Top 10 Most Popular Actors of All Time
Hollywood actors, cinema legends, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Robert Downey Jr., Harrison Ford, Jackie Chan, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Morgan Freeman, Betty White, acting, film history, movie stars, iconic performances, Oscar winners, entertainment, Hollywood, celebrity,
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most well-known and well-liked actors in history.
#10: Harrison Ford
Whether you know him as a renowned archaeologist or the pilot of the Millennium Falcon, the point is, you definitely know him. Throughout his career that’s spanned over half a century, Harrison Ford has dazzled us on screen with his charming half smirk and his acting ability, particularly in films involving action and suspense. Even in his 80s, he’s pleasantly surprised us with ever-evolving acting chops and dynamic roles, such as a psychologist on the comedy series “Shrinking.” Ford is a charismatic, timeless actor. Both his older and newer works are worth watching.
He may not be your typical triple threat, but he’s got skills so unique that there may never be another like him in our lifetime. Jackie Chan is forever known for his contribution to the world of martial arts in cinema. But he should also be recognized as one of the greatest stuntmen and comedic actors of our generation. From buddy action movie series like “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai” to martial arts dramas like the 2010 “Karate Kid,” Chan has left his mark, both literally and figuratively. Perhaps what we like most about him, though, is his humility and approachability—qualities we love to see in the celebs we admire.
Whether he’s the godfather, yelling “Stella!,” or playing Superman’s father, he’s hard not to love. Marlon Brando set the bar high as one of the original greats, acting in films from the 1950s until his death in 2004. Off screen, he was known for his charm, charisma, and activism in the civil rights movement. In 1973, he protested Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans by refusing to accept his Oscar for “The Godfather.” Instead, he sent Native American actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather[a] to represent him at the ceremony, where she gave a speech about the mistreatment of Indigenous people in the film industry. Brando was ahead of his time in both his art and activism—and that is to be admired.
She’s the original blonde bombshell, and though our time with her was cut way too short, Marilyn Monroe left her mark. While some may remember her for her infamous relationships and good looks, it’s her talent on the screen that will never be forgotten. With films like “The Seven Year Itch” and “Some Like It Hot” —for which she won a Golden Globe— she set the stage for actresses that came after her. Monroe also broke barriers by founding her own production company before turning 30. Her legacy is undeniable—and it’s praiseworthy that she did it all with a smile on her face and a skip in her step, despite everything going on behind the scenes in her life.
We think it would be tough to find someone who’s never seen a Morgan Freeman film—and for good reason. He’s got great range and has appeared in films from almost every genre. He’s seemingly well-liked by everyone in the industry, too. Whether it’s playing a convict in “Shawshank Redemption,” winning an Oscar for “Million Dollar Baby,” or literally playing God in “Bruce Almighty,” he’s always a pleasure to watch. Also, we wouldn’t say no if he wanted to narrate bedtime stories to us, because there’s just something about his voice that we can’t get enough of.
She’s been an icon for a long time—and remains as beloved as she’s ever been. Early in her career, Betty White became the first woman to produce a sitcom. Since then, she’s had notable roles in shows like “The Golden Girls,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and “Hot in Cleveland.” But she was also adored for her off-screen persona. White was a hilarious woman who talked candidly about everything from relationships to career to the beauty of aging, and everything in between. Needless to say, we wish we had more Betty White in our lives.
If there’s anyone who’s turned their lives around and made the most out of their career, it’s RDJ. Despite a rough childhood and battles with addiction, he’s overcome it all to become one of the most well-known yet humble stars in Hollywood. We love him as Sherlock Holmes, Charlie Chaplin, and of course, Tony Stark. We couldn’t help but smile when he finally won his first Academy Award for his role in “Oppenheimer” after years of dedication to his craft. All of his contributions to the world of cinema have made him one of the highest grossing actors ever.
Name a more iconic actress than Meryl Streep. We’ll wait—but not for long, because you can’t. “The Iron Lady,” “Julie & Julia,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” we could literally go on for hours about her amazing performances. The fact that she’s been nominated for over 20 Oscars and has won 3 of them pretty much sums up her greatness. Yet, through all her success, she’s stayed approachable and humble. She’s the GOAT for a reason, and the fact that she seems like the most lovely human off screen is just the cherry on top.
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t like Tom Hanks. In real life, he’s a husband, father of four, environmentalist, member of the National Space Society, and honorary member of the United States Army Rangers Hall of Fame. On screen, he’s effectively portrayed a wide variety of characters, including an astronaut, a toy, a castaway, a captain, and a professor—just to name a few. First and foremost, he’s clearly a stand-up guy on top of being incredibly talented. It’s safe to say if he’s in a movie, we’ll be watching it.
He’s made everyone that’s crossed his path laugh, and a good chunk of them cry. To say we miss him would be an understatement. Throughout his life and career, Robin Williams put humor at the forefront, as we saw in films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “The Birdcage.” He was also amazing in his dramatic roles, such as “Good Will Hunting,” for which he won an Academy Award. On screen and off, he was always helping others by doing things like co-creating Comic Relief USA, participating in USO tours, and contributing to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He’s impossible to hate—and will be remembered and revered for years to come.
