by Vanessa M.
Member since:
January 4, 2007

Who is Your Favorite Actress?

April 30, 2007 11:54 AM EDT (Updated: April 30, 2007 12:45 PM EDT)
views: 344 | rating: 9.6/10 (28 votes) | comments: 130

Young or old, dead or alive, who is your favorite? I thought we had so much fun last week doing What's Your Favorite Movie, that I would turn it into a weekly event.  At the end of the week, I will tally the results.  Feel free to name more than one actress, but know that I can only take one per comment, and will go with the first actress named in each comment.   Have fun!!!

 

If you missed last week's group discussion, here is the link.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976966824

If you would like to  see my list of results from last week, the link is below.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976970638 
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Comments: 130

kim simcock Apr 30, 2007, 12:01pm EDT
Hi, I would have to say Julia Roberts, have always enjoyed her films, possibly by osmosis as she is my hubbies fav, but I do enjoy her films
Vanessa M. Apr 30, 2007, 12:02pm EDT
I love Julia Roberts as well, but I am just going to throw this one out there....

Kathy Bates.
Jeff M. Apr 30, 2007, 12:05pm EDT
I would say Sally Fields
Brandi G. Apr 30, 2007, 12:06pm EDT
Jessica Tandy. I love her strong personality while still being frail. It's really too bad she died.

Or Katherine Hepburn! She was one of the fiercest women to break ground in film.
Jean E. Apr 30, 2007, 12:06pm EDT
hmm......I always liked Jane Seymour.
There's only one TOP RATED Actress, and I don't care who she's matched with, she always does good. Julia Roberts has my vote 300%
Kelly M. Apr 30, 2007, 12:20pm EDT
Drew Barrymore
Picture Me 3D Mel Apr 30, 2007, 12:23pm EDT
Mandy Moore
Michelle M. Apr 30, 2007, 12:26pm EDT
I would have to say I am a very big Julia Roberts fan, but I also really love Sandra Bullock. She's a great actress!
Vanessa M. Apr 30, 2007, 12:26pm EDT
Great women you all have picked so far. Thanks for the feedback.
Jared F. Apr 30, 2007, 12:27pm EDT
Vanessa,
Kathy Bates gave a great performance in Misery. I've heard people say they thought it was too easy or maybe lazy or maybe over the top. I find that that I've know a few people in my life that Bates' preformance is dead on to. While she's not the beautiful actress that seems more popular, she's a hell of an actor.

As for me, I don't know if I would call her my favorite per se, but I have to throw Kate Winslet out there.
Jared F. Apr 30, 2007, 12:28pm EDT
oops, Jacqueline. you beat me to it.
Vanessa M. Apr 30, 2007, 12:29pm EDT
Great women you all have picked so far. Thanks for the feedback.
a g. Apr 30, 2007, 12:33pm EDT
Audry hepburn, julia roberts and kate winslet.
C A. Apr 30, 2007, 12:34pm EDT
In no particular order:

