Best British actor?

[SeagullinExile]

Tom Hardy is a fine actor also.

I would have to agree.

 

[Brian Fantana]

Lately I've been watching alot of Ray Winstone and starting to collect his DVD's, think he's brilliant BUT I doubt he's the best. For me, It'd be Michael Caine then Ray.

Good thread.

For me, it has to be Michael Caine. However, I totally disagree on the merits of Ray Winstone. I severely doubt that he would feature in my list of top 50 British actors.

I also agree with others regarding Michael Sheen. He's a vastly, vastly underrated actor.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Surprised Ralph Feinnes hasn't been mentioned. He's one of my favourites.

 

[Dave the OAP]

Olivier, Alec Guinness, paul scofield, mackennan,

I actually rate Patrick Stewart....seen him in a couple of Shakespeare plays and he is a fine actor.( and he is a town fan too)

 

[Medwayseagull]

No mention for Olivier, Gielgud or Redgrave ?

 

[KNC]

Surprised no one has mentioned Jathan Statham

 

[Uncle Spielberg]

Ralph Fiennes
Anthony Hopkins
Christian Bale
Daniel Day-Lewis

 

[SeagullinExile]

Olivier, Alec Guinness, paul scofield, mackennan,

I actually rate Patrick Stewart....seen him in a couple of Shakespeare plays and he is a fine actor.( and he is a town fan too)

Indeed. Mr Stuart is not known for Hollywood blockbusters, but is a fine actor when treading the boards. Plus he has a sense of humour and doesn't take himself too seriously, as seen from his work with Seth Macfarlane.

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

George Cole, Alec Guinness, John Mills, Roy Kinnear, Harry Andrews, John Thaw, Pete Postlethwaite, Albert Finney to name a few more.......

If we are including people who have died, how about John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier.

 

[Razzoo]

Where is John Hurt? Shameful omission IMO

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Lately I've been watching alot of Ray Winstone and starting to collect his DVD's, think he's brilliant BUT I doubt he's the best. For me, It'd be Michael Caine then Ray.

Ray Winstone's a completely one dimensional actor, in my view, always the same character. I'd vote possibly for David Jason, but not really thought about it though.

 

[Bladders]

Adam Woodyatt

 

[SeagullSongs]

John Simm.
It takes a truly great actor to convincingly play an insane character, which he definitely does in Doctor Who.
Also great in Life on Mars.

 

[albion534]

There are so many great actors, depending on your fav films etc. will depend on your era, Christian Bale is an amazing actor, his dedication is first class, from doing the machinist eating a tin of tuna and an apple a day, to playing batman, amazing

 

[Hugo Rune]

Ray Winstone's a completely one dimensional actor, in my view, always the same character. I'd vote possibly for David Jason, but not really thought about it though.

This.

As much as I enjoy watching the guy and love his films, he only ever plays one character: Ray Winstone. To be a great actor, you must be able to master a number of characters. Kingsley gets my vote.

 

[Norman Potting]

Ewan McGregor. I recall seeing him as a future saviour of the Galaxy in one of the Star Wars films, and shortly afterwards as a shy and introverted BT Engineer in "Little Voice" - totally convincing in both roles.

Special mention for Ralph Brown as well, good in "Life on Mars" and in loads of other Hollywood stuff playing small roles, plus bonus points for being an Albion fan although Wikipedia no longer acknowledges this (edit someone?). Also the late, great Peter Postlethwaite.

 

[greyseagull]

Daniel Day-Lewis for me. Not only one of the best ever British actors but one of the best ever full-stop. And the best thing about him is that you suspect that there's still plenty more great performances to come.

 

[ThePolishJig]

Alan Rickman and Michael Cane for me!

 

[footychick]

James Purefoy?

 

[Stat Brother]

Jim Broadbent will NEVER let you down.