Official Ranking Of The Most Popular Actors In The U.S. Has Some Unlikely Additions

Now, we all have our favorite actors and actresses. People who have captured our affection through their on-screen performances, keen sense of style, or easygoing personalities. Or perhaps all of these things combined! But now, thanks to the work of YouGov America, we have a definitive list of the most popular actors and actresses of all time in the United States — and here’s the top 40. Did your favorite make the cut?

40. Kurt Russell

The amiable Kurt Russell has achieved the kind of longevity most Hollywood stars can only hope for. From Big Trouble in Little China to Tombstone and Escape from L.A., he’s done every film genre imaginable. Off screen, people adore the heartwarming relationship he had with Goldie Hawn, his romantic partner since 1983. Plus, there’s the fact his non-biological daughter Kate Hudson reportedly considers him her real dad. Aww.

39. Gene Wilder

The late Gene Wilder will be forever remembered and loved for his iconic performance as Willy Wonka. Fans also adored the funnyman’s double act with fellow comedian Richard Pryor. The legendary comedian is also admired for the way he dealt with his wife Gild Radner’s passing in 1989, and his subsequent efforts to promote awareness of ovarian cancer afterwards.

38. Halle Berry

Ever since she entered and won several beauty contests in the ’80s, Halle Berry has captured the imagination of the American public. People clearly admire the way she went from beauty queen to successful actress. Her hard work in shedding her pretty girl image culminated in a Best Actress Oscar in 2002, which was for the gritty Monster’s Ball. Berry was the African-American woman to win it, and continues to inspire people today.

37. Katharine Hepburn

What can you say about Katharine Hepburn? The most decorated female actress of all time in terms of Oscar wins — she has four to her name — she’s loved for her grace, beauty, and strength of character. Hepburn was a leading lady for six decades, and regularly ranks first in greatest actress polls. Plus, she had attitude and became an icon for independent women.

36. Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis is beloved by Americans as the original and best “scream queen.” The daughter of legendary thespians Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh has appeared in iconic horrors like Halloween, in which audiences rooted for her character to escape from the demented Michael Myers. Her candid interviews and advocacy for older females and women’s rights in general have also made her popular with many.

35. Sam Elliott

Why is Sam Elliott such a popular actor? Well, director Brett Haley said it best. He told Bleecker Street Media, “Sam is the man that men want to be and women want to be with. He’s pure, genuine, honest… and the coolest guy around. People may see Sam and think ‘cowboy,’ but he can do romance pretty well.” Yes, that’s Sam Elliott: versatile actor and all round awesome dude. With one of the best mustaches ever sported by a man.

34. Sally Field

Sally Field rose to fame on U.S. TV in the 1960s, before graduating to more serious acting roles a decade later. Since then, she’s been widely admired for her stellar performances, which landed her two Academy Awards. Perhaps most memorably, Field has portrayed tough and sturdy females. Her amiable and candid nature off-screen no doubt adds to her continued popularity. “You like me, you really like me,” she once said. Yes, Sally, we most certainly do!

33. Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett is beloved by people of a certain age due to her riotous comedy program The Carol Burnett Show, which began in 1967. The comedienne became a fixture of American TV sets from then on, and pioneered sketch style comedy for women, proving they could be as funny as men. What’s more, Burnett always has heaps of time for her fans.

32. Bill Murray

Bill Murray is loved by many Americans for his iconic performances in movies such as Groundhog Day, Ghostbusters and Lost In Translation. It’s often remarked how Murray appears aloof and ironically detached on-screen. His longevity and razor sharp wit, coupled with his candid observations about his life and fame, have made him a comedy icon. He also appears randomly at people’s house parties, which is just awesome.

31. Forest Whitaker

It might be somewhat surprising to find Forest Whitaker on this list. But the otherwise low-key and softly spoken actor has been brilliant for several decades on screen now. Whether portraying the monstrous Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, jazz icon Charlie Parker or a captured British soldier, he always brings the goods. Whitaker’s also involved himself in humanitarian work for UNESCO, which illustrates his good character, too.

30. Tommy Lee Jones

Who doesn’t like Tommy Lee Jones? Erm, perhaps Jim Carrey — but that’s for another day. The taciturn Texan has been portraying cowboys, law-enforcement, and tough military dudes for several decades now, with considerable success. Plus, the menacing Batman villain Two Face. He’s about as masculine as it gets, and it seems people really like his no-nonsense demeanor on- and off-screen.

29. Paul Newman

Paul Newman is regarded as one of the best Hollywood actors of his era, and his popularity reflects that. A devilishly handsome and unflappable leading man, he lit up the screen in classic movies such as The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Cool Hand Luke. Besides all that, he was a humanitarian, a successful IndyCar racer, and the founder of an awesome food company which gives its profits to charitable causes!

