Can You Say a Woman Is an Actor?

Can You Say a Woman Is an Actor?

Exploring the gender-neutral evolution of acting titles in the modern entertainment industry

(By Carmichael Phillip)

The word actor originates from the Latin term actor, meaning “doer” or “performer.” In early English theater, the term was gender-neutral and applied to anyone who performed on stage. However, the 17th and 18th centuries introduced the gendered term actress to refer specifically to women in theatrical roles.

Despite this, actor remained the standard term in many professional circles, especially in contexts where the gender of the performer was irrelevant. This distinction between actor and actress laid the foundation for an ongoing discussion about inclusivity and language in the arts.

In recent decades, there has been a significant push within the entertainment industry to use gender-neutral language. Just as we use flight attendant instead of stewardess, or server instead of waitress, actor has become the preferred term for many women in the industry.

This shift is largely motivated by a desire for equality. Some prominent women in Hollywood have openly rejected the word actress because they believe it marginalizes or diminishes their craft.

For instance, Cate Blanchett stated, “I call myself an actor. I don’t believe in the binary definition of talent.” Similarly, Emma Thompson has referred to herself as an actor in many interviews, emphasizing her role as an artist rather than highlighting her gender.

One of the few holdouts for the term actress remains in award ceremonies. The Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes all have “Best Actor” and “Best Actress” categories. Critics argue that this distinction is outdated and unnecessary, especially since performances are judged on merit, not gender.

There have been growing calls to abolish gendered award categories. The MTV Movie & TV Awards led the way by combining male and female categories into one “Best Actor in a Movie” award, which has been won by both women and men. In 2017, Emma Watson became the first recipient of this non-gendered award, stating in her acceptance speech, “Acting is about the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and that doesn’t need to be separated into two different categories.”

Many prominent women in the industry actively use the title actor in interviews, resumes, and press releases. Some notable examples include:

Viola Davis: Often refers to herself as an actor, stating, “I’m not an actress. I’m an actor. I worked hard to earn that title.”

Jodie Foster: Prefers actor and sees no reason why her title should be different from her male colleagues.

Frances McDormand: A vocal proponent of gender-neutral language in the arts, she has said, “The word ‘actress’ is a silly word. It’s time to move on.”

Their preferences highlight the shift in how professionalism and respect are framed within the acting community.

The move toward using actor for all genders is closely tied to feminist ideas of equity and representation. Language reflects cultural values, and many argue that by eliminating unnecessary gender distinctions, we foster a more inclusive and equal professional landscape.

Dr. Deborah Cameron, a linguist at Oxford University, explains, “When you change language, you begin to shift perceptions. Using a single term like ‘actor’ helps dismantle the subconscious hierarchies between men and women in the arts.”

Despite the growing adoption of the term actor for women, not everyone agrees. Some professionals—especially those from older generations—still cling to the distinction. They argue that actress celebrates the unique contributions of women in film and theater.

However, the younger generation of performers is increasingly embracing the more inclusive terminology. Acting schools, theater programs, and casting agencies now often use actor regardless of gender, reflecting a cultural change driven by values of equity and professionalism.

The use of actor as a gender-neutral term isn’t universal. In many non-English-speaking countries, acting titles remain gendered. For example:

In French: acteur (male) and actrice (female)

In Spanish: actor (male) and actriz (female)

In Italian: attore (male) and attrice (female)

These languages have deeply ingrained grammatical gender systems, making gender-neutral language a more complex challenge. Still, the conversation is expanding globally as people advocate for more inclusive terminology in the arts.

Casting calls have also evolved. Instead of listing roles as “actor (male)” or “actress (female),” many casting directors now write “actor (female-identifying)” or simply “actor” with a gender note for character traits. This not only simplifies language but also makes space for non-binary and gender-fluid performers.

Organizations such as SAG-AFTRA and Equity encourage neutral language in scripts, contracts, and industry listings. They also train professionals on inclusive practices, reflecting a broader commitment to diversity and equality.

Media outlets and journalists have a major influence on how language evolves. Increasingly, major publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Variety use actor for both men and women. This normalization in high-profile coverage reinforces the shift and educates audiences on the changing norms.

Social media also plays a role. When users notice that prominent women refer to themselves as actors, it prompts discussion and reflection. This grassroots change, powered by platforms like Twitter and Instagram, has helped push the industry toward more inclusive practices.

Absolutely, yes. Referring to a woman as an actor is both grammatically correct and increasingly preferred in the entertainment industry. The term encompasses all genders and reflects a move toward equality and professionalism.

Still, it’s important to respect individual preferences. Some women continue to identify with the term actress and feel empowered by it. Ultimately, the most respectful approach is to use the terminology that each person prefers.

The evolution of the word actor is a testament to the power of language in shaping culture. By embracing gender-neutral terminology, the entertainment industry takes a step forward in inclusivity, equity, and representation. While actress may still be used in certain contexts, the rise of actor as a term for women signifies a shift toward a future where talent, not gender, takes center stage.

As the cultural landscape continues to evolve, so too will the language we use to describe those who entertain, challenge, and inspire us from the stage and screen.

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