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Cinema isn’t just about action, drama, or entertainment; it’s about the performers who connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. These actors, with their extraordinary talent, charisma, and relatability, have become the heart of cinema. This article looks at some of the most iconic actors and actresses, from legendary figures to contemporary stars.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio
Born: November 11, 1974
Leonardo DiCaprio has a unique talent for drawing audiences into his characters’ lives, making their joys and struggles feel personal. He grew up in Los Angeles with a dream of becoming an actor. He started in commercials and small TV roles, but his big break came with his performance as a boy with a developmental disability in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993). His career peaked with Titanic (1997) and turned him into a global star. Instead of sticking to his handsome image, he focused on challenging roles in movies like The Departed, Inception, and The Revenant, which finally brought him an Oscar. Beyond acting, he is deeply committed to environmental causes, and he shows this by using his fame to support efforts to protect the planet.
IMAGO / Avalon.red / Xavier Collin | Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at the 35th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards held at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
2. Timothée Chalamet
Born: December 27, 1995
Timothée Chalamet is more than just an actor; he’s a phenomenon. He grew up in a creative family in New York City. His big break came with “Call Me by Your Name” (2017), a coming-of-age romance that earned him an Oscar nomination at 22. His emotional depth in “Beautiful Boy” and his natural charisma in “Dune” impressed audiences. His boyish charm, quick wit, and raw talent make him one of the most talked-about stars of his generation. He has a magnetic presence that feels both like a movie star and a relatable young man figuring out life.
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / Alec Michael | Timothee Chalamet poses at the photocall of Dune during the 78th Venice Film Festival at Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido in Venice.
3. Michael B. Jordan
Born: February 9, 1987
Michael B. Jordan was born in Santa Ana, California, and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He started acting as a teenager and appeared in TV shows like The Wire and Friday Night Lights. He broke through with his unforgettable and heartbreaking performance as Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station (2013). His charisma and intensity define every role he takes. He fought as Adonis Creed in the Creed series and challenged T’Challa as Erik Killmonger in Black Panther. He is also a pioneer off-screen. He uses his platform to advocate for greater diversity in Hollywood and has made his mark as a producer with impactful stories.
IMAGO / Everett Collection / Jason Mendez / Michael B. Jordan in attendance for the 12th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.
4. Tom Holland
Born: June 1, 1996
Tom Holland’s rise to fame is a dream come true. His path from training as a dancer to landing the role of Spider-Man proves that talent and hard work do pay off. His debut as Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War (2016) instantly won fans with his boy-next-door charm and humor. But Holland is more than just Spider-Man. His performance in The Impossible (2012) showed a rare depth and maturity in young actors. His energy and passion make him one of the most admirable stars in Hollywood, whether he is swinging between skyscrapers or emotional roles in films like Cherry (2021).
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS / Collin Xavier | LA Tom Holland wearing Prada arrives at the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar.
5. Ryan Gosling
Born: November 12, 1980
Ryan Gosling has a quiet intensity that draws you in, no matter the role. He was born in Canada and grew up as a shy kid who found his voice through acting. After his early days on Disney Channel’s The Mickey Mouse Club, he proved his talent with The Believer (2001) before becoming a well-known name in The Notebook (2004). Gosling’s ability to switch between sensitive romantic leads (La La Land) and gritty antiheroes (Drive) makes him unforgettable. He is also famously private, a kind dad, and modest, which only adds to his appeal.
IMAGO / IP3press | Actor Ryan Gosling arrives to the Drive premiere during the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 20, 2011 in Cannes.
6. Austin Butler
Born: August 17, 1991
Austin Butler is living proof that persistence pays off. He spent years as a teen actor on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel before his star-making role as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis (2022). It wasn’t just a performance; it was a transformation. Butler represented the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with such raw emotion and charisma that critics couldn’t stop talking about it. His star is rising fast, and his humility and passion for acting make him a standout in Hollywood’s next generation of leading men.
IMAGO / Landmark Media | Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan USA. Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan in Apple+ TV new series: Masters of the Air (2024).
