supporting actor

noun

UK /səˈpɔː.tɪŋ ˈæk.tər/

US /səˈpɔːr.t̬ɪŋ ˈæk.tɚ/

A supporting actor is an actor who plays a smaller but important part in a movie or play, not the main star.

She won an award for best supporting actor in the new film.

SYNONYMS

secondary actor backup actor co-star side actor

RELATED WORDS

supporting role cast member ensemble lead actor cameo

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A person who helps someone else achieve a goal without being the main focus.

In the project, he was a supporting actor behind the scenes.

3. In sports, a player who assists the main scorer.

The supporting actor passed the ball to the striker for the winning goal.

4. A minor character in a story who helps move the plot along.

The supporting actor in the novel gave the hero important advice.