Glenn Close
Meryl Streep
Sandra Bullock
Rita Hayworth
Veronica Lake
Laura Linney
Angie C. Apr 30, 2007, 12:36pm EDT
Julia Roberts, she has played such a range of rolls and been great in all of them. I would also throw out there Charlize Theron, she was hardly unrecognizable in Monster.
Sherill P. Apr 30, 2007, 12:39pm EDT
Hmm...Debbie Reynolds
Sandra Bullock
Anne Hathaway
Kelly Wu
Michelle Yao
Xi Xang
Devon Aoki
Drew Barrymore
Jessica Alba
Debi M. Apr 30, 2007, 12:58pm EDT
This one is tough, but i have to say Sandra Bullock
Nichole Kidman. If you'd seen her in "Dead Calm" you'd know what she can do when she acts. Whew, I'm still on the edge of my seat!
Julia Roberts can hold her own with the best of the them with all that she does.
Meryl Streep, she's amazing. Okay, I'll quit now. There are just so many good actresses that it's hard to pick just one!
Lisa J Apr 30, 2007, 1:13pm EDT
I can't BELIEVE only one other person said Katherine Hepburn? She is one of the few actresses that can honestly make me feel real empathy for a character. Frequently I can be moved by a story line and it can be acted convincingly, but something in Katherine Hepburn... touched me deeply.
Jared F. Apr 30, 2007, 1:15pm EDT
Hepburn in The African Queen. I think that's a case in point for what you are saying Lisa. Good call.
Anne Marie A. Apr 30, 2007, 1:25pm EDT
Ziyi Zhang, Audrey Hepburn, Meryl Streep
Anne Marie A. Apr 30, 2007, 1:27pm EDT
I like Nicole Kidman , Sandra Bullock, and Sally Field too
Anne Marie A. Apr 30, 2007, 1:28pm EDT
I can't believe I forgot Cate Blanchett and yes props to Audrey Hepburn
Anne Marie A. Apr 30, 2007, 1:34pm EDT
Julie Andrews there are a lot I could name
Jean R. Apr 30, 2007, 1:38pm EDT
Nichelle Nichols from star trek the original series
Ms. Hurricane Apr 30, 2007, 1:44pm EDT
Audry Hepburn + Kirsten Dunst+ Liv Tyler
Jared F. Apr 30, 2007, 1:47pm EDT
Sumner,
To consider beauty, I honestly don't think any can top Liz Taylor. Ok, maybe Sophia Loren. haha
I am a big julia roberts fan!
Alta B. Apr 30, 2007, 1:52pm EDT
Julia Roberts is one of my favorites. Another favorite is Meg Ryan. And yet another favorite is Demi Moore. And last but not least, Whoopi Goldberg.
mary ellen mynning Apr 30, 2007, 1:54pm EDT
One? Impossible!
Katherine Hepburn in African Queen and The Philadelphia Story
Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally
Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping and Practical Magic
Jane Seymour in Somewhere in Time and Wedding Crashers
Goldie Hawn in The First Wives Club and Overboard AND FINALLY
Susan Sarandon in The Witches of Eastwick and White Palace
There. Done. Now I'm happy.
Jennifer M. Apr 30, 2007, 1:59pm EDT
I'd have to say my favorite is Mary Stuart Masterson.
Matilde B. Apr 30, 2007, 2:00pm EDT
Drew Barrymore! All time fave. Absolutely love her, and I love how strong she is. To have dealt with drug addiction at such a young age and still be doing what she loves (and doing it well). There aren't a lot of "child stars" that broke the cycle and are still acting.

And of course there are others who I enjoy: Kathy Bates, Angelica Houston, Angela Bassett, Demi Moore, and too many more to name.
Peter Joseph Swanson Apr 30, 2007, 2:02pm EDT
Joan Crawford!!!! A lot of Mommy Dearest is exagerations and lies. If you just take Joan for her movies, she is an actress who really makes you worry for her, and cry with her, and root for her. And she was so beautiful with such expressive eyes! She was a fashion and cultural icon of the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and Pepsi 60s! She is my patron saint of hard work, glamour and success.
That's a tough one. I'm not even going to try to narrow it down, so I'll just have to list a few, and you can put them in any order.
Julia Roberts
Milla Jovovich
Kate Beckinsale
Judi Dench
Dakota Fanning (12 years old!)
Meryl Streep
Sandra Bulloch
Helen Mirren
Lilith Dorsey Apr 30, 2007, 2:02pm EDT
Katherine Hepburn, not that i couldn't list alot more....Barbara Stanwyck, bette Davis, etc...
Catherine M. Apr 30, 2007, 2:15pm EDT
In no particular order:

Ingrid Bergman
Katherine Hepburn
Olympia Dukakis
C.C.H. Pounder
Candace Bergen
Meryl Streep
Jodie Foster
Susan Sarandon
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Sissy Spacek
Alfre Woodard
Mary Macdonnell
Drew Barrymore

There are probably others...