7. Henry Golding
Born: February 5, 1987
Henry Golding’s charm is impossible to ignore. He became famous almost overnight with Crazy Rich Asians (2018), in which the role of Nick Young made him the popular crush of the year. Henry worked as a TV host and even a hairstylist before becoming an actor, giving him a grounded perspective on fame. Since the beginning, he has taken on diverse roles, from romantic leads in Last Christmas to action stars in Snake Eyes. His warmth and charismatic character make him a refreshing presence in Hollywood.
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS / Balki Press / Red Sea International Film Festival - Jeddah Henry Golding walks the red carpet to attend the closing ceremony.
8. Chris Hemsworth
Born: August 11, 1983
Chris Hemsworth’s story from Australia to Global Shining is remarkable. Before becoming Marvel’s Thor, he worked various jobs and acted in Australian soap operas like Home and Away. Hemsworth became an international star with his iconic role in Thor (2011), and his mix of humor and charm brought the Norse god to life.
Hemsworth has proven his various skills with films like Rush (2013) and Extraction (2020) outside the Marvel Universe. Chris is also known for his casual nature and dedication to his family, which makes him relatable despite his vivid roles.
IMAGO / AAP / Mick Tsikas | Actor Chris Hemsworth at a press conference to announce the new Mad Max film at Fox Studios Australia in Sydney.
9. John Boyega
Born: March 17, 1992
John Boyega’s big break came with Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), in which his depiction of Finn introduced fresh energy to the Sci-Fi genre. Boyega’s talent, however, extends far beyond significant successes. His powerful performances in films like Detroit (2017) and They Cloned Tyrone (2023) demonstrate his ability to tackle complex, emotional roles.
Boyega is also a passionate advocate for diversity and equality in the film industry and a role model for aspiring actors and activists.
IMAGO / Future Image / Jones | John Boyega at the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2022 at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London hotel.
10. Paul Mescal
Born: February 2, 1996
Paul Mescal is an actor who brings deep emotional intensity to every role. His memorable performance in Normal People (2020) absorbed audiences' attention and earned him critical acclaim. Since then, he has continued to impress with roles in indie films like The Lost Daughter (2021) and Aftersun (2022), which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Mescal’s understated charm and commitment to authentic storytelling have positioned him as one of the most exciting talents in Hollywood today.
IMAGO / FAMOUS / James Warren | Paul Mescal attends the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
11. Angelina Jolie
Born: June 4, 1975
Angelina Jolie has always had a powerful presence, both on and off the screen. As the daughter of actor Jon Voight, she grew up in Hollywood but carved out her path with her Oscar-winning role in Girl, Interrupted (1999).
She became a global star with movies like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Maleficent (2014). In addition to acting, Jolie is a UNHCR Special Envoy, dedicating herself to helping refugees and displaced people around the world. She’s also a mom, balancing her humanitarian work and career in a way that inspires millions.
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS / Dylan Travis | Angelina Jolie leaves her Atelier Jolie in The East Village, New York City.
12. Ana de Armas
Born: April 30, 1988
Ana de Armas has impressed Hollywood with her beauty and talent. She was raised in Cuba and trained at the National Theatre School of Havana. As a teenager, she moved to Spain to launch her acting career in Spanish television.
Her memorable role in Knives Out (2019) proved her ability to bring depth and relatability to her characters. De Armas earned further acclaim for her performance as Marilyn Monroe in Blonde (2022), And this raised her reputation as a flexible and dedicated actress.
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS / Genin-Hahn-Marechal | Ana De Armas attending the Hands Of Stone photocall at the Palais Des Festivals in Cannes.
13. Sydney Sweeney
Born: September 12, 1997
Sydney Sweeney is known as a hardworking and relatable star. She was raised in a small town in Washington and convinced her parents to support her acting dreams by creating a PowerPoint presentation that outlined her career goals.
Sweeney gained widespread recognition for her remarkable roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, which brought her multiple Emmy nominations. Off-screen, she shares her passion for restoring vintage cars and her close relationship with her family, making her a down-to-earth figure in Hollywood.
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS / Collin Xavier | Sydney Sweeney wearing a Saint Laurent dress arrives at the 10th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala.
14. Meryl Streep
Born: June 22, 1949
Meryl Streep is a legend whose career defines excellence in acting. She has earned a record-breaking 21 Academy Award nominations, setting the standard for performers across generations. Meryl honed her art at Yale Drama School and delivered unforgettable performances in films like Sophie’s Choice (1982) and The Devil Wears Prada (2006).
Meryl Streep often credits her success to hard work, her passion for storytelling, and her humility, making her as admirable off-screen as she is.
15. Florence Pugh
Born: January 3, 1996
Florence Pugh is an actress who can make you feel every emotion her characters experience. She was raised in Oxford and initially pursued music before acting. Her memorable role in Lady Macbeth (2016) established her as a star to watch.
Pugh gave praised performances in Midsommar (2019) and Little Women (2019), where she earned an Oscar nomination. Fans love her authenticity, whether she’s calling out online trolls or sharing personal moments on Instagram. This makes her one of the most exciting talents in Hollywood.
IMAGO / Avalon.red / Justin Ng | London Florence Pugh attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 at Royal Festival Hall.
16. Scarlett Johansson
Born: November 22, 1984
Scarlett Johansson is the perfect example of versatility. Although she began acting as a child, her performance in Lost in Translation (2003) marked her as a serious talent. Johansson’s role as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe made her a global superstar.
Johansson has also earned critical acclaim for her roles in Marriage Story (2019) and Jojo Rabbit (2019). Behind the scenes, she values her privacy and focuses on her role as a mom to balance fame with a grounded personal life.
IMAGO / ZUMA Press / Famous | Scarlett Johansson arriving at the premiere of Jojo Rabbit at Post 43.
17. Zendaya
Born: September 1, 1996
Zendaya has evolved from a Disney Channel star into one of the most influential actresses of her generation. She grew up in Oakland, California, and developed a love for performing at a young age. She gained early fame with Shake It Up but proved her talent with her Emmy-winning role as Rue in Euphoria.
On the big screen, Zendaya has impressed audiences with her performances in Dune (2021) and the Spider-Man franchise. Her well-known style, confidence, and grace make her a role model for young people while staying humble and crediting her family and hard work for success.
IMAGO / UPI Photo / John Angelillo | Zendaya arrives on the red carpet at the 96th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
18. Margot Robbie
Born: July 2, 1990
Margot Robbie represents beauty, talent, and determination. She was raised in Queensland, Australia, and worked odd jobs before gaining recognition on Australian television. Robbie’s Hollywood fame came with The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), where she held her own opposite Leonardo DiCaprio.
Since then, she has delivered standout performances as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad (2016), Tonya Harding in I, Tonya (2017), and Barbie in Barbie (2023). Margot has also become a prominent producer of female-driven stories through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment.
IMAGO / Everett Collection / Jaap Buitendijk | Margot Robbie during the movie shoot of “Barbie”.
19. Anya Taylor-Joy
Born: April 16, 1996
Anya Taylor-Joy attracts audiences with her unique presence. She was born in Miami and raised between Argentina and London, so her multicultural childhood brings a unique perspective to her roles. She gained critical attention with The Witch (2015), but her role in The Queen’s Gambit (2020) made her renowned.
Her performances in films like Emma (2020) and Last Night in Soho (2021) demonstrate her flexibility and depth. Taylor-Joy has established herself as one of the most exciting talents of her generation with her unique quality and fearless approach to acting.
20. Reese Witherspoon
Born: March 22, 1976
Reese Witherspoon exemplifies charm and resilience. She discovered her passion for acting at a young age. Her role in Legally Blonde (2001) made her a feminist icon, and her Oscar-winning performance in Walk the Line (2005) proved her acting skills.
In recent years, Reese has become a powerhouse producer with her female-driven stories through her company, Hello Sunshine. Because of her role as a leader both on and off the screen, she has been admitted through projects like Big Little Lies and The Morning Show.
These 20 actors contribute to the advancement of cinema and the industry. Also, aside from their performances, many of them use their voices to support important causes and tell stories that matter. Their impact extends well beyond the screen and into real life, changing the world and the definition of a star. To see more of their work and find breathtaking pictures of them or moments in cinema, check out the collection available on IMAGO.
