a theatrical performer
"The local theater company announced that their star actor will take over the lead role in next week's production of Hamlet."
A person who performs, plays a part in a theatrical play or film.
"The famous actor received a standing ovation after delivering his final monologue on stage."
In plain English: An actor is a person who performs roles in plays, movies, or other shows.
"The famous actor won an award for his performance in the new movie."
Usage: Use "actor" to refer specifically to a male performer in theater or film, though it is increasingly accepted for anyone regardless of gender. Reserve the plural form "actors" when discussing multiple performers, and avoid confusing the noun with the verb "act.
The word actor comes from the Latin āctor, meaning "doer," which entered English through Middle French and Anglo-Norman. It originally referred to anyone who performed an action before evolving to specifically mean a stage performer.