by Dexter S.
Member since:
June 29, 2009

Great Actors? Never Again

September 24, 2009 09:43 PM UTC (Updated: October 09, 2009 06:48 PM UTC)
views: 0 | comments: 209

Everyone could name the great actors of the past..Bogart, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Barrymore, Hepburn, etc.

I personally believe we will never anyone as good as those.. But I know you folks have your favorite.. I could even name a half dozen of pretty good current actors myself.

TV just hasn’t contained a good actor in decades, but that’s another story. And I know a bunch of you kids (under 50) have no idea what a good actor really is.

List who you think is the BEST actor alive today and what you think their best performance has been., and what you think makes them so good.

Also List in a separate comment, who you think is the worst actor you have ever seen.

Comments: 209

Michelle C. Sep 24, 2009, 9:48pm UTC
i think johnny depp is an excellent actor. he's played some incredible roles; mostly fantasy types. he really gets into his role & makes it look like fun. i liked edward scissorhands.
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:14pm UTC
He gets better ever year.. I hated him at first but wow has he gotten good
Lonnie F. Sep 24, 2009, 10:50pm UTC
I believe Johnny Depp is sort of a 'fantasy ' himself. I think that's why he does so well in the stranger roles. But he ( and especially DiCaprio in his first screen role) were great in Gilbert Grape.
Cathi L. Sep 24, 2009, 10:52pm UTC
What's Eating Gilbert Grape! I liked that one!
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:54pm UTC
Gilbert Grape was such a good movie, and so many people never saw it... I highly recommend that to everyone
Elizabeth Ann R. Sep 24, 2009, 11:07pm UTC
Johnny Depp is so versatile and willing to take chances. I loved him in:

Edward Scissorhands

Pirates of the Caribbean

Chocolat

He just gets beter with his craft and he doesn't watch his own films.
Elizabeth O. Sep 25, 2009, 2:26am UTC
Johnny Depp is a great actor. I've loved everything he's done except Willie Wonka ~ gave me the creeps. I think my favourite role for him was Benny in Benny and Joon.
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:19pm UTC
I second the vote for Benny and Joon. Anybody remember 21 Jump Street?
Effervescent Mystique Sep 26, 2009, 4:40am UTC
i'd leave my hubby for johnny!!! i just love him, not that that would ever happen
Sophie S. Benvenuti Sep 28, 2009, 6:33pm UTC
yes, Johnny depp... his range, his depth, and his passion
Peter Joseph Swanson Sep 28, 2009, 6:37pm UTC
I LOVE Ed Wood and Sleepy Hollow !!!!
Michelle C. Sep 24, 2009, 9:53pm UTC
john travolta is very versatile as an actor. the movie michael was cool, then he goes & does pulp fiction. one extreme to the next. he sucked when he was on welcome back kotter. lol
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:12pm UTC
There was one good one wher ehe played an attorney.. cant remember the name of it
Lonnie F. Sep 24, 2009, 10:51pm UTC
You're recalling Travolta"s "Civil Action", but played very similarly in THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER. Lonnie
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 11:05pm UTC
Thats IT!! thank you Lonnie!
Deloris Wright Sep 24, 2009, 9:55pm UTC
John Wayne --One of the best

