Mister Apoc
Demigod of Troll Threads
I feel like this seems to be the consensus. No one really comes close. Pacino and Deniro are great but they don't really have the range and depth that Denzel at his best has
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Is Denzel the greatest American actor of the 20th century?
- Thread starter Mister Apoc
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NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt
Biggest Trails Stan
No that's Samuel L Jackson
So many memorable roles he played
So many memorable roles he played
Men_in_Boxes
Snake Oil Salesman
Denzel or Hanks.
Werewolf Jones
Member
Not a fan but I can't deny him the title. 
NeverYouMind
Member
With actors like Tom Hanks being able to do a one man show (Cast Away) he is not really even in contention for the title. Also, 1901-2000 saw thousands of actors at the top of their games. Denzel does not even have a single great film he participated in.
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NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt
Biggest Trails Stan
20th Century? Not even close.
21st Century? I would still say no personally but an argument could be made at least.
For me it's Daniel Day-Lewis
NeverYouMind
Member
Why? Can you narrow it down to a handful of performances in the 20th century?
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NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt
Biggest Trails Stan
NeverYouMind
Member
Oh... You meant the 21st century...Here's a couple
NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt
Biggest Trails Stan
were are my Hofman stans at?
Died too young unfortunately..
NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt
Biggest Trails Stan
How about Mad Mikkelsen?
IDKFA
I am Become Bilbo Baggins
Here's a couple
Daniel Day-Lewis is English.
The OP asked about American actors.
If we're talking greatest actor of all time, DDL is absolutely a contender.
cash_longfellow
Member
No, James McAvoy is.
Edit - Nevermind, missed the American part.
Edit - Nevermind, missed the American part.
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Revolutionary
Member
Unfortunately I'll always remember him as the guy who sharted in Along Came Pollywere are my Seymour Hofman stans at?
RIP king
Ironbunny
Member
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NecrosaroIII
Ultimate DQ Fan
Jimmy Stewart? Gregory Peck?
DragoonWalker
Member
What are the qualifiers? What makes someone the greatest? Most widespread exposure to acting talent ratio? Most range? Most screen presence? Most awards nominations? Most popular? Starring in most hit films and outchewing everyone else?
Denzel certainly has most of those things. You can make an argument for it for the 20 years between 1990 and 2010 or so, when he was most active. Beyond that there's too much competition.
Denzel certainly has most of those things. You can make an argument for it for the 20 years between 1990 and 2010 or so, when he was most active. Beyond that there's too much competition.
Keanu reeves is a joke of an actor. He is however, one of the greatest movie stars ever. Big difference.Whoa Keanu reeves would like a word.
If we're talking English actors Gary Oldman deserves mention. He doesn't have those few key megaton performances like DDL but given the large amount of movies he's done and consistently acted with such wide range in, he's one hell of an actor.
Pegasus Actual
Member
Very sexist thread, also a lot of you don't know what the 20th century is.
Obviously GOAT american actor of 20th century is Elizabeth Berkley, master of both film and televison.
Obviously GOAT american actor of 20th century is Elizabeth Berkley, master of both film and televison.
Little Mac
Member
clarky
Gold Member
You'd be an idiot for thinking Connery was American.If you don't think it's Sean Connery, then:
March Climber
Member
I prefer when actors blend really well into roles to the point where you either forget or initially can't tell that it's them, like the chameleon of acting himself:
Doom85
Member
If you don't think it's Sean Connery, then:
We’re fucking idiots for thinking Connery isn’t an AMERICAN actor?
nkarafo
Member
NeverYouMind
Member
There is no film with James Stewart I can watch and not enjoy. A phenomenal talent whose southern drawl can charm the pants off a snake.
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dsp
Member
were are my Seymour Hofman stans at?
The Master is the funniest film I've ever seen. Brilliantly hilarious and Seymour is fantastic in it.
Now I'm trying to think of who I think the greatest actor of the 20th century is... I don't even know. I think Ian Holm is probably the most underrated actor but I wouldn't say best. Ian McKellen is up there. I did see a clip of Olivier doing Shakespeare and I see how brilliant the man is in just a short clip. Floored me. I don't think there is anyone who can give a ranting speech like Pacino can.
I think the real answer is quite obvious though. It's Paul F. Tompkins as an extra in There Will Be Blood.
Hawking Radiation
Member
No love for Sean Penn?
OR
Sam Rockwell
OR
Sam Rockwell
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TheZink
Member
This is the correct answerI prefer when actors blend really well into roles to the point where you either forget or initially can't tell that it's them, like the chameleon of acting himself:
Hemingwayoffbase
Member
Denzel is on a very short list of actors where if they are in a movie, I’m automatically going to see it.
His IMDB list is just all great movies.
Did anyone here ever see Fallen? If you haven’t, get some popcorn and turn off the lights. You’re welcome.
His IMDB list is just all great movies.
Did anyone here ever see Fallen? If you haven’t, get some popcorn and turn off the lights. You’re welcome.
Vyse
Gold Member
Just rewatched Twister and didn’t realize he was one of the Storm Chasers. Cast in that movie was bonkers.were are my Seymour Hofman stans at?
RIP king
John Marston
GAF's very own treasure goblin
Denzel is definitely in my top 20.
So versatile and totally immerses himself in his characters.
So versatile and totally immerses himself in his characters.
Salz01
Member
This reminds me to watch training day again. Been awhile…Denzel is definitely in my top 20.
So versatile and totally immerses himself in his characters.
20th century English, alec guinness, no question, Christopher "knows the sound of a man being stabbed in the back" Lee at number 2
American clearly it's Steve McQueen
Nah just kidding
It's Raul Julia, he can take a train like street fighter and make every moment he's on screen awesome
American clearly it's Steve McQueen
Nah just kidding
It's Raul Julia, he can take a train like street fighter and make every moment he's on screen awesome
jufonuk
not tag worthy
SpiceRacz
Member
I’d argue Leonardo DiCaprio is the best American actor working today and I don’t think it’s very close. He’s not as active as some others but he has more range. To me, he’s the American equivalent of Daniel Day Lewis.
It’s caught my eye on streaming several times, but I never actually watched it. I’m gonna check it out this week.
It’s caught my eye on streaming several times, but I never actually watched it. I’m gonna check it out this week.
MujkicHaris
Banned
Denzel is good but he is not even in my top 10.
The greatest American actor is Billy Bob Thornton.
The greatest American actor is Billy Bob Thornton.
T8SC
Member
Now that I've slept and read the title properly:
From comedies and light hearted roles in Big, Splash, Turner & Hooch, The Burbs & Dragnet to more serious movies such as Philadelphia, Forrest Gump & Captain Philips. Also able to turn his hand to an action role in Saving Private Ryan, romance with Sleepless In Seattle, voice role such as Woody in Toy Story and able to hold the movie all on his own in Cast Away. Throw in other great performances like Apollo 13, A League Of Their Own, Sully & The Green Mile.
I think Hanks has to be in consideration for the variety and quality of his performances.
From comedies and light hearted roles in Big, Splash, Turner & Hooch, The Burbs & Dragnet to more serious movies such as Philadelphia, Forrest Gump & Captain Philips. Also able to turn his hand to an action role in Saving Private Ryan, romance with Sleepless In Seattle, voice role such as Woody in Toy Story and able to hold the movie all on his own in Cast Away. Throw in other great performances like Apollo 13, A League Of Their Own, Sully & The Green Mile.
I think Hanks has to be in consideration for the variety and quality of his performances.
