What is a Male Actor Called?

What is a Male Actor Called?

Exploring the terminology, history, and modern usage of the word “actor” for men

(By Tonya Tannenbaum)

The most straightforward answer to the question is this: a male actor is simply called an actor. The term is gender-neutral and widely accepted in the industry today for both male and female performers. Traditionally, however, the word “actor” referred specifically to men, while “actress” was used for women.

The shift toward using “actor” for all genders began in the late 20th century, as the entertainment industry started embracing more inclusive language. While “actress” is still in use and preferred by some, “actor” is now commonly used regardless of gender.

For example:

Tom Hanks is referred to as an actor, not a male actor.

Leonardo DiCaprio, winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, is not labeled as a “male actor” in award categories—just “actor.”

The word actor comes from the Latin word actor, which means “doer” or “performer.” In Roman times, acting was predominantly a male profession, and the term had masculine connotations. Over time, as women entered the stage (after centuries of exclusion in certain cultures), a need arose to differentiate female performers—hence, “actress.”

The first recorded use of the word “actress” in English dates back to the 17th century. However, many professionals now consider these distinctions outdated.

In contemporary contexts, especially within the professional entertainment industry, “actor” is used as the standard term for all performers. This is particularly true in:

Award ceremonies: The Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs have categories like “Best Actor” and “Best Supporting Actor” for men, with corresponding “actress” titles for women.

Casting calls: Descriptions will often specify “seeking an actor aged 30–40” without indicating gender unless relevant.

Professional bios: Resumes and press releases commonly use “actor” as a title regardless of gender.

Some institutions and individuals now even prefer to drop the gender distinction altogether:

For example, in 2022, the Berlin International Film Festival introduced gender-neutral acting categories, awarding Best Leading Performance and Best Supporting Performance to the top actors, regardless of gender.

The term “actor” has been used to describe male performers throughout the history of film and theater. Here are a few iconic examples:

Marlon Brando – Often called one of the greatest actors of all time, known for “The Godfather” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Denzel Washington – Celebrated for his range and depth in films like “Training Day” and “Fences.”

Brad Pitt – An award-winning actor and producer known for “Fight Club,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” and more.

Daniel Day-Lewis – A method actor with three Academy Awards, known for immersive performances in “Lincoln” and “There Will Be Blood.”

Timothée Chalamet – A newer generation actor with leading roles in films like “Call Me by Your Name” and “Dune.”

Each of these performers is referred to simply as an actor, not a “male actor.”

This is a matter of personal and professional preference. While many people in the industry have moved toward the gender-neutral term “actor,” others proudly use “actress.” What’s important is how individuals choose to self-identify.

For example:

Meryl Streep has accepted awards in categories labeled “Best Actress,” but in interviews, she has referred to herself as “an actor.”

Emma Watson has been vocal about gender inclusivity in entertainment and prefers “actor.”

Meanwhile, most male performers are simply called “actors” without the need to specify their gender.

The terminology applies universally, whether the actor is performing on stage, in a movie, or on television. Some additional terms may include:

Thespian: Often used to describe stage actors, derived from Thespis, the first known actor in ancient Greek theater.

Performer: A broader term that includes actors, musicians, dancers, and other entertainers.

Still, in casting and formal references, “actor” is the standard across all media.

Different languages and cultures have their own variations on the word “actor” for men. Here are a few:

French: “Acteur” for a man, “actrice” for a woman.

Spanish: “Actor” for a man, “actriz” for a woman.

German: “Schauspieler” for a man, “Schauspielerin” for a woman.

Despite these gendered terms in other languages, the global film industry—especially in English-speaking countries—is steadily embracing gender-neutral vocabulary.

Today, many male actors are taking on roles that challenge traditional gender expectations. From playing sensitive characters to portraying gender-fluid roles, male actors are showing a wider range of emotional expression and diversity.

Examples:

Billy Porter in “Pose” – an openly gay actor who challenges gender norms.

Harry Styles in “My Policeman” – a musician-turned-actor exploring same-sex love stories on screen.

Eddie Redmayne in “The Danish Girl” – portraying a transgender woman, though the casting sparked conversations about representation.

These roles reflect a broader cultural shift in how we think about gender and performance.

So, what is a male actor called? Quite simply: an actor. The industry’s move toward more inclusive language reflects a larger social understanding that talent knows no gender. While tradition has given us gendered terms like “actor” and “actress,” the word “actor” today celebrates performance ability and craft—regardless of whether the performer is male or female.

As we continue to witness evolution in language and representation, one thing remains true: the term “actor” carries the weight of dedication, artistry, and storytelling. And that, above all, is what truly defines a performer.

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