Steve Martain ---Bad
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:11pm UTC
I agree!
Dorothy H. Sep 24, 2009, 10:19pm UTC
On no! Steve Martin is one of the best!
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 25, 2009, 3:37am UTC
I do not see what people saw in John Wayne. He, personally, was a very likable person, but his acting was awful.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:20pm UTC
John wayne has to be concidered for his sheer ability to sell tickets and his huge list of roles.. over 400 hundred films.. but he had no depth or range
Peter Joseph Swanson Sep 28, 2009, 6:41pm UTC
I agree with Joan Crawford that John Wayne was nothing without his horse. It must have driven her crazy to do lines with him in Reunion in France. He delivers his lines in his odd repetitive wooden manner, and she talks like a normal person back to him.
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 9:57pm UTC
Daniel Day Lewis , you just never know who he is gonna be from one movie to the next
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:11pm UTC
My Left Foot
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:27pm UTC
I just dont get the Lewis thing.. I guess its a female thing
Chris B. Sep 25, 2009, 7:20pm UTC
Oh Dexter, it's not just a girl thing. "There Will Be Blood" and "Gangs of New York" were hardly chick flicks. Daniel Day Lewis can do scoundrel so very well.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 9:06pm UTC
Maybe its just me, but I didnt like either of those movies
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:21pm UTC
He was quite impressive in Gangs of New York. I totally loved him (and Juliet Binoche) in The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 9:57pm UTC
Tom Hanks for the same reason
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:00pm UTC
Forest Gump
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:21pm UTC
He did an excellent job with the Philadelphia Story, and the Green Mile
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:02pm UTC
Morgan Freeman
The Shawshank Redemption
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:22pm UTC
Or Driving Ms Daisy
Lonnie F. Sep 24, 2009, 10:53pm UTC
"SIR" Morgan ( not knighted, but I think of him as that) is probably the greatest still working actor ( and narrator) in the business . Mesmerizing. Lonnie
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:58pm UTC
You are right Lonnie.. Morgan has never gotten the real credit he is due.. A classical master in the style of people trained in shakespeare and on stage, like Anthony Hopkins and Sir john Giealgude
Elizabeth Ann R. Sep 24, 2009, 11:15pm UTC
Morgan Freeman is simply one of the ultimate actors.
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 25, 2009, 3:39am UTC
Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. I love the James Patterson's novels and I think Morgan Freeman played Alex Cross perfectly!!!
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:22pm UTC
Nancy, your right... it is almost as if they wrote that role just for him
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:24pm UTC
How about Nurse Betty? or "Se7en"
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:26pm UTC
Good one Libramoon
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:03pm UTC
Anthony Hopkins
Silence of the Lambs
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 11:06pm UTC
He was good in Remains of the Day too
Elizabeth Ann R. Sep 24, 2009, 11:14pm UTC
He is good in anyting he does.
Elizabeth O. Sep 25, 2009, 2:27am UTC
I like him too... Silence of the Lambs
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 9:20pm UTC
Oh yeah , Lion in Winter.. thats one I forgot
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:03pm UTC
Sean Penn
Dead Man Walking
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:22pm UTC
He has become a master at his talent
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 25, 2009, 3:40am UTC
Gotta watch "I Am Sam." Sean was magnificent as a mentally retarded father.
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:35pm UTC
Nancy I agree, that was a brilliant acting job, and a great "must see" movie
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:04pm UTC
Graham Green
Dances with Wolves
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:16pm UTC
He is so often over looked.. I met him once.. nice guy... but drank like a fish
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:18pm UTC
I saw a skit he did for a Canadian childrens TV show where he played all of the characters of Little Red Riding Hood he was so funny and so good I was entertained as well as the grand kids.
Elizabeth O. Sep 25, 2009, 2:27am UTC
He's hilarious in Red Green, a Canadian TV show.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:24pm UTC
Damn I loved The Red Green.. Graham's dead pan humore fit soo well!

