supporting actors
Not the leads
Supporting actors are performers who play secondary roles in a film, television show, or theatrical production, complementing rather than leading the narrative.
They provide depth to the story and often receive billing below the stars.
The term applies regardless of gender, though supporting actress specifies women in such roles.
Award categories like Best Supporting Actor recognize outstanding performances in these parts.
The supporting actors delivered memorable performances despite limited screen time.
Theatrical performer
- stage presencePerformer's commanding aura
- scene stealerPerformer who outshines leads
- costarActor sharing top billing
- understudyBackup actor, ready nightly
swing · walk-on · spear carrier · playbill · rehearsal · blocking · curtain call · green room
Equal-billed performer
- cameoBrief guest appearance
- bit partSmall acting role
- scene-stealerPerformer eclipsing the lead
- featured playerNotable secondary performer
day player · extra · background artist · screen time · billing · credits · casting call · audition
Backup actor, ready nightly
- standbyReady substitute awaiting use
- swingSuspended recreational seat
- alternateOccur in succession
- coverProtect by overlaying
replacement · substitute · stand-in · fill-in · reserve · shadow · relief · second string
thespian
Theatrical performer
- stage presencePerformer's commanding aura
- scene stealerPerformer who outshines leads
- costarActor sharing top billing
understudy · swing · walk-on · spear carrier · playbill · rehearsal · blocking · curtain call · green room · backstage
co-star
Equal-billed performer
- cameoBrief guest appearance
- bit partSmall acting role
- scene-stealerPerformer eclipsing the lead
featured player · day player · extra · background artist · screen time · billing · credits · casting call · audition · ensemble cast
understudy
Backup actor, ready nightly
cover · replacement · substitute · stand-in · fill-in · reserve · shadow · relief · second string · bench
companion
One who keeps company
deputy · confidant · partner · right-hand · helper · wingman · loyal · accomplice · associate · lieutenant
cast
Performers, throw, or splint
crew · chorus · collective · collaboration · teamwork · synergy · unity · harmony · assembly · partnership
- actorsactresses, actress, performers, thespian, thespians
- TV peoplenews anchor, newscaster, presenter, reporter, talk show host
- cinemafilm, films, film studios, movies, movie
supporting actorsstars
Luminous celestial bodies
headliners · leads · top billing · leading man · leading lady
support, supporting, supported, supports, supporter, supporters, supportive, unsupported, actor