Cathy
Lani S. Apr 30, 2007, 2:23pm EDT
I LOVE Audry Tautou.

This could however just be because my favorite movie is Amelie & I have a thing for sub-titles. :)
I must have assumed you were speaking of LIVING actresses, 'else I'd have named the two Hepburns, for sure, plus a couple more. However, I'd also like to mention Jodie Foster and Emma Thompson as two of the finer Actors of the Feminine Persuasion.
Rosie M. Apr 30, 2007, 3:03pm EDT
Charlize Theron! I have liked her in every movie I have seen her in. She is a beautiful woman but not afraid to totally change her look and gain weight for a movie.
Jesse B. Apr 30, 2007, 3:08pm EDT
I can't think of any that are must see types right of hand. I do like Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts
Pete S. Apr 30, 2007, 3:15pm EDT
If you're going to make me choose among Kate Hepburn, Emma Thompson and Sigourney Weaver, I refuse to make the choice. All or none.
nancy h. Apr 30, 2007, 3:16pm EDT
Katherine Hepburn in *anything*!
Scott M. Apr 30, 2007, 3:33pm EDT
Francis McDormant (sp wrong I think), Glenn Close, Virginia Madsen to name a few
Sandra ~ D. Apr 30, 2007, 3:43pm EDT
Kathy Bates is top-notch. There are many more but I'll limit it to one.
Judy T. Apr 30, 2007, 4:05pm EDT
I know this will really 'date' me, but I think one of the all-time great actresses was Susan Hayward. I also put Meryl Streep right up there too.

Judy
vickey w Apr 30, 2007, 4:30pm EDT
Lucille Ball, Demi Moore, Vicki Lawrence,
T S. Apr 30, 2007, 4:32pm EDT
I like Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, and Reese Witherspoon
Maria G. Apr 30, 2007, 4:33pm EDT
I'm a movie buff, so the list of favorite actresses is a bit long. I really can't ever pick just one when it comes to any movie related topic, but if I must, my choice would be Joan Crawford.
michelle b. Apr 30, 2007, 4:35pm EDT
Sandra Bullock and Reese Witherspoon
Paul VanDerWielen Apr 30, 2007, 4:46pm EDT
Helen Mirren
Harry L. Apr 30, 2007, 4:58pm EDT
In the present it would have to be Nicole Kidman, and in the past it would be Audrey Hepburn.
t b. Apr 30, 2007, 5:50pm EDT
Kathy Bates, Sandra Bullock and Goldie Hawn
Kelley P. Apr 30, 2007, 6:05pm EDT
I have too many I love to watch to name just one, but here are a few: among the young and still rising(although already fabulously successful)--Anne Hathaway, Drew Barrymore, Mandy Moore, Reese Witherspoon, and Scarlett Johanson; among the prime of life--Rene Russo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sandra Bullock, Meg Ryan; among the gone but not forgotten--Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland.

There are a couple of actresses I love to watch, but I'm still not convinced can act: Alicia Silverstone and Kirsten Dunst. It's not that they aren't great in what they do, but so far they've only played the same characters. Rather like Kevin Costner and John Wayne and Alan Alda always play the same characters . . .
Abe A. Apr 30, 2007, 6:14pm EDT
Nicole Kidman....yay!
Pattilou M. Apr 30, 2007, 6:55pm EDT
among today's actresses, my fave is Meryl Streep, among older, 1940's-'50's actresses, it's a toss-up between audrey and Katherine Hepburn. Among today's younger crowd, I love to watch Renee Zellwigger.
samantha b. Apr 30, 2007, 7:10pm EDT
Sandra Bullock
Ashley Judd, particularly in Double Jeapordy and Kiss the Girls. Also love Emma Thompson, Jennifer Garner, Piper Perabo, Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn, Annette Bening, and many more!
Mandy B. Apr 30, 2007, 7:14pm EDT
Sandra Bullock & Queen Latifah. Anything they do is great whether it's drama or comedy
Wanda F. Apr 30, 2007, 7:37pm EDT
Jodie Foster, she can handle any role with excellence that is given her.
Mary Beth Magee Apr 30, 2007, 7:45pm EDT
Barbara Stanwyck!!!!!
harry c. Apr 30, 2007, 8:37pm EDT
hi!