"Remember now, if your goin, were commin!" (the septic sucking cammercials)
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:08pm UTC
Robert Duvall
in anything he has ever done but I'll say Broken Trail
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:15pm UTC
I think The Apostel or Lonesome Dove was his best work
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:16pm UTC
well I really liked Broken Trail but you are right
Dorothy H. Sep 24, 2009, 10:21pm UTC
All of Duvall's work was his best work!
Elizabeth O. Sep 25, 2009, 2:28am UTC
Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird
Vivian P. Sep 25, 2009, 12:11pm UTC
wow Elizabeth a lot of people do not know he was Boo
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:25pm UTC
Elizabeth.. leave it to you to remember who Boo Radley was !!!
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:27pm UTC
Elizabeth O., we agree again. He was so young and fragile looking, broke my heart. But then, that movie always does.
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:29pm UTC
Guy, I need to see tghat.. I must have missed it!
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:13pm UTC
Kathy Bates
Fried Green Tomatoes or Deloris Clayburn or is it Misery
Dorothy H. Sep 24, 2009, 10:24pm UTC
She is truley great!
Lonnie F. Sep 24, 2009, 11:01pm UTC
Kathy Bates---actress supreme . I'm told she did the all-in-all in a pool scene with THE Jack, in 'All About Schmidt"-- I only saw the edited version on t.v.//// Great in anything she does, because she doesn't so much 'act' as Becomes. Lonnie
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:29pm UTC
Primary Colors
Chris B. Sep 24, 2009, 10:18pm UTC
Kevin Spacey seems to be able to play almost anything convincingly from an activist (The Life of David Gale) to a possible alien (K-PAX) to a serial killer (Se7en).
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:24pm UTC
These are the ones I consider the best the ones who can play anything from a psycho to a preacher and back again
I Own three different movies with Daniel Day Lewis
My lest Foot, Window with a View , and Last of the Mohicans
O never realized he was in all of them until I was organizing my movies and notuced his name on all three. Now that's an actor , one who is a totally different person for each role.
Dorothy H. Sep 24, 2009, 10:27pm UTC
Kevin Spacey, oh yea! He is fantastic!
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:37pm UTC
Soacey did a mini series one time.. Wiseguys or something like that, it was excellent.. and I my favorite was Midnight in The Garden of God & Evil
Lonnie F. Sep 24, 2009, 11:10pm UTC
WISEGUY is correct ( with Ken Wahl) Actually, Spacey played the bad guy who was hooked on drugs, and doing them and sex with his sister.(They shot heroin between their toes, while in bed with each other.) Don't try this at home folks. Lonnie
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 1:08pm UTC
You have a great a mind Lonnie.... I really liked teh Wiseguy series... it was a shame it didnt last long ,
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:32pm UTC
Of course, The Usual Suspects. I was entranced by Beyond the Sea. But then, there's American Beauty.
dreama e. Sep 24, 2009, 10:27pm UTC
I think Nicholas Case is a good actor
I enjoyed Con air and face off
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:34pm UTC
I really dont care that much for action movies, I enjoy anything he is in!
Dorothy H. Sep 24, 2009, 10:29pm UTC
Debra winger is a great one. Canery Row was a favorite one.

Shirley McClain is difficult to beat.
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:31pm UTC
That was the one movie I liked her in
Vivian P. Sep 24, 2009, 10:29pm UTC
Jack Nickleson
One flew Over the Coo coos Nest and almost anything else he has ever done
Dexter S. Sep 24, 2009, 10:36pm UTC
He has done some pretty good stuff
Elizabeth Ann R. Sep 24, 2009, 11:11pm UTC
That was a landmark filem

He is the only Darryl in "Witches of Eastwick"
Lonnie F. Sep 24, 2009, 11:13pm UTC
Boy I loves these trips down memory lane . Glad I'm not the only old fogey out here in cyberspace. Kudoes Dexter, sir.Lonnie
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:01pm UTC
There should could be a lot more of us.. but that is one reason I am on gather
Dan V. Sep 24, 2009, 11:14pm UTC
Robert Duvall- Nobody plays a cowboy better. He and Tommy Lee Jones were so great in their roles in Lonesome Dove.
Dan V. Sep 24, 2009, 11:17pm UTC
oops..I see now I wasnt alone in my opinion..lol
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:01pm UTC
They could never be given enough credit!
Elizabeth Ann R. Sep 24, 2009, 11:17pm UTC
Hugh Jackman for his part in Australia. Yes, he's best known as Wolverine, but he is much more than that. He is just really coming into his own and getting better all the time. It doesn't hurt any that he is so handsome. ;)
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 25, 2009, 3:45am UTC
He is soooooo sexy!!!!!
Elizabeth Ann R. Sep 24, 2009, 11:20pm UTC
Patrick Stewart was a Shakesperean actor before joing the Star Trek cast. The earliest I remember him from is the PBS production of I, Claudis.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:02pm UTC
I remeber that PBS show, he was good in it
Dan V. Sep 24, 2009, 11:21pm UTC
Kevin Costner was fantastic in "Dances With Wolves" good in Bull Durham; Field of Dreams, Tin Cup; not so great in some others.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:03pm UTC
He is a good actor, he just never had a good taste in scripts.
dee b. Sep 24, 2009, 11:26pm UTC
Denzel Washington. He's played many roles, but my favorite was in Philadelphia.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:03pm UTC
YOur right, he is one of those who gets better every time out
Chris B. Sep 25, 2009, 7:35pm UTC
Denzel Washington is amazing to watch.
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:34pm UTC
The Pelican Brief with Julia Roberts -- so perfect a film experience
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:32pm UTC
Pelican was very good, I agree
Spartan * Sep 24, 2009, 11:53pm UTC
Your age is showing Dexter! LOL

