The word actor refers to a person who acts regardless of gender, while actress refers specifically to a female person who acts; therefore a female can be referred to by either term. The Oxford English Dictionary states that originally "actor" was used for both sexes. The English word actress does not derive from the Latin actrix, probably not even by way of French actrice; according to the Oxford English Dictionary, actress was "probably formed independently" in English. As actress is a specifically feminine word, some groups assert that the word is sexist. Gender-neutral usage of actor has re-emerged in modern English, especially when referring to male and female performers collectively, but actress remains the common term used in major acting awards given to female recipients and is common in general usage.

The gender-neutral term "player" was common in film in the early days of the Motion Picture Production Code with regards to the cinema of the United States, but is now generally deemed archaic. However, it remains in use in the theatre, often incorporated into the name of a theatre group or company (such as the East West Players).

Noun

actress (plural actresses)

1. (now rare) A female doer or "actor" (in a general sense). [from 16th c.]
   • 1796, Matthew Lewis, The Monk, Folio Society 1985, p. 290:

     My mental anguish, and the dreadful scenes in which I had been an actress, advanced the period of my labour.

2. A female actor on the stage or in films. [from 17th c.]
   • 2011, "Not going quietly", The Economist, 27 Jan 2011:

     Court documents appear to show that Ian Edmondson, a senior News of the World journalist, had authorised Mr Mulcaire to hack phones belonging to Sienna Miller, an actress.

• Actor may also be used to refer to a female player.

Quotes on Acting.

Arranged alphabetically by author.