Which of these actors is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
[a]saw-SHEEN little feather https://youtu.be/2QUacU0I4yU?si=7WWJENxh1WRVr2m9&t=62
#10: Harrison Ford
Whether you know him as a renowned archaeologist or the pilot of the Millennium Falcon, the point is, you definitely know him. Throughout his career that’s spanned over half a century, Harrison Ford has dazzled us on screen with his charming half smirk and his acting ability, particularly in films involving action and suspense. Even in his 80s, he’s pleasantly surprised us with ever-evolving acting chops and dynamic roles, such as a psychologist on the comedy series “Shrinking.” Ford is a charismatic, timeless actor. Both his older and newer works are worth watching.
#9: Jackie Chan
He may not be your typical triple threat, but he’s got skills so unique that there may never be another like him in our lifetime. Jackie Chan is forever known for his contribution to the world of martial arts in cinema. But he should also be recognized as one of the greatest stuntmen and comedic actors of our generation. From buddy action movie series like “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai” to martial arts dramas like the 2010 “Karate Kid,” Chan has left his mark, both literally and figuratively. Perhaps what we like most about him, though, is his humility and approachability—qualities we love to see in the celebs we admire.
#8: Marlon Brando
Whether he’s the godfather, yelling “Stella!,” or playing Superman’s father, he’s hard not to love. Marlon Brando set the bar high as one of the original greats, acting in films from the 1950s until his death in 2004. Off screen, he was known for his charm, charisma, and activism in the civil rights movement. In 1973, he protested Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans by refusing to accept his Oscar for “The Godfather.” Instead, he sent Native American actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather[a] to represent him at the ceremony, where she gave a speech about the mistreatment of Indigenous people in the film industry. Brando was ahead of his time in both his art and activism—and that is to be admired.
#7: Marilyn Monroe
She’s the original blonde bombshell, and though our time with her was cut way too short, Marilyn Monroe left her mark. While some may remember her for her infamous relationships and good looks, it’s her talent on the screen that will never be forgotten. With films like “The Seven Year Itch” and “Some Like It Hot” —for which she won a Golden Globe— she set the stage for actresses that came after her. Monroe also broke barriers by founding her own production company before turning 30. Her legacy is undeniable—and it’s praiseworthy that she did it all with a smile on her face and a skip in her step, despite everything going on behind the scenes in her life.
#6: Morgan Freeman
We think it would be tough to find someone who’s never seen a Morgan Freeman film—and for good reason. He’s got great range and has appeared in films from almost every genre. He’s seemingly well-liked by everyone in the industry, too. Whether it’s playing a convict in “Shawshank Redemption,” winning an Oscar for “Million Dollar Baby,” or literally playing God in “Bruce Almighty,” he’s always a pleasure to watch. Also, we wouldn’t say no if he wanted to narrate bedtime stories to us, because there’s just something about his voice that we can’t get enough of.
#5: Betty White
She’s been an icon for a long time—and remains as beloved as she’s ever been. Early in her career, Betty White became the first woman to produce a sitcom. Since then, she’s had notable roles in shows like “The Golden Girls,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and “Hot in Cleveland.” But she was also adored for her off-screen persona. White was a hilarious woman who talked candidly about everything from relationships to career to the beauty of aging, and everything in between. Needless to say, we wish we had more Betty White in our lives.
#4: Robert Downey Jr.
If there’s anyone who’s turned their lives around and made the most out of their career, it’s RDJ. Despite a rough childhood and battles with addiction, he’s overcome it all to become one of the most well-known yet humble stars in Hollywood. We love him as Sherlock Holmes, Charlie Chaplin, and of course, Tony Stark. We couldn’t help but smile when he finally won his first Academy Award for his role in “Oppenheimer” after years of dedication to his craft. All of his contributions to the world of cinema have made him one of the highest grossing actors ever.
#3: Meryl Streep
Name a more iconic actress than Meryl Streep. We’ll wait—but not for long, because you can’t. “The Iron Lady,” “Julie & Julia,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” we could literally go on for hours about her amazing performances. The fact that she’s been nominated for over 20 Oscars and has won 3 of them pretty much sums up her greatness. Yet, through all her success, she’s stayed approachable and humble. She’s the GOAT for a reason, and the fact that she seems like the most lovely human off screen is just the cherry on top.
#2: Tom Hanks
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t like Tom Hanks. In real life, he’s a husband, father of four, environmentalist, member of the National Space Society, and honorary member of the United States Army Rangers Hall of Fame. On screen, he’s effectively portrayed a wide variety of characters, including an astronaut, a toy, a castaway, a captain, and a professor—just to name a few. First and foremost, he’s clearly a stand-up guy on top of being incredibly talented. It’s safe to say if he’s in a movie, we’ll be watching it.
#1: Robin Williams
He’s made everyone that’s crossed his path laugh, and a good chunk of them cry. To say we miss him would be an understatement. Throughout his life and career, Robin Williams put humor at the forefront, as we saw in films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “The Birdcage.” He was also amazing in his dramatic roles, such as “Good Will Hunting,” for which he won an Academy Award. On screen and off, he was always helping others by doing things like co-creating Comic Relief USA, participating in USO tours, and contributing to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He’s impossible to hate—and will be remembered and revered for years to come.
Which of these actors is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
[a]saw-SHEEN little feather https://youtu.be/2QUacU0I4yU?si=7WWJENxh1WRVr2m9&t=62
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