Here are my picks-Jodie Foster-Jessica Alba--Drew Barrymore--Julie Roberts
Mark H. Apr 30, 2007, 8:40pm EDT
Zhang Zi Yi
Landen Michaels Apr 30, 2007, 9:08pm EDT
Evidently, the definition of 'favorite actress' has gone plural. (grins)

Right now, I see Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation, Love Song for Bobby Long) as the favorite because she has both the looks and talent and willingly seems to take roles that challenge her abilities (unlike some other 'favorites'), but I don't see her filling any roles formerly filled by Judy Dench or Kathy Bates.

Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Red Eye) is a very close second.

Gong Li was amazing in 'Memoirs of a Geisha' and was the only real talent in 'Miami Vice'.

I'm not sure what happened to Charlize Theron after 'Monster' but she too has that winning combination.

Jennifer Connelley would be on my 'list' if she could just land a few meatier roles.

IDEA: For future post, consider narrowing the field just a smidge: 'Favorite younger comedic actress' or 'favorite older dramatic actor'... etc.
Layla Morgan Wilde Apr 30, 2007, 9:14pm EDT
The Brits, Judy Dench and Helen Mirren.
KATHRYN SILVA CRAVALHO Apr 30, 2007, 9:45pm EDT
I would half to say my favorite actress is Ingrid bergman I loved her in bells of st. mary and cassablanca. I just can't limit that to one.
Kathryn hepburn,Cher in the movie mask she was excellent!
My list is way to long to name .
Jeannie B. Apr 30, 2007, 9:49pm EDT
Hepburn, both Kate and Audrey. Lauren Bacall. Kirsten Dunst. Renee Zellweger.
Alicia Storey Apr 30, 2007, 10:04pm EDT
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are my all time favorites and then in second place tying is Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston. and Third favorite is Sandra Bullock exspecially in While You Were Sleeping.
Sharon A. Apr 30, 2007, 10:11pm EDT
Probably my favorite actress, although I like many, would be Meryl Streep. (I don't think I spelled her name right. And, I used to love Sharon Stone, but lately, I am not so impressed with her.
Susan V. Apr 30, 2007, 10:24pm EDT
Sandra Bullock
Rene N. Apr 30, 2007, 10:43pm EDT
Oh this is a hard one. I like Reece Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman.. I think those are the top ones.
Eleanor M. Apr 30, 2007, 11:18pm EDT
I really like Julia Roberts. I also like Sandra Bullock, Julie Andrews, Demi Moore and a bunch of others.
Nurse Nancy S. Apr 30, 2007, 11:55pm EDT
Although there are so many great actresses, I would have to say my very favorite is Jodi Foster. She is talented, versatile and can adapt for any type of role. She is number 1 on my list.
Diane White May 1, 2007, 12:38am EDT
Bette Davis. Nobody else comes close.
Donna K. May 1, 2007, 12:38am EDT
Hmmmm... Julia Roberts, Audrey Hepburn, Sandra Bullock, Jodi Foster, Cate Blanchett, Helen Mirren, Judi Densch, Sophie Marceau, Nicole Kidman, Gene Tierney, Angelica Huston, Sigourney Weaver... These are my faves but there are SO many talented actresses out there!
Julie R. May 1, 2007, 12:41am EDT
Emma Thompson and Gwyneth Paltrow...definitely!
Marc M. May 1, 2007, 12:44am EDT
Audrey Tautou, Cate Blanchett. These are women of some substance and are so much fun to watch.
Felix R. May 1, 2007, 2:21am EDT
Bette Davis!!!
simon F. May 1, 2007, 2:22am EDT
As a Brit I would have to say the one and only Dame Judi Dench. If you're from across the water in the States you probably won't have seen her in a couple of Sitcoms that she did. They were brilliant aswell. In my opinion she is far better than Dame Helen Mirren.
simon F. May 1, 2007, 2:24am EDT
My favourite American actress would have to be Uma Thurman. I don't like Julia Roberts as an actress. Does this make me a bad person?
Carmen Y. May 1, 2007, 3:01am EDT
I've always liked Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis and Audrey Hepburn. As for the actresses of today it would have to be Scarlet Johanson and Meryl Streep.
Mi G. May 1, 2007, 5:25am EDT
Maggie Smith! She is amazing!
Pam H. May 1, 2007, 6:22am EDT
Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, Sarah Jessica Parker; they were all great in The Family Stone. But I pretty much like all of them in any movie.
Meg Ryan in any of her movies.
Mary (diet dr pepper junkie) T. May 1, 2007, 7:38am EDT
most of my favorites have been listed...but knowing how Vanessa did this last time, I'll put a vote in for Daryl Hannah. She is very versatile.

