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AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars

AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars is a list compiled by the () ranking the 50 greatest American screen legends of classic cinema, divided into the top 25 male and top 25 female performers of all time. The list was revealed during a television special hosted by Shirley Temple Black that originally aired on June 15, 1999, as part of AFI's broader "100 Years...100" series celebrating a century of American film. The compilation process began with AFI historians selecting an initial pool of 500 nominees—250 men and 250 women—from American film history, after which a jury of 1,500 film artists, critics, historians, and other industry leaders voted based on criteria including star quality, box-office draw, awards, cultural impact, and enduring legacy. topped the male list for iconic roles in films like (1942) and The Maltese Falcon (1941), while led the female rankings, recognized for performances in The Philadelphia Story (1940) and (1967). Other notable entries include and in the number-two spots, alongside legends like , , , and , reflecting a focus on actors whose work spanned the silent era through the mid-20th century. This list has served as a benchmark for discussions on cinematic stardom, sparking debates about representation, omissions, and the evolution of Hollywood icons, while highlighting the AFI's role in preserving and honoring American film heritage.

Overview

Announcement and Broadcast

The American Film Institute (AFI) initiated its "100 Years...100" series in 1998 as a multifaceted celebration of the centennial of motion pictures in America, with each installment honoring a different aspect of cinematic achievement through curated lists and accompanying television specials. This series aimed to recognize the enduring legacy of American film by engaging film artists, critics, and historians in the selection process, culminating in public broadcasts that highlighted key moments in Hollywood history. AFI announced the "100 Years...100 Stars" list on June 16, 1999, identifying the 50 greatest American screen legends—25 male and 25 female—based on their contributions to film. The announcement coincided with the premiere of a dedicated , marking the culmination of months of deliberation by an -appointed blue-ribbon panel. The two-hour broadcast, titled AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars: America's Greatest Screen Legends, aired on June 16, 1999, and was hosted by Black, herself ranked among the female legends. Produced in collaboration with and directed by Gary Smith, the special adopted a dynamic format, building suspense as it revealed the rankings from 50 to 1. Throughout the program, 50 prominent contemporary actors and filmmakers served as presenters, each introducing a legend with personal anecdotes, while archival film clips showcased iconic performances and career highlights. Tributes emphasized the stars' cultural impact, blending entertainment with educational insights into American cinema's evolution, and drawing an estimated audience of millions to reflect on the icons who defined the silver screen.

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection process for AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars began with the compilation of a nominee pool by the American Film Institute's historians, drawing from actors and actresses who had made significant contributions to American feature-length narrative films. This pool consisted of 500 individuals total—250 men and 250 women—eligible based on their screen debuts predating 1951, or for deceased performers who had completed a substantial body of work by the time of their passing, emphasizing those from the of with enduring screen presence. Non-American films were excluded, focusing solely on performances in U.S.-produced features. A blue-ribbon of 1,800 artists, critics, historians, executives, and cultural leaders then received ballots to rank the nominees, selecting the top 25 in each gender category through a process that allowed for up to two write-in candidates per voter. The criteria guiding these votes prioritized the lasting impact on screen , including quality (charisma and mythic ), (versatility in portraying characters), (enrichment of heritage), popularity (enduring public appeal), and historical context (influence amid social and world events). This methodology ensured the final list reflected a collective judgment on iconic status and cultural influence through cinematic roles, with rankings determined by the aggregate votes and frozen as of the 1999 compilation.

