Talk about the greatest actors in Hollywood and Al Pacino’s name would probably be up on that list. The Godfather star, who has delivered several hits in his long career and won several accolades along the way, is nothing short of an inspiration for many budding actors today. These young actors and even the audiences hail him as one of the Greatest of All Time.
However, Pacino himself has his own ideas and preferences when it comes to the question of who is the greatest actor in Hollywood. And it isn’t the likes of Robert De Niro or Marlon Brando but rather a forgotten star of yesteryears, George C Scott.
Al Pacino Hails Forgotten Hollywood Actor As The GOAT
No two actors are the same and each has their own unique attributes that make them stand out from the rest. So, choosing a single actor to be the greatest of all time is as tough as it can get. While many fans and even actors and directors would hail Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, or Clint Eastwood, as the greatest, Pacino has no problem choosing who was the greatest actor to ever grace Hollywood.
In an old interview, back in 1979, with Playboy, Pacino revealed his choice,
“Among the post-Brando actors—I call it post-Brando, it was about ten years after Brando that a lot of actors….There are so many fine actors….I don’t know. George C Scott.”
George C Scott, best known for movies like Dr Strangelove, The Hustler, and The Great White Hope, passed away in 1999 leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances. Despite his talent, the actor lies forgotten and hidden among the vast wealth of brilliant movies and iconic roles that Hollywood has birthed over the years.
Other Hollywood Actors That Al Pacino Admires
George C Scott wasn’t the only actor that Al Pacino admired and respected back in the day. In his interview with Playboy, the actor who is popularly referred to as the ‘Godson of Marlon Brando’ stated,
“There’s no doubt every time I see Brando that I’m looking at a great actor. Whether he’s doing great acting or not, you’re seeing somebody who is in the tradition of a great actor. What he does with it, that’s something else, but he’s got it all.”
He was again asked what other actors did he look up to and promptly The Godfather star answered,
“Gary Cooper was kind of a phenomenon—his ability to take some thing and elevate it, give it such dignity. One of the great presences. Charles Laughton was my favorite. Jack Nicholson has that kind of persona; he’s also a fine actor. Mitchum’s great. Lee Marvin, too. These guys are terrific actors.”
There is no doubt that these stars have been the greatest to have graced our screens and while their legacy continues to inspire generations of actors, audiences have, unfortunately, forgotten them.
