4

Hugh Jackman got his breakthrough by playing the role of Wolverine in X-Men. He also started a production company named Seed Productions with John Palermo and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness. After miscarriages, Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness adopted two kids.  

Top 5 Hugh Jackman’s movies

  • The Wolverine
  • X-Men
  • The Greatest Showman
  • Logan
  • Deadpool 3

4. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves

  • Birthdate: September 2, 1964
  • Birthplace: Beirut, Lebanon   
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: None
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: None
  • Golden Globe Nominations: None 

Keanu Reeves decided to become actor at the age of 15. After starring in several television shows, Reeves got his breakthrough by starring in Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. He also formed an alternative rock band named Dogstar in 1991 due to newfound interest in music.

Advertisement

Top 5 Keanu Reeves’ movies

  • John Wick
  • The Matrix
  • Constantine
  • Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey
  • Parenthood

5. Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson

  • Birthdate: May 13, 1986
  • Birthplace: London, England
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: None
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: None
  • Golden Globe Nominations: None 

Robert Pattinson had won hearts of people with his role as Edward Cullen in Twillight saga. Besides acting, he has also dabbled in music industry and has soundtracks for movie. The Twillight star is also known for his charity work and has been ambassador of Dior Homme fragrance since almost a decade.

Top 5 Robert Pattinson’s movies

  • Twilight
  • The Batman
  • Remember Me
  • The Lighthouse
  • Tenet

6. Chris Evans


  • Birthdate: 13 June 1981
  • Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: None
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: None
  • Golden Globe Nominations: None

Chris Evan's is a renowned Hollywood actor who began his career with diverse roles in television series, like Opposite Sex, in the year 2000. He is most popular for his role as Captain America in the Marvel movie series. He is currently in the limelight for his role in The Gray Man, voicing a character in Lightyear, and an upcoming movie, Ghosted.

Top 5 Chris Evans movies

  • Not Another Teen Movie
  • Thor: The Dark World
  • Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Knives Out
  • Avengers: Endgame

7Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

Advertisement


  • Birthdate: May 2, 1972
  • Birthplace: Hayward, California, U.S.A.
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: None
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: None
  • Golden Globe Nominations: None 

Dwayne Johnson or The Rock is also amongst the greatest professional wrestler of all time besides being a versatile actor. Johnson is one of the highest paid actors of Hollywood and has even produced autobiographical sitcom Young Rock in 2021. He owns Production Company named Seven Bucks Productions along with being co-owner of XFL.

Top 5 Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson movies

  • Fast & Furious
  • Black Adam
  • Jumanji
  • Baywatch
  • Red Notice  

8. Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks

  • ​​​​​​ Birthdate: July 9, 1956
  • Birthplace: Concord, California, U.S.A.
  • Oscars: 2
  • Oscar Nominations: 5
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: 5
  • Golden Globes: 5
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 11

Tom Hanks is one of the most famous actors across the world and is known for both dramatic and comedic roles. Hanks have well rounded interests ranging from politics to space programs. The actor has even donated his blood for virus research after contracting Covid. Tom Hanks has received several nominations for his work as producer.

Top 5 Tom Hanks’ movies

Also Read: Top 21 Tallest Actors In Hollywood

 

9. Johnny Depp


  • Birthdate: 9 June 1963
  • Birthplace: Owensboro, Kentucky, United States
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: 3
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: 3
  • Golden Globes: 1
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 9

John Christopher Depp II is an American actor, musician, and producer. Although Deep has struggled with cocaine addiction and was in legal troubles, he is undeniable one of the greastest actor of this generation. With performances such as Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, Edward Scissorhands, and Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts, he has famously played weird, unique, and wacky roles and has been totally adored audience.

Advertisement

Top 5 Johnny Depp movies

10. Morgan Freeman


  • Birthdate: 1 June 1937
  • Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
  • Oscars: Oscar for Million Dollar Baby  
  • Oscar Nominations: 5
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: 2
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 6

Morgan Freeman is an American actor, narrator, and director who is known for his distinctively deep voice and for playing various iconic roles. His subtle humor, emotional depth, dialogue delivery, and versatility made him one of the most popular celebrities and respected personalities in modern US cinema. His role in Shawshan Redemption remains fan favorite to this day. 

Top 5 Morgan Freeman movies

11. Zac Efron 


  • Birthdate: October 18, 1987
  • Birthplace: California, U.S.A
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: None
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: None
  • Golden Globe Nominations: None

Zac Efron gained recognition with his role in Disney series High School Musical and since then he have starred in several mainstream movies. He also started Production Company under Warner Bros. and his own YouTube channel. Recently, the actor opened up about his struggles with mental health illnesses including depression and agoraphobia.