The Official List

Top 25 Male Screen Legends

The American Film Institute's () Top 25 Male Screen Legends, part of its "100 Years...100 Stars" initiative, ranks the most enduring and influential male performers in American film history based on a poll of 1,800 film industry figures, artists, critics, and historians. The selection criteria prioritized actors who debuted on screen before or had a significant body of work by their death, emphasizing their cultural impact, versatility across genres, and lasting legacy in shaping cinematic icons from the silent era through mid-century . This list highlights leading men who dominated drama, comedy, and action, often embodying the quintessential American hero or anti-hero, with a strong representation from the of (1920s–1960s).
  1. Humphrey Bogart
    Humphrey Bogart topped the list for his quintessential portrayal of the cynical yet principled anti-hero in classics, defining a rugged that influenced generations of actors. Iconic roles include Rick Blaine in (1942), where his romantic fatalism amid wartime intrigue became a symbol of stoic resilience, and Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon (1941), establishing the hard-boiled detective archetype. His ranking reflects AFI's recognition of Bogart's transformative impact on American cinema, blending toughness with vulnerability in over 80 films, earning him an Academy Award for The African Queen (1951) and cementing his status as the ultimate screen legend.
  2. Cary Grant
    earned the second spot for his unparalleled sophistication and charm as the quintessential romantic leading man, effortlessly transitioning between and sophisticated drama. His iconic performances include the suave Walter Burns in (1940), showcasing rapid-fire wit, and the debonair C.K. Dexter Haven in The Philadelphia Story (1940), where his effortless charisma won an Oscar nomination. honored Grant's ranking for his British-born elegance adapted to Hollywood's golden era, starring in over 70 films that epitomized wit, style, and romantic allure, influencing the debonair archetype in cinema.
  3. James Stewart
    James Stewart ranked third for embodying the everyman hero with heartfelt sincerity and moral integrity, anchoring countless tales of American idealism. Standout roles feature George Bailey in (1946), a poignant exploration of community and redemption that became a holiday staple, and the idealistic Jefferson Smith in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), highlighting his folksy determination against corruption. His position on the list underscores AFI's appreciation for Stewart's five Oscar-nominated career spanning Westerns, comedies, and dramas, where his lanky frame and Midwestern drawl made ordinary men extraordinary.
  4. Marlon Brando
    Marlon Brando secured fourth place as a revolutionary method actor who brought raw emotional depth to the screen, shattering traditional stagey performances with naturalistic intensity. His breakthrough as the brooding in (1951) earned an Award nomination and redefined masculinity in postwar America, while Terry Malloy in (1954) showcased his vulnerable toughness, winning another Award. AFI's ranking celebrates Brando's influence on the Actor's Studio era, with roles in over 40 films that prioritized psychological realism over glamour, paving the way for modern acting techniques.
  5. Fred Astaire
    Fred Astaire placed fifth for revolutionizing musical cinema through his graceful dance and lighthearted sophistication, elevating tap and ballroom to high art. Iconic in Top Hat (1935) as the dapper Guy Holden, where his "Cheek to Cheek" routine with Ginger Rogers epitomized romantic elegance, and Swing Time (1936), blending athleticism with charm. The list's nod to Astaire highlights his 10 partnerships and over 30 films that integrated song, dance, and story seamlessly, influencing Broadway and Hollywood musicals as the epitome of joyful precision.

  6. Henry Fonda ranked sixth for his portrayal of quiet integrity and moral fortitude, often as the principled underdog in social dramas. His defining role as the jury foreman in 12 Angry Men (1957) demonstrated persuasive righteousness in a tense setting, while Tom Joad in (1940) captured resilience, earning an nomination. recognized Fonda's career across 90 films, from Westerns like (1946) to dramas, for embodying American values of justice and perseverance.
  7. Clark Gable
    Clark Gable earned seventh for his charismatic machismo as the quintessential leading man of the 1930s, blending roguish charm with heroic bravado. As in (1939), his defiant "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" line immortalized Southern swagger, earning an Academy Award nomination. His ranking reflects AFI's tribute to Gable's star power in over 70 films, including (1934), where his screwball energy defined allure.

  8. James Cagney placed eighth for his explosive energy and versatility, pioneering the tough-guy persona in gangster films while excelling in musicals and biopics. Iconic as the volatile in The Public Enemy (1931), chewing grapefruit in a scene of raw aggression, and in (1942), earning an for patriotic vigor. AFI's selection honors Cagney's 80-film legacy for capturing urban grit and showmanship, influencing the rapid-talking anti-hero archetype.

