Al Pacino’s seven favourite actors of all time: “A phenomenon”
Academy Award-winning actor Al Pacino made his screen debut in 1969, playing a small role in the film Me, Natalie. Within a few years, the actor was one of the biggest names in Hollywood, landing roles in classic movies such as The Godfather and its sequel, Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon.
It’s the kind of ascension which, in a fitting case of muted irony, would make for a truly inspirational movie. Pacino’s sheer commitment to his roles and the relative frequency with which he delivers generationally impressive ones mean that a biopic in the future is almost guaranteed. In thw 1970s, especially, Pacino was a force to be reckoned with.
Since then, Pacino has appeared in movies like Scarface, Heat, Donnie Brasco and Scent of A Woman, the latter of which he won an Oscar for. However, he cites The Godfather for shooting him to stardom, telling The New York Times, “I’m here because I did The Godfather. For an actor, that’s like winning the lottery. When it comes right down to it, I had nothing to do with the film but play the part.”
Pacino cut his teeth in the theatre before he appeared on the big screen, yet his performance in The Godfather exposed him to an international audience. The actor is now an icon of Hollywood and is often regarded as one of the greatest of his craft. A hero to many, Pacino’s performances have been studied by budding actors worldwide.
Yet, Pacino didn’t achieve his acting talents overnight. He also looked up to other performers whose skills he greatly admired, subsequently taking inspiration from them. It’s a natural part of the process for any credible performer. To witness and harness the talent of others, whether that be with direct use of technique or the potent power of osmosis allowing you to recruit white blood cells of talent when surrounded by gifted performers, is truly the greatest asset an actor can have.
Talking to Playboy in 1979, Pacino listed some of his favourite actors, including both classic stars and contemporaries. It is a perfect window into the life of Pacino in his pomp as his star had risen, and the reality of being an icon was beginning to set in. Though stardom was undoubtedly clogging the airways around him, Pacino still found enough breath to share his love for contemporaries and influences. He declared his love for Julie Christie, calling her “just about my favourite actress in the world”.
Detailing further, Pacino added: “I love her. She’s the most poetic of all the actresses”. The British star appeared in movies such as Billy Liar, Don’t Look Now, and Doctor Zhivago, winning an Oscar for her performance in 1965’s Darling.
Pacino also dubbed Dick Van Dyke as “one of my favourites” before calling Charles Laughton another “favourite”. The latter was a prominent theatre actor before transitioning to Hollywood, just like Pacino. Elsewhere, he revealed: “Gary Cooper was kind of a phenomenon. His ability to take something and elevate it, give it such dignity.”
Speaking of Laughton, Pacino expressed respect for Robert Mitchum, who was the star of Laughton’s only directorial credit, The Night of the Hunter. “Mitchum’s great. Lee Marvin, too. These guys are terrific actors,” he explained.
As for a contemporary pick, Pacino highlighted Jack Nicholson, calling him a “fine actor” who “has that kind of persona”. He discussed the Oscar race between him and Nicholson, which the latter won, claiming that he always thought the One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest star would beat him to the post.
The list really showcases everything that made Pacino a true great. There is the humanity, the potentcy and the power of all his performances in the annals of the careers of those legendary actors whom he would call heroes of his own.
Al Pacino’s favourite actors:
- Julie Christie
- Gary Cooper
- Dick Van Dyke
- Charles Laughton
- Robert Mitchum
- Lee Marvin
- Jack Nicholson