Top 5 Zac Efron movies

  • Baywatch
  • 17 Again
  • Neighbors
  • The Greatest Showman
  • High School Musical

12. Bradley Cooper 

Bradley Cooper 

Advertisement
  • Birthdate: January 5, 1975 
  • Birthplace: Pennsylvania, U.S.A
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: 9 
  • BAFTA Awards: 1
  • BAFTA Nominations: 8
  • Golden Globes: None
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 4 

Bradley Cooper got his breakthrough with The Hangover, released in 2009 which was both commercial and critical success. Since then, Cooper’s career has progressed with the movies like Limitless and American Hustle. He shares one child with ex spouse Irina Shayk.  

Top 5 Bradley Cooper movies

  • The Hangover
  • A Star is Born
  • Burnt
  • American Sniper
  • Limitless

 

Also Read: 20 Famous Gay Actors in Hollywood of All Time

13. Jackie Chan


  • Birthdate:  7 April 1954
  • Birthplace: Hong Kong
  • Oscars: 1
  • Oscar Nominations: 1 
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: None
  • Golden Globe Nominations: None

Jackie Chan is international success and one of the most famous actors of all time after many years of dedication and hard work. He is best known for his role in action movies and has even suffered multiple injuries because of them. Chan is also a UNICEF Good Will Ambassador along with many philanthropic interests.  

Top 5 Jackie Chan movies

  • Rush Hour
  • Police Story
  • The Karate Kid
  • Drunken Master
  • Vanguard

14. Will Smith


  • Birthdate: September 25, 1968
  • Birthplace: Philadelphia, U.S.A
  • Oscars: 
  • Oscar Nominations: 
  • BAFTA Awards:
  • BAFTA Nominations:
  • Golden Globes: 
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 

Will Smith has been called ‘most powerful actor in Hollywood’. Besides acting, he also received modest fame for his rapping under name The Fresh Prince. He recently became target of the social media hate because he slapped Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscar ceremony.

Advertisement

Top 5 Will Smith movies

  • I Am Legend
  • The Pursuit of Happyness
  • King Richard
  • Aladdin
  • Emancipation

15. Tom Cruise 


  • Birthdate: 3 July 1962
  • Birthplace: Syracuse, New York, U.S.A
  • Oscars: None
  • Oscar Nominations: 4
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: 3
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 7

Tom Cruise is one of the most versatile Hollywood actors and is usually seen in action and science fiction movies. His charms and good looks in movies like Knight and Day, Collateral, and Oblivion quickly made him fan favorite. However, Cruise has sparked controversy due to advocacy of Church of Scientology and close friendship with leader David Miscavige.  

Top 5 Tom Cruise movies

 

16. Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington: imdb

  • Birthdate: December 28, 1954
  • Birthplace: Mount Vernon, New York, United States
  • Oscars: 2 (Glory, Training Day)
  • Oscar Nominations: 10
  • BAFTA Awards: None
  • BAFTA Nominations: None
  • Golden Globes: 3
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 11

Denzel Washington is a famous American actor known for his incredible talent on the big screen. He's been in a bunch of awesome movies like "Training Day," where he played a tough cop, and "Remember the Titans," where he was a football coach. Denzel has won tons of awards, including Oscars, for his outstanding acting skills.

In his personal life, he's a private guy, but we do know he's been married for a long time and has four kids. He's also known for his charity work and giving back to the community. Basically, Denzel is a top-notch actor and a good-hearted person, making him a true Hollywood legend.

Advertisement

Top 5 Denzel Washington movies

  • Training Day
  • Fences
  • Glory
  • Remember the Titans
  • The Equalizer


 

17. Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro: imdb

  • Birthdate: 17 August 1943
  • Birthplace: Greenwich Village, New York, United States
  • Oscars: 2 (The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull)
  • Oscar Nominations: 8
  • BAFTA Awards: 0
  • BAFTA Nominations: 7
  • Golden Globes: 1
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 11

Robert De Niro is a famous American actor known for his roles in many movies. He's been in the acting business for a long time and is considered one of the best actors in the world. You might have seen him in films like "Taxi Driver," "Goodfellas," and "The Godfather Part II." He's won two Oscars for his outstanding performances.

Outside of acting, De Niro is a private person. He was born in New York City and has a family with several children. He's also been involved in various philanthropic efforts and is known for his strong political opinions.