28. Al Pacino

Al Pacino will be remembered as one of the greatest actors of all time. The New Yorker’s on-screen performances have varied from the understatedly brilliant — like, say, Michael Corleone in The Godfather trilogy and Frank Serpico in Serpico — to the gloriously over-the-top, like his roles as Cuban mobster Tony Montana in Scarface and dimwitted thief Sonny in Dog Day Afternoon. But whatever Pacino’s in, he leaves his mark. He’s eminently watchable, and he’s one cool dude!

27. Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze captured the hearts of women across America and beyond. Why? Well, let’s just say it was his Swayze-ness. By that, we mean, dashing good looks, coupled with an outwardly tough exterior, but also an endearing vulnerability. He was an actor with a significant presence. Finally, the way he bravely fought cancer with his long-time partner Lisa Niemi by his side endeared him to millions.

26. Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts became America’s sweetheart at the dawn of the 1990s, after her performance as likable lady of the night Viv in Pretty Woman. And ever since then, the Georgia-born actress has held the hearts of millions. Her girl-next-door persona and big toothy smile have a lot to do with it, as well as her storied acting career.

25. Dick Van Dyke

How can you not like Dick Van Dyke? We’ve thought about this question, and decided it’s nigh on impossible. Well, it seems the American public agree. Van Dyke’s friendly demeanor, remarkable longevity, and often side-splitting physical comedy have all seen him placed 25th on the most popular list. Now into his 90s, he shows little sign of slowing down!

24. Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins is admired by Americans for his stellar acting performances in movies and plays across six decades. The Wales-born actor is a double Oscar winner, and widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of the craft. Who can forget his terrifying turn as the cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs? Not us. In fact, we still have nightmares about it to this day. Thanks, Anthony!

23. Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson worked his way up from poverty to achieve wrestling stardom. Then, after mastering that, he branched out into movies and became the highest paid actor on the planet. Besides being one of the most successful, he’s also one of the world’s most likable people. He’s actually so popular in America that he’s even hinted he might one day run for president!

22. Steve Martin

Steve Martin has been a fixture of American TV and film since the 1960s, in some capacity or another. Whether writing for The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, playing Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the Pink Panther movies, performing stand-up comedy, or playing his beloved banjo, Americans have adored his work. He’s also a nice, down-to-earth guy, which certainly helps with his popularity.

21. Jackie Chan

People everywhere love Jackie Chan, and Americans are no different. He is, along with Bruce Lee, one of the two most famous proponents of kung fu in cinema. Both he and Lee have done more than anyone else to help kung fu action movies crash into the mainstream of U.S. cinema. Teh Hong Kong native is also a warm personality, who always seems to have time for fans and wears a big wide grin.

20. Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox will forever be remembered as Marty McFly, the adventurous teen and the main protagonist of the Back to The Future movies. Americans loved him in those films, and loved his work on TV’s Family Ties, too. Fox is also admired for his brave fight against Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with back in 1991 and has funded research on.

19. Hugh Jackman

Affable Australian Hugh Jackman is one of the most popular actors in the world. Known for his sense of humor, handsomeness, and portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men series, Jackman is a bona fide Hollywood star. He also has a hilarious long-running “feud” with superhero rival Ryan Reynolds, which has only increased his likability.

18. Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson is one of the most celebrated American actors of all time, so it’s no surprise he’s among the most popular. His iconic performances in the likes of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and The Shining have gone down in celluloid history. His charisma and colorful personal life have also served to endear him to people, with his devilish smile among his most famous attributes.

17. Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee is, without doubt, the biggest and best-known exponent of martial arts there’s ever been — and his popularity in the U.S. is still enormous. Lee was born in San Francisco, but he made his name in the Hong Kong movie scene. His athletic, on-screen fighting style brought a kung fu craze to America in the early 1970s. Also, the fact he died so young — and in such strange circumstances — has only added to his legend and mystique.

16. Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy became one of the most popular stand-up comedians in the 1980s, before making a successful leap into movies. Americans can’t seem to get enough of his quick-witted nature. After critically acclaimed turns in movies like Trading Places, Murphy has made millions from family comedies such as Dr. Doolittle and The Nutty Professor. His voice work for the donkey character in Shrek is also iconic.

15. Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis is best known — and loved — as the vest-wearing, terrorist-defeating cop John McClane. Before that, though, his popularity in America came via his prior TV work in Moonlighting. Later, it was appearances in hit movies such as The Sixth Sense and Pulp Fiction. Willis has also made his mark on the pop charts, with a single “Respect Yourself” making the top five in 1987 and a cover of The Drifters song “Under the Boardwalk” also charting.

14. Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito is one of the most likable people on Earth. The pint-sized actor has proven over several decades in show business that he’s a talented, hilarious, and all-round good guy. Who could forget his brilliant turn in Twins, or his manic Penguin in Batman Returns, or even his awkward striptease in Friends? Americans and many others love him, and they are right to do so in our eyes.

13. Sean Connery

Numerous men have played James Bond, but none have personified 007 better than Sean Connery. The first actor to play the British secret agent on the big screen, Connery made the role his own over six official films, beginning with 1962’s Dr. No. The debonair Scotsman’s rugged good looks, uber-masculinity, and witty one-liners made him a legend in America and elsewhere. Connery had a hugely successful career in film after Bond, but will always be MI5’s finest to many of us.

12. Lucille Ball

Americans — and in particular American women — love Lucille Ball. Why? Because she was a pioneer, and a funny and smart woman, too. Ball kicked over barriers for females of her era, and did so in style. Her comedy show I Love Lucy is perhaps what she’s most well-known for. But her groundbreaking nature contributes to the enduring high esteem she’s held in.

11. Harrison Ford

What can be noted about Harrison Ford that hasn’t already been said? The man is an acting legend, and one of the most popular with American audiences. From Han Solo to Jack Ryan and Indiana Jones, he’s played more than his fair share of memorable characters. But they’re iconic due to his genius. Off-screen, Ford is relatively quiet and unassuming, which sort of adds to his gentlemanly appeal.

10. Robert Downey Jr.

The popularity of Robert Downey Jr. has soared since he took on the role of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. That role — which began in 2008 — has made him one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. Fans also love his personality, which is funny and absolutely full of sarcasm.

9. Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson’s charisma and acting ability have made him the most bankable star in Hollywood. For several decades, Jackson has thrilled the public with his devil-may-care attitude on and off the screen. He’s done over 120 movies and is endlessly quotable, with his performance as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction being particularly legendary.

8. Keanu Reeves

One of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Keanu Reeves is loved by the public because he’s both a great actor and a decent, down-to-earth guy. People adore him in the bizarre comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, frenetic action flick Speed, and philosophical sci-fi The Matrix. But they also love that he’s so good with his fans.

7. Tom Hanks

Not content with being one of the finest actors in history and a double Oscar winner, Tom Hanks has also earned a reputation as one of the nicest guys you could meet. Those who have met the Forrest Gump star have revealed heartwarming tales of his extraordinary kindness and humor. Fittingly, then, he’s one of the American public’s favorite movie stars.

6. Sandra Bullock

Somewhere along the line, Sandra Bullock earned the reputation as America’s ultimate “girl next door.” It must have been something to do with her down-to-earth nature, which is often evident on- and off-screen. But whatever it was, the American public has continued to love her and enjoy the movies she makes.

5. James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones is generally viewed as the one of America’s best ever stage and screen actors, so it’s perhaps not surprising his popularity reflects that position. But what the veteran thespian is most loved for is his voice. Deep, sonorous, authoritative and unforgettable. Most famously used for the villainous Darth Vader in Star Wars, but also for Mufasa in The Lion King.

4. Denzel Washington

The fourth most popular actor of all time with American audiences is Denzel Washington. Famous for his powerful on-screen presence, Washington has won numerous accolades in a career spanning over four decades. His favorite performance was the one that won him the Best Actor Oscar, playing Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day, a gloriously over-the-top role that’s endlessly quotable. King Kong ain’t got nothing on Denzel.

3. Robin Williams

In at number three is the incomparable Robin Williams. From manic stand-up comic to wacky TV alien and melancholic therapist, he did it all in his own inimitable way. He would light up a room upon entering it, and make everyone feel ten feet tall. His tragic death in 2014 has only served to enhance his reputation, and how much we all miss him.

2. Morgan Freeman

Americans love Morgan Freeman. So much so that he’s the top-ranked male actor on this list. Yes, Ol’ Morgan’s presence on-screen is as comforting to us all as a pair of comfy socks. He’s always there to lend his world-weary gravitas to a part, whether playing genial convict Red in The Shawshank Redemption or seasoned boxing trainer Eddie “Scrap Iron” Dupris. His voice, too, is special, and everything sounds more interesting when he’s narrating it.

1. Betty White

The most popular thespian of all time with Americans is — drum roll please — Betty White! Yes, the timeless actress was found to be the most widely loved performer by the boffins at YouGov America. It’s easy to see why; White brought a great deal of wit and humanity to her characters over an astonishing 76-year career, from The Mary Tyler Moore Show’s Sue Ann Nivens to The Golden Girls’ Rose Nylund. Off-screen, she was loved by anyone and everyone, and her passion for animals was legendary. Bravo, Betty!