  9. Spencer Tracy ranked ninth for his understated power and naturalistic acting, often portraying flawed yet noble figures with quiet authority. In (1937), his Manuel as a wise fisherman won an , while (1938) as Father Flanagan earned another, showcasing compassionate leadership. The list acknowledges Tracy's nine Hepburn collaborations and 75 films for his economical style that grounded dramatic intensity in realism.
  10. Charles Chaplin
    Charles Chaplin secured tenth for his character, blending , , and in silent cinema's most beloved icon. As the Little Tramp in (1925), his dance of rolls and shoe-eating scene mixed humor with hunger's despair, while (1931) explored class divides through romance. ranked Chaplin for his directorial genius in 11 features, pioneering visual storytelling that transcended language and eras.
  11. Gary Cooper
    Gary Cooper placed eleventh for his laconic heroism and Midwestern authenticity, embodying in Westerns and war films. His Oscar-winning role as Sergeant York (1941) depicted a pacifist-turned-hero's valor, and in (1942) captured quiet dignity. The ranking celebrates Cooper's 100-film career for personifying American and resolve.
  12. Gregory Peck
    Gregory Peck ranked twelfth for his dignified presence and moral conviction, often as the upright protagonist in literary adaptations. As in (1962), his defense of justice against prejudice won an Oscar and became a civil rights touchstone. noted Peck's 50 films, including (1953), for his tall, earnest stature that conveyed integrity across dramas and adventures.
  13. John Wayne
    John Wayne earned thirteenth for his towering embodiment of frontier heroism and patriotic grit in over 140 Westerns and war films. As in The Searchers (1956), he portrayed complex racism in , while in True Grit (1969) won an for cantankerous bravado. His list position reflects 's acknowledgment of Wayne's influence on the genre, symbolizing .
  14. Laurence Olivier
    Laurence Olivier placed fourteenth as a British Shakespearean titan who bridged theater and with commanding intensity. His Oscar-winning (1948) brought tragic depth to the screen, while Heathcliff in (1939) seethed with romantic torment. honored Olivier's 60-film contributions for elevating American adaptations of classics with theatrical precision.
  15. Gene Kelly
    Gene Kelly ranked fifteenth for his athletic innovation in musicals, infusing dance with virile energy and storytelling flair. In Singin' in the Rain (1952), his joyous puddle-splashing routine celebrated cinema's transition to sound, while An American in Paris (1951) blended ballet with narrative. The selection praises Kelly's 40 films for democratizing dance, making it accessible and dynamic.
  16. Orson Welles
    Orson Welles secured sixteenth for his multifaceted genius as actor, director, and innovator, bringing magnetic authority to larger-than-life roles. As Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane (1941), his quest for meaning defined ambitious tragedy, while Harry Lime in The Third Man (1949) added shadowy charisma. AFI's ranking recognizes Welles' 50 projects for pioneering deep-focus cinematography and vocal gravitas.
  17. Kirk Douglas
    Kirk Douglas placed seventeenth for his intense physicality and brooding intensity in epics and film noir. As Spartacus (1960), he led a slave revolt with defiant heroism, while Doc Holliday in Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) captured gunslinger volatility. His position highlights Douglas' 80 films for championing outsider roles and producing socially conscious works.
  18. James Dean
    James Dean ranked eighteenth for his explosive portrayal of youthful rebellion, immortalized in just three major films before his tragic death at 24. As Jim Stark in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), his raw angst and red jacket symbolized teen alienation, influencing counterculture icons. AFI celebrated Dean's brief career for revolutionizing sensitive masculinity in drama.
  19. Burt Lancaster
    earned nineteenth for his acrobatic athleticism and moral complexity, spanning swashbucklers to gritty dramas. In (1953), his beach romance as Sergeant Warden exuded restrained passion, winning an nomination, while (1960) satirized hypocrisy. The list notes Lancaster's 70 films for his towering presence and progressive producing.
  20. The Marx Brothers
    The ranked twentieth collectively for their anarchic comedy that lampooned authority through surreal wordplay and visual gags. In Duck Soup (1933), Groucho's Rufus T. Firefly as dictator mocked politics, while Harpo's mute chaos and Chico's schemes added frenzy. grouped them for revolutionizing screen humor in 13 films, blending with .
  21. Buster Keaton
    Buster Keaton placed twenty-first for his deadpan stoicism and daring physical comedy in silent films, engineering elaborate stunts with impeccable timing. As the poker-faced everyman in The General (1926), his train-chase escapades epitomized inventive heroism, while Sherlock Jr. (1924) innovated dream sequences. His ranking honors Keaton's 20+ features for pioneering visual effects and resilient humor.
  22. Sidney Poitier
    Sidney Poitier ranked twenty-second as a trailblazing Black leading man who portrayed dignity amid racial tension with poised eloquence. In Lilies of the Field (1963), his Homer Smith built a chapel, winning the first Oscar for a Black actor, while In the Heat of the Night (1967) challenged prejudice as Virgil Tibbs. AFI recognized Poitier's 50 films for breaking barriers and promoting equality.
  23. Robert Mitchum
    Robert Mitchum earned twenty-third for his laconic cool and world-weary menace in noir and Westerns, conveying quiet intensity. As in Cape Fear (1962), his vengeful obsession chilled, while Jeff Bailey in (1947) navigated fatalism. The list salutes Mitchum's 120+ roles for his effortless tough-guy naturalism.
  24. Edward G. Robinson
    Edward G. Robinson placed twenty-fourth for his bullet-headed ferocity as the quintessential , later evolving into sympathetic everymen. As Little Caesar (1931), his "Mother of mercy, is this the end of Rico?" defined mob ambition, while (1944) twisted insurance schemes. AFI's nod celebrates his 100 films for pioneering ethnic urban characters with moral nuance.
  25. William Holden
    William Holden rounded out the list at twenty-fifth for his cynical charm and rugged versatility, bridging post-war disillusionment in dramas and adventures. As Joe Gillis in (1950), his fallen screenwriter navigated Hollywood's underbelly, while Sefton in (1953) won an for sly survival. His ranking reflects Holden's 70 films for capturing transitional masculinity with sharp wit.