Top 5 Robert De Niro movies

  • Jackie Brown
  • Heat
  • The Irishman
  • Raging Bull
  • The Godfather: Part II

 

18. Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman: imdb

  • Birthdate: 30 January 1930
  • Birthplace: San Bernardino, California, United States
  • Oscars: 2 (The French Connection, Unforgiven)
  • Oscar Nominations: 5
  • BAFTA Awards: 2
  • BAFTA Nominations: 5
  • Golden Globes: 4
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 9

Gene Hackman, a legendary actor, made a mark in the film industry with his versatile talent. Born in 1930, this American star boasts a career spanning five decades. He's known for his exceptional roles in classics like "The French Connection" (1971), where he won an Academy Award, and "The Conversation" (1974). His portrayal of Lex Luthor in the Superman series also gained him fame. Beyond his on-screen success, Hackman is a private individual, rarely delving into the glitzy world of celebrity. After retiring from acting in 2004, he turned to writing.

Advertisement

Top 5 Gene Hackman movies

  • Mississippi Burning
  • Bonnie and Clyde
  • The Conversation
  • Unforgiven
  • The French Connection

 

19. Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger: imdb

  • Birthdate: 4 April 1979
  • Birthplace: Perth, Australia
  • Oscars: 1
  • Oscar Nominations: 2
  • BAFTA Awards: 1
  • BAFTA Nominations: 2
  • Golden Globes: 1
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 2

Heath Ledger was an Australian actor who gained fame for his incredible talent. He starred in numerous movies, with his most iconic role being the Joker in "The Dark Knight." Ledger's career skyrocketed thanks to this portrayal, earning him a posthumous Academy Award. He also shined in "Brokeback Mountain" and "A Knight's Tale." Despite his professional success, his personal life had challenges. He tragically passed away in 2008 due to an accidental drug overdose. His brief but remarkable career left a lasting impact on the film industry, and he is remembered as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Top 5 Heath Ledger movies

  • Brokeback Mountain
  • The Dark Knight
  • A Knight's Tale
  • Candy
  • The Patriot

 

20. Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio: imdb

  • Birthdate: 11 November 1974
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Oscars: 1
  • Oscar Nominations: 6
  • BAFTA Awards: 1
  • BAFTA Nominations: 6
  • Golden Globes: 3
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 12

Leonardo DiCaprio started as a child actor and gained widespread recognition in the 1990s. His career has been marked by incredible performances in films like "Titanic," "Inception," and "The Revenant," which earned him an Academy Award.

Outside of acting, DiCaprio is an environmental activist, advocating for climate change awareness. He's renowned for his dedication to both his craft and environmental causes. In his personal life, he keeps a relatively low profile, but his philanthropic work often makes headlines.

Top 5 Leonardo DiCaprio movies

  • The Revenant
  • Shutter Island
  • The Aviator
  • Titanic
  • The Departed

 

21. Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson: imdb

  • Birthdate: 21 December 1948
  • Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
  • Oscars: 0
  • Oscar Nominations: 2
  • BAFTA Awards: 1
  • BAFTA Nominations: 1
  • Golden Globes: 0
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 4

Samuel L. Jackson is a legendary American actor known for his iconic roles in movies. His career spans decades, and he's famous for his distinctive voice and commanding presence on screen. You've probably seen him in films like "Pulp Fiction," "The Avengers," and "Jurassic Park."

Samuel keeps a relatively private personal life. He was born in Washington, D.C., in 1948. He's been married to LaTanya Richardson since 1980, and they have a daughter named Zoe.

Top 5 Samuel L. Jackson movies

  • Pulp Fiction
  • The Hateful Eight
  • Unbreakable
  • Django Unchained
  • Die Hard with a Vengeance

 

22. Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage: imdb

  • Birthdate: 7 January 1964
  • Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States
  • Oscars: 1
  • Oscar Nominations: 2
  • BAFTA Awards: 0
  • BAFTA Nominations: 2
  • Golden Globes: 1
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 4

Nicolas Cage, a versatile Hollywood actor, has had a roller-coaster career. Born in 1964, he's known for his eclectic roles, from action-packed blockbusters like "Con Air" to critically acclaimed performances in "Leaving Las Vegas," which won him an Oscar.

Cage's personal life has been equally dramatic. He's been married several times, including a short-lived marriage to Lisa Marie Presley. He's also known for his extravagant spending habits and financial troubles, even owning a dinosaur skull and rare comic books. Despite controversies, Cage remains a beloved figure in the film industry, known for his unique style and ability to tackle diverse roles.

Top 5 Nicolas Cage movies

  • Face/Off
  • Mandy
  • National Treasure
  • The Rock
  • Adaptation

 

23. Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando: imdb

  • Birthdate: 3 April 1924
  • Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska, United States
  • Oscars: 2
  • Oscar Nominations: 8
  • BAFTA Awards: 3
  • BAFTA Nominations: 8
  • Golden Globes: 4
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 9

Marlon Brando, a legendary actor, revolutionized Hollywood in the mid-20th century. Known for his raw, authentic performances, he brought a new level of realism to movies. His iconic roles in "The Godfather" and "A Streetcar Named Desire" made him a household name. Brando's acting style, marked by emotional depth and method acting, set the standard for generations of actors to come. Despite his fame, he remained a complex and enigmatic figure, often challenging the norms of his time. Marlon Brando's impact on cinema endures, making him an enduring symbol of innovation and talent in the film industry.   

