Actors’ Favourite Actors

The following is a list of actors followed by who they have said is either their favourite actor, or who inspired them to become one:

Joaquin Phoenix – In his acceptance speech for his Best Actor Oscar for  (2019) he said, “I’m standing here on the shoulders of my favourite actor, Heath Ledger.”

Margot Robbie – Milla Jovovich and Brad Pitt. Jovovich’s performance in  (1997) influenced her, and  (1993) is still amoung her favourite movies of all time.

Emma Stone Lauren Bacall

Bill Nighy – Julia Roberts. He said if a movie was made about him he would want her to play him. And if she wasn’t available, then Scarlett Johansson. He added, “And if neither of them was available, then maybe Zac Efron? Or anyone else who’s impossibly good-looking.”

Bradley Cooper – Seeing John Hurt play the title role in (1980), made him want to become an actor.

Kate Winslet – Jodie Foster. Winslet says what she loves most about her as an actor and as a person is that she is always true to herself. She also confessed she has a crush on Guy Pearce.

Robert PattinsonJack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson – While Jack claims that the greatest is Marlon Brando.

Christopher NolanDavid Bowie

Seth Rogan – Adam Sandler

Brad Pitt – Diane Wiest

Octavia Spencer–Kevin CostnerKevin Costner

Dakota Johnson – Shia Labeouf. She told Marie Claire Magazine, “I think Shia might be the greatest actor of my generation, which I wouldn’t say to his face.”

Penelope Cruze – Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt

Tom Holland – Chris Pratt

Adam Driver – Judd Hirsch. 

Emma Watson – Johnny Depp and Russell Crowe

Rooney Mara – Cate Blanchett, Marion Cotillard and Daniel Day-Lewis

Lisa Kudrow – This is one of my favourite stories of actors being inspired to act by another actor. Kudrow was always trying to keep up with her funny family, and an accomplished comedian noticed and encouraged her to try out comedy. He wasn’t her favourite actor or anything, but he was her brother’s childhood friend: Jon Lovitz. “Get to know me!”

Congratulations . This is your week. 

Best Actress: Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I in

Best Actor: William Hurt as George Gulden in I haven’t seen any of this week’s nominees (I did see , which makes me want to see its prequel.), so my choices have been challenging.

Best Quote: “If you think being an ordinary person is any easier than being an extraordinary one, you’re wrong.” – Emily Watson as Hilary Du Pré in

My favourite Best Actress recipients, based on their role and performance:

1. Reese Witherspoon, June Carter Cash, (2005)

2. Kathy Bates, Annie Wilkes, (1990)

3. Jennifer Lawrence, Tiffany Maxwell, (2012)

4. Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovitch, (2000)

5. Renee Zellweiger, Judy Garland, (2019)

6. Jodie Foster, Clarice Starling, (1991)

7. Brie Larson, Joy “Ma” Newsome, (2015)

8. Louise Fletcher, Nurse Ratched, (1975)

9. Michelle Yeoh, Evelyn Quan Wang, (2022)

10. Charlize Theron, Aileen Wuornos, (2003)