It can be anybody ... living or deceased ... from the silent era to yesterday's film.
My pick is George C. Scott ... followed very closely by Morgan Freeman. Each of these gentlemen could/can do anything, comedic or dramatic.
Marlon Brando
shareI don't know about greatest but I think my favourite would probably be Robin Williams RIP.
shareHarrison Ford
shareStreep or Brando, I suppose. Those are maybe the most common responses, but I think they deserve their reputations.
shareAFI's 100 YEARS...100 STARS
1. Humphrey Bogart
Now, of course, being a big star doesn't automatically mean you are a great actor. But I love Bogie.
Orson Welles.
Actor, writer, producer, films, radio.....
Good question.
If it has to be just 1, I think it has to be Jack Nicholson.
I believe he has more Oscar nominations that anyone else in history. Plus more wins (3 I think).
I would have said Marlon Brando, but his body of work is very small in comparison.
You know what would be challenging - trying to name the best American actor right now.
The greats are all old men now. Last AMerican actor I thought was outstanding is gone (P S Hoffman).
I'd probably go with Denzel - he's getting up there in age, but he's still terrific.