Robert Downy Jr.--Amazing actor in every role he has played.
Denzel Washington--Never seen him give a bad performance
Brad Pitt--Watch his portrayal of a psychotic killer in Kalifornia and then watch his amazing performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He has a range and depth that most people don't appreciate because they view him as just a "pretty boy".
Johnny Depp-- Same as Brad Pitt
Leonardo DiCaprio--as he has aged a bit he has turned in some amazing performances like in "Blood Diamond".
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:04pm UTC
I do agree with those... Dicaprio still has more experience to get ,, he is great material
Robert A. Sep 25, 2009, 12:39am UTC
Edward Norton in Fight Club and American History X
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:05pm UTC
I forgot the name of the movie, but he does a great pshyco killer
Robert A. Sep 25, 2009, 12:41pm UTC
Yes Dexter, that was the one with Richard Gere as the lawyer
David E. Sep 25, 2009, 2:40am UTC
I have to agree with Spartan on one of his picks.
Brad Pitt.
From Seven, to 12 Monkeys, to Kalifornia, to Cool World, to Fight Club and so much more.
Many disregard him as a pretty face, but his acting ability and his genuineness off screen too make him something special.
Spartan * Sep 25, 2009, 9:36am UTC
Absolutely, David!
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:07pm UTC
He was perfect in the one where he played the boston southie genius.. I should know the name of that movie...
David E. Sep 25, 2009, 1:45pm UTC
I think you are thinking of Matt Damon and Good Will Hunting, I like him too.
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:38pm UTC
Thank you david, you aright, that is the movie.. adn I really enjoyed that film!
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 25, 2009, 3:48am UTC
I like Tommy Lee Jones
James Garner
Sally Field
Charlton Heston
Ali Hussein Lopez Sep 25, 2009, 9:09am UTC
I agree with Tommy Lee Jones, and Heston was great with a really varied body of work.
Spartan * Sep 25, 2009, 9:40am UTC
Charlton Heston always played Charlton Heston, just like John Wayne always played John Wayne. A "good" actor makes us forget who they are and forces us to believe in the character they are playing. Heston and Wayne never did this.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:15pm UTC
I met Chuck Heston when he filmed "Midway".. lived around him for 2 weeks at sea during the filming ( I was a gaffer) .. i hate to say it.... but he was terribly arrogant, so much so the other actors would walk away if he came up to talk... and he was "prissy".. when he wasn’t in front of the camera, he had a very effeminate manner about him... limp wrist and swivel hips... but as soon as he passed the camera and got on set, he turned into a whole different person. Glen Ford hated is guts! so did Eddie Albert Jr..
Ali Hussein Lopez Sep 25, 2009, 9:06pm UTC
I don't know about his personal habits, but I thought he was a pretty fine movie actor. I didn't think he was playing Charlton Heston all the time at all.
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 26, 2009, 5:36am UTC
Dexter, Unfortunately, most people in the limelight tend to be arrogant. And Charlton and his wife, Lydia, had something most people will NEVER see...65 years together as husband and wife. That, to me, speaks highly of his integrity.
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:40pm UTC
Nurse, or their tenacity
Ali Hussein Lopez Sep 25, 2009, 8:59am UTC
Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Tom Cruise (take another look at "Born on the Fourth of July", "Magnolia", "Tropic Thunder"), Daniel Day Lewis, Liam Neeson.
Spartan * Sep 25, 2009, 9:42am UTC
I would rate Tom Cruise as one of the worst actors. Born on the Fourth of July was his ONLY good performance. In all other performances he has portrayed one or two dimensional cartoon characters.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:16pm UTC
I agree Spartan .. Cruise isnt an actor... he is terrible at his craft.. if it werent for FX in his movies, he wouldnt sell movie tickets
Lisa Frost Bailey Sep 25, 2009, 5:37pm UTC
definitely Cruise is on my least favorites list.
Ali Hussein Lopez Sep 25, 2009, 9:05pm UTC
Well, I still disagree on Cruise. He's been much more versatile that he's been given credit for.
Ali Hussein Lopez Sep 25, 2009, 9:10am UTC
And two great guys who are still acting from the previous generation of actors; Michael Caine and Sean Connery.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:17pm UTC
Always did like Connery.... the ONLY real James Bond! Caine was best in Second Hand Lions...
Lisa Frost Bailey Sep 25, 2009, 5:38pm UTC
NOW there is an actor I LOVE, and he is still alive....whoo hoo!!
Ali Hussein Lopez Sep 25, 2009, 9:11am UTC
And the greatest actor of her generation?