Additional favorites: Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Emma Thompson, Jody Foster, Sandra Oh...
Vanessa M. May 1, 2007, 7:57am EDT
I see a few votes for Bette Davis. Did you all know that she auditioned for the role of Scarlett in Gone With the Wind???
Paula B. May 1, 2007, 10:10am EDT
Drew Barrymore
Sandra Bullock
Polly W. May 1, 2007, 12:22pm EDT
I like Katherine Hepburn, Sandra Bullock, Mandy Moore, Bette Davis and Goldie Hawn
Erica Hidvegi May 1, 2007, 12:32pm EDT
It is unfortunate that my most favorite, cherished, and admired Hollywood actress is only mentioned a few times in this list; but Goldie Hawn can play any role, do any event, create beautiful children and fill a room up with sparkle, shine and super intelligence. She is a gem in the field and she shines each and every time.

2nd in line is Drew Barrymore
Brent B. May 1, 2007, 12:47pm EDT
Easily Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett...but I'm gaining more and more respect for Maggie Gyllenhall...nobody seems to play eccentric trash like her...don't believe me, see "SherryBaby" and "Happy Endings"
CyberGwen ! May 1, 2007, 12:51pm EDT
Katherine Hepburn, no contest. There are alot of great current actressess, but I like to look at a persons whole career to judge their talent. I think that is the best way to judge it. Can they act as well at 40 or 50 as they looked beautiful at 20 or 30???
Theresa S. May 1, 2007, 3:45pm EDT
I'm terrible with names...I'd hate to say I liked a particular actress...only to realize later that I actually named the wrong person. Although I did enjoy a few distinct performances from Julia Roberts.
M M. May 1, 2007, 4:56pm EDT
Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench. And Katherine Hepburn.
Heather R. May 1, 2007, 5:59pm EDT
I can't believe no one has mentioned Doris Day. I adore her, not only for her work in film, but for her animal advocacy work. She founded the Doris Day Animal League. I recently read that on the set of "The Man Who Knew Too Much" she was so upset at the half-starved state of the local animals that she refused to work with any of the animals until they had all been properly fed.
Renee S. May 1, 2007, 9:26pm EDT
I like watching movies that have Kate Winslet. She doesn't try to be stick thin and is comfortable with her body image.
Jerry S. May 1, 2007, 9:36pm EDT
Reese Witherspoon, but I do admit there are others.
Carolyn B. May 1, 2007, 11:46pm EDT
I'm going to go with Sandra Bullock. Her performance in Speed was unbeatable, had me in stitches in Miss Congeniality. She does any part good.
Janet "Jax" B. May 2, 2007, 12:45am EDT
I adore Sally Fields. She's been wonderful in almost everything, and her recurring role on ER as Abby's mother is great.