Top 5 Marlon Brando movies

  • On the Waterfront
  • The Godfather
  • A Streetcar Named Desire
  • Apocalypse Now
  • Last Tango in Paris

 

24. Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness: imdb

  • Birthdate: 2 April 1914
  • Birthplace: Maida Vale, London, United Kingdom
  • Oscars: 1
  • Oscar Nominations: 4
  • BAFTA Awards: 1
  • BAFTA Nominations: 1
  • Golden Globes: 0
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 0

Alec Guinness, a famous actor, was known for his versatile roles. He lived from 1914 to 2000. You might remember him as Obi-Wan Kenobi from the original "Star Wars" trilogy. He was British and had a knack for disappearing into characters. In simpler terms, he could become someone else on the screen. His acting was so good that you often forgot it was him. Apart from "Star Wars," he starred in many classic films, making him a legend in the world of acting. Think of him like a chameleon of the movie world, able to transform into any character convincingly.

Top 5 Alec Guinness movies

  • Lawrence of Arabia
  • The Lavender Hill Mob
  • Kind Hearts and Coronets
  • Oliver Twist
  • Doctor Zhivago

 

25. Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson: imdb

  • Birthdate: 22 April 1937
  • Birthplace: Neptune City, New Jersey, United States
  • Oscars: 3
  • Oscar Nominations: 12
  • BAFTA Awards: 3
  • BAFTA Nominations: 7
  • Golden Globes: 6
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 17

Jack Nicholson, the actor, is a big deal in Hollywood. He's been in loads of movies and has won three Oscars, which is like the Super Bowl of acting. You've probably seen him in classics like "The Shining" where he goes all crazy, or "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" where he's in a mental hospital. He's known for that devilish grin and those cool sunglasses. Jack's been doing this acting thing for a long time, and he's got a reputation for being a bit of a wild card in real life too. But one thing's for sure, he's a legend in the movie world.

Top 5 Jack Nicholson movies

  • The Shining
  • Chinatown
  • Five Easy Pieces
  • A Few Good Men
  • The Departed

 

26. Christian Bale

Christian Bale: imdb

  • Birthdate: 30 January 1974
  • Birthplace: Haverfordwest, United Kingdom
  • Oscars: 1
  • Oscar Nominations: 4
  • BAFTA Awards: 0
  • BAFTA Nominations: 4
  • Golden Globes: 2
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 5

Christian Bale is a famous actor known for transforming himself physically for his roles. He's the guy who played Batman in "The Dark Knight" trilogy. You might remember him as the really buff Batman. But he's done more than that. He lost a ton of weight to play a super-skinny guy in "The Machinist" and then bulked up like crazy to be Batman. Bale's like a chameleon in movies. He's won awards for his acting, and people like watching him on screen because he's so good at becoming different characters. So, if you see Christian Bale in a movie, expect some serious acting skills.

Top 5 Christian Bale movies

  • American Psycho
  • The Fighter
  • The Prestige
  • Batman Begins
  • The Machinist

 

27. Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins: imdb

  • Birthdate: 31 December 1937
  • Birthplace: Margam, United Kingdom
  • Oscars: 2
  • Oscar Nominations: 6
  • BAFTA Awards: 4
  • BAFTA Nominations: 9
  • Golden Globes: 2
  • Golden Globe Nominations: 6

Anthony Hopkins, a famous actor, was born in Wales. He's best known for playing Dr. Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs," a really creepy but brilliant character. He's been in a bunch of movies and even won an Oscar for his acting skills. Outside of acting, he's a talented painter and composer. Despite all his success, he seems like a down-to-earth guy. He's been in the movie business for a long time, and people really admire his work.

Top 5 Anthony Hopkins movies

  • The father
  • The Silence of the Lambs
  • The Elephant Man
  • Nixon
  • The Remains of the Day

ALSO READ: Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One Poster shows Tom Cruise taking it to the whole new level

Famous Actors

Who is the highest paying actor?
Tom Cruise was the highest-paid actor of 2023 thanks to Top Gun: Maverick, which has earned him $100 million.

Who is the most famous actor in Hollywood?
Tom Cruise is one of the most famous actor in Hollywood

Who is the most powerful actor in Hollywood?
Johnny Depp is the most powerful actor in Hollywood.

Pinkvilla Pulse
Subscribe to our newsletter for entertainment exclusives, star interviews, and the latest lifestyle trends. Look No Further!
Subscribe
About The Author

A writer with 2+ years of experience, addicted to

...

Credits: Instagram
Advertisement

Latest Articles