Best Shakespeare actor

Answer 1

Tastes change over the years. A great many actors have been great Shakespearean actors since the plays were written 400 years ago. Unfortunately we do not have an opportunity of seeing most of them, since they performed before the invention of sound and film recording, so it is hard to compare. Here are some of the most famous:

Elizabethan Period: Richard Burbage, the man who Shakespeare wrote his leading roles for.

Restoration Period: Thomas Betterton

Early 18th century: Charles Macklin

Late 18th century: David Garrick

Early 19th century: Edmund Kean, William Charles Macready, Edwin Booth

Late 19th century: Sir Henry Irving, Johnston Forbes-Robertson

Early 20th century: Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud, Judith Anderson

Late 20th century: Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Ian McKellen, Kenneth Branagh, Antony Sher, Helen Mirren, Judi Dench

Answer 2

Edward "Ned" Alleyn, chief actor with the Lord Admiral's Men and close relative of Phillip Henslowe, was considered the finest actor of Shakespeare's day. He was particularly well-known for his performances in the lead roles in Marlowe's plays.

Answer 3

Richard Burbage

Answer 4

William Shakespeare