Top 25 Female Screen Legends

The Top 25 Female Screen Legends, as determined by the in 1999 through ballots from over 1,800 film industry professionals, celebrate women who exemplified enduring influence, versatility, and innovation in American cinema across genres like drama, comedy, romance, and musicals. These selections emphasize trailblazers whose careers spanned decades, often breaking barriers in portrayal of strong, complex female characters and contributing to the evolution of screen performance from the silent era to the mid-20th century.
  1. Katharine Hepburn
    Katharine Hepburn topped the AFI list for her unparalleled longevity and four Academy Awards for Best Actress—more than any other performer—highlighting roles that showcased her spirited independence and wit, such as the adventurous missionary Rose Sayer in The African Queen (1951), the high-society heiress Tracy Lord in The Philadelphia Story (1940), and the feisty lawyer Amanda Bonner in (1949). Her ranking reflects her defiance of norms, including wearing pants on screen and collaborating with directors like and to pioneer feminist-leaning narratives that influenced generations of actresses.
  2. Bette Davis
    Bette Davis earned the second spot due to her intense, transformative portrayals of ambitious and tormented women, securing two Oscars for Jezebel (1938) as the fiery Southern belle Julie Marsden and Dangerous (1935) as the recovering actress Joyce Heath, while iconic turns like the aging diva Margo Channing in All About Eve (1950) demonstrated her vocal power and emotional depth. Her ranking underscores her advocacy for quality scripts at Warner Bros. and her willingness to tackle unglamorous roles, setting standards for dramatic intensity in films like Now, Voyager (1942).
  3. Audrey Hepburn
    's third-place ranking honors her graceful embodiment of elegance and vulnerability in romantic comedies and dramas, epitomized by the wide-eyed princess Ann in (1953), which won her an , and the chic in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), blending charm with subtle pathos. Her balletic poise, honed from training, shone in (1964) as , contributing to her status as a and humanitarian whose films promoted themes of self-discovery and international appeal.
  4. Ingrid Bergman
    Ingrid Bergman's fourth position celebrates her luminous naturalism and emotional authenticity, seen in the resilient Ilsa Lund of (1942) and her Oscar-winning role as the devoted wife Paula in Gaslight (1944), roles that highlighted her ability to convey quiet strength amid turmoil. Her ranking acknowledges her versatility across and European cinema, including (1946), and her courage in defying studio control by working with , broadening American audiences' exposure to international styles.
  5. Greta Garbo
    's fifth ranking recognizes her enigmatic allure and pioneering screen presence as a silent-to-sound transition star, with iconic roles like the tragic courtesan Marguerite Gautier in (1936) and the comedic spy in (1939), showcasing her range from melodrama to satire. Her mystique, cultivated through selective roles at , and her dramatic retirement in 1941 cemented her as a symbol of timeless glamour, influencing the portrayal of sophisticated, introspective women.

  6. Marilyn Monroe secured sixth place for her blend of vulnerability and sensuality, defining the archetype in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) as the gold-digging Lorelei Lee and (1959) as the ukulele-playing Sugar Kane, roles that revealed comedic timing beneath her sex-symbol image. Her ranking highlights her push for serious roles, as in The Misfits (1961), and her lasting impact on discussions of fame, femininity, and in .
  7. Elizabeth Taylor
    Elizabeth Taylor's seventh spot reflects her evolution from child star to dramatic powerhouse, with an Academy Award nomination for the promiscuous Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), an Oscar win for Butterfield 8 (1960), and another for the tormented Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), demonstrating raw emotional intensity. Her ranking is tied to her off-screen advocacy for AIDS awareness and her command of roles in epics like Cleopatra (1963), embodying glamour and resilience over a six-decade career.
  8. Judy Garland
    Judy Garland ranked eighth for her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt portrayals, most iconically as the determined in (1939), which showcased her youthful optimism and singing talent in "." Her versatility in musicals like (1944) and dramatic turns in (1954) underscore her ranking as a symbol of the studio system's pressures and triumphs in blending song, dance, and drama.
  9. Marlene Dietrich
    's ninth position salutes her androgynous sophistication and cabaret-style allure, as the sultry cabaret singer in (1930) and the spy in (1939), where she defied gender norms with trousers and a deep voice. Her ranking emphasizes her transatlantic influence, anti-Nazi stance during , and collaborations with that defined Weimar-inspired glamour in American films.
  10. Joan Crawford
    Joan Crawford earned tenth for her transformation from to fierce matriarch, iconic in (1945) as the self-sacrificing mother, winning an , and the vengeful sister in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). Her ranking highlights her business acumen as a executive and her enduring portrayal of ambitious women navigating power and family in and productions.
  11. Barbara Stanwyck
    Barbara Stanwyck's eleventh ranking honors her no-nonsense toughness and range, from the seductive Phyllis Dietrichson in (1944) to the resilient Victoria in (1965-1969 TV series), roles that captured moral ambiguity without sentimentality. Her versatility across genres, including Stella Dallas (1937), reflects her self-made rise and influence on portraying working-class heroines.
  12. Claudette Colbert
    Claudette Colbert placed twelfth for her effervescent charm in screwball comedies, notably the resourceful Ellen Porter in (1934), earning an , and the witty wife in (1942). Her ranking acknowledges her screwball era contributions with and her graceful handling of both comedy and drama, like (1944).
  13. Grace Kelly
    Grace Kelly's thirteenth spot celebrates her poised iciness turned warmth, as the determined Lisa Fremont in (1954) and the elegant Georgy in (1956), roles that led to her for The Country Girl (1954). Her brief but luminous career, culminating in her princess role, ranks her for embodying refined American beauty in Hitchcock thrillers.
  14. Ginger Rogers
    ranked fourteenth for her tap-dancing synergy with in musicals like (1935) as the spirited Dale Tremont and Swing Time (1936), where her athletic grace matched his precision. Her Oscar for Kitty Foyle (1940) and dramatic roles highlight her ranking as a multifaceted performer who excelled in romance, , and social commentary.
  15. Mae West
    's fifteenth position recognizes her bold sexual innuendo and self-authored wit, as the seductive Lady Lou in (1933) and the cowboy-enticing Flower Belle in (1940) with . Her ranking stems from challenging censorship and pioneering the empowered, wisecracking female archetype.
  16. Vivien Leigh
    Vivien Leigh secured sixteenth for her passionate intensity, immortalized as the resilient in (1939), winning an Oscar, and the fragile in (1951), another Oscar role. Her ranking honors her British-American crossover and tragic depth in portraying Southern belles and psychological fragility.
  17. Lillian Gish
    Lillian Gish's seventeenth ranking pays tribute to her silent film mastery and emotional subtlety, as the innocent Elsie Stoneman in (1915) and the suffering sister in (1919), under D.W. Griffith's direction. As a pioneer of naturalistic acting, her endurance into sound films like Duel in the Sun (1946) solidified her foundational impact on screen drama.
  18. Shirley Temple
    Shirley Temple ranked eighteenth for her child-star phenomenon, charming as the optimistic Heidi in Heidi (1937) and the resourceful Shirley in Bright Eyes (1934), where "On the Good Ship Lollipop" defined Depression-era escapism. Her precocious talent and transition to adult roles, though challenging, rank her as a symbol of innocence and box-office resilience.
  19. Rita Hayworth
    Rita Hayworth's nineteenth spot highlights her sultry dance and dramatic range, as the vengeful Gilda in Gilda (1946) with its famous "Put the Blame on Mame" number, and the atomic-bomb poster girl in Cover Girl (1944). Her ranking reflects her pin-up icon status during WWII and ability to evolve beyond glamour into roles like Lady from Shanghai (1947).
  20. Lauren Bacall
    Lauren Bacall placed twentieth for her husky-voiced poise and chemistry with , debuting as the sly Vivian Rutledge in (1944) and the elegant Vivian Rutledge in (1946). Her ranking underscores her transition to mature roles in (1953) and her embodiment of noir sophistication.
  21. Sophia Loren
    's twenty-first ranking celebrates her voluptuous vitality and Oscar-winning authenticity as the impoverished Cesira in (1960), the first for a non-English performance, alongside lighter roles in (1958). Her Italian flair in Hollywood films like (1963) ranks her for bridging European realism with American spectacle.
  22. Jean Harlow
    Jean Harlow ranked twenty-second as the original platinum blonde sex symbol, sparkling as the gold-digging Lorelei in Platinum Blonde (1931) and the wise-cracking Helen in Red-Headed Woman (1932). Her brief career's exuberant energy in Dinner at Eight (1933) and tragic death at 26 cemented her ranking as a pre-Code icon of liberated femininity.
  23. Carole Lombard
    Carole Lombard's twenty-third position honors her screwball comedy brilliance and vivacity, as the scatterbrained Alice in My Man Godfrey (1936) and the patriotic Carol Howard in To Be or Not to Be (1942). Her ranking reflects her rapid rise and wartime bond-selling efforts, defining the fast-talking, independent 1930s heroine.
  24. Mary Pickford
    Mary Pickford's twenty-fourth ranking lauds her as a silent cinema co-founder and "America's Sweetheart," with roles like the spunky Rebecca in (1917) and the determined Cinderella in (1917). As a co-founder, her business savvy and transition to producing rank her for shaping early Hollywood's .
  25. Ava Gardner
    Ava Gardner closed the list at twenty-fifth for her smoldering beauty and tragic sensuality, as the sultry honey-trapper in (1946) and the passionate Maria in (1954). Her ranking highlights her raw magnetism in films like (1951) and her off-screen aura of doomed romance, influencing portrayals of flawed femme fatales.

Nominees

The 250 Male Nominees

The 250 male nominees for 's 100 Years...100 Stars were compiled by historians from performers in American feature-length films released from 1915 to 1999, with ballots distributed to over 1,800 leaders from the American film community in 1999. Of these nominees, 25 were selected as the greatest male screen legends, indicated in bold below. At the time of voting, the majority of nominees had passed away, reflecting the list's emphasis on enduring legacies from earlier eras of .
  1. Bud Abbott & Lou Costello
  2. Brian Aherne
  3. Don Ameche
  4. Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
  5. Gilbert M. "Broncho Billy" Anderson
  6. Dana Andrews
  7. Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle
  8. George Arliss
  9. Louis Armstrong
  10. Edward Arnold
  11. Fred Astaire
  12. Gene Autry
  13. Lew Ayres
  14. King Baggot
  15. John Barrymore
  16. Lionel Barrymore
  17. Richard Barthelmess
  18. Freddie Bartholomew
  19. Warner Baxter
  20. Noah Beery
  21. Wallace Beery
  22. Ralph Bellamy
  23. John Belushi
  24. William Bendix
  25. Jack Benny
  26. Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy
  27. Milton Berle
  28. Humphrey Bogart
  29. Ray Bolger
  30. Ward Bond
  31. William Boyd
  32. Charles Boyer
  33. Eddie Bracken
  34. Marlon Brando
  35. Walter Brennan
  36. Lloyd Bridges
  37. Joe E. Brown
  38. Yul Brynner
  39. George Burns
  40. Richard Burton
  41. Francis X. Bushman
  42. James Cagney
  43. Eddie Cantor
  44. John Carradine
  45. Leo G. Carroll
  46. Jack Carson
  47. John Cassavetes
  48. Lon Chaney
  49. Lon Chaney, Jr.
  50. Charles Chaplin
  51. Maurice Chevalier
  52. Montgomery Clift
  53. Lee J. Cobb
  54. Charles Coburn
  55. Ronald Colman
  56. Jackie Coogan
  57. Gary Cooper
  58. Jackie Cooper
  59. Joseph Cotten
  60. Buster Crabbe
  61. Broderick Crawford
  62. Hume Cronyn
  63. Bing Crosby
  64. Robert Cummings
  65. Tony Curtis
  66. Dan Dailey
  67. Ossie Davis
  68. Sammy Davis, Jr.
  69. James Dean
  70. Divine
  71. Richard Dix
  72. Robert Donat
  73. Brian Donlevy
  74. Kirk Douglas
  75. Melvyn Douglas
  76. Jimmy Durante
  77. Buddy Ebsen
  78. Nelson Eddy
  79. Douglas Fairbanks
  80. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
  81. William Farnum
  82. José Ferrer
  83. W.C. Fields
  84. Peter Finch
  85. Barry Fitzgerald
  86. Errol Flynn
  87. Henry Fonda
  88. Glenn Ford
  89. Clark Gable
  90. John Garfield
  91. John Gielgud
  92. John Gilbert
  93. Jackie Gleason
  94. Farley Granger
  95. Stewart Granger
  96. Cary Grant
  97. Sydney Greenstreet
  98. Sir Alec Guinness
  99. Edmund Gwenn
  100. Jack Haley
  101. Rex Harrison
  102. William S. Hart
  103. Laurence Harvey
  104. Sessue Hayakawa
  105. Sterling Hayden
  106. Gabby Hayes
  107. Van Heflin
  108. Paul Henreid
  109. Charlton Heston
  110. William Holden
  111. Bob Hope
  112. Edward Everett Horton
  113. John Houseman
  114. Leslie Howard
  115. Trevor Howard
  116. Rock Hudson
  117. Tab Hunter
  118. John Huston
  119. Walter Huston
  120. Rex Ingram
  121. Burl Ives
  122. Emil Jannings
  123. Ben Johnson
  124. Van Johnson
  125. Al Jolson
  126. Louis Jourdan
  127. Raul Julia
  128. Boris Karloff
  129. Danny Kaye
  130. Buster Keaton
  131. Howard Keel
  132. Gene Kelly
  133. Arthur Kennedy
  134. Alan Ladd
  135. Bert Lahr
  136. Burt Lancaster
  137. Harry