supporting actor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supporting actor" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to an actor who has a lesser role in a film or play, typically not the main character. Example: "The supporting actor gave a powerful performance, adding depth to the story through their nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's best friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Best supporting actor now.

The Guardian - Film

It was supporting actor, not best actor.

The New York Times

Supporting Actor Robert De Niro.

The New Yorker

Everyone was a supporting actor this year.

The Guardian - Film

He should get a supporting actor nomination.

The Guardian - Film

Nominated for the Academy Award for best supporting actor.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Heath Ledger won Best Supporting actor.

Huffington Post

Best Supporting Actor.

Huffington Post

John Noble won for Best Supporting Actor in Drama Series.

Wikipedia

Paul Dano received a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Wikipedia

Kennedy won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supporting actor" to accurately describe an actor whose role is secondary to the main narrative.

Common error

Avoid labeling an actor as a "supporting actor" if their character is central to the plot, even if they don't have the most screen time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supporting actor" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying an actor who performs a role that is not the primary focus of the narrative. Ludwig indicates this is a common term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Less common in

Science

0.3%

Encyclopedias

0.1%

Academia

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "supporting actor" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe an actor in a secondary role, as indicated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to categorize roles within performances. When writing, use the term specifically to avoid confusion with lead roles. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread and appropriate usage in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actor in a supporting role

Rephrases to emphasize the role the actor plays.

secondary actor

Changes the adjective to describe the role as secondary.

supporting role

Emphasizes the role itself rather than the actor.

featured supporting performer

Adds emphasis by specifying "featured" and using "performer" instead of "actor".

best supporting actor nominee

Specifies the nomination context, implying a high-quality supporting performance.

supporting cast member

Focuses on the individual as part of the ensemble.

character actor

Highlights the actor's ability to play distinct and varied characters, often in supporting roles.

secondary player

Uses the term "player" instead of "actor" and emphasizes a non-primary function.

understudy

Focuses on someone ready to take over from a lead role if necessary, but primarily in a supporting position.

background actor

Denotes a role of even less prominence and importance.

FAQs

How do you use "supporting actor" in a sentence?

You can use "supporting actor" to describe an actor who plays a secondary role in a film, such as: "The "supporting actor" gave an outstanding performance as the protagonist's confidant."

What is the difference between a "supporting actor" and a lead actor?

A "supporting actor" plays a role that is secondary to the main narrative, while a lead actor plays the primary role. The "lead actor" is typically the protagonist of the story.

What are some synonyms for "supporting actor"?

While there isn't a direct synonym, you can use phrases like "actor in a supporting role" or "secondary actor" to convey a similar meaning.

What qualities make a good "supporting actor"?

A good "supporting actor" enhances the story by providing depth to their character, complementing the lead actors, and delivering memorable performances without overshadowing the main narrative. A great "character actor" always adds value.