Without a doubt, Meryl Streep.
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 12:18pm UTC
She is really a good Actress, excellent at her craft... but Best? hmmmm, I dont know
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:38pm UTC
Well, if only for her amazing roles in Angels in America Streep is a master, but then there's Silkwood.
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:42pm UTC
Silkwood was a great movie adn very moving story
Debbie W. Sep 25, 2009, 12:20pm UTC
I like funny guys like Robin Williams
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 1:11pm UTC
He also is capable of very fine dramatic parts too
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 1:13pm UTC
Who is the actress that played in Million Dollar Baby?? about the female boxer? She is very talented
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 2:54pm UTC
That gal is a real actress... she works at her art... They say she lives like a regular person,, not a movie star... and studies each part very serious..I am a big fan of hers
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 2:54pm UTC
Did anyoen mention jamie Fox? He blew me away on RAY
Leo Lemmer Sep 25, 2009, 3:03pm UTC
Best: Tommy Lee Jones--No Place for Old Men

Worst: Sandra Bullock

Best and worst of the past: Marilyn Monroe--never another to equal her
Dexter S. Sep 25, 2009, 4:51pm UTC
Good selection
Lisa Frost Bailey Sep 25, 2009, 5:40pm UTC
Morgan Freeman!!! Denzel Washington, Sean ever so sexy Connery, ummmmmmmm you say they have to be living, i think I ran out...LOL
Angel sent from God Secret Sisters Sep 25, 2009, 9:05pm UTC
So I am over 50! Darn .....I always like Rock Hudson....
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:44pm UTC
YOur just a softie Doxie
libramoon .. Sep 25, 2009, 10:17pm UTC
I have a Johnny Depp/Gene Hackman rule: Any movie with Johnny Depp or Gene Hackman is worth seeing. I suspect Cate Blanchett may also be in that category. On the other hand, I will not even consider a movie with Adam Sandler.
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:48pm UTC
Sandler sucks!
Effervescent Mystique Sep 26, 2009, 4:35am UTC
i don't have many, audrey hepburn
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:55pm UTC
O focurse you would pick audrey hepburn, such a classy lady like yourself!
Miz Lynn aka/BooBoo Sep 26, 2009, 10:44pm UTC
Harrison Ford - Every movie he's in..
Sean Connery - 007 and even when he's older he's a box office draw.
Gerard Butler - He's new, versatile...Phantom (singer), 300 (action), P.S I love you (heart warming) and his brogue makes me drool..;)
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 10:52pm UTC
I think I see where you taste in actors lie....... they are good, but they are , shall we say.....
Miz Lynn aka/BooBoo Sep 26, 2009, 11:26pm UTC
Don't get me wrong Dexter, the actors u spoke of were the very best! "Shall we say...." what? Tell me what ur thinkin? Sexy? It helps friend, it helps...I love the "everyday" like actors; Fonda, Stewart etc, who most always good, decent men (at least on the screen). I found them verrrry sexy just for that reason. ;)
Dexter S. Sep 26, 2009, 11:32pm UTC
I thought you might be using the "Hunk-O-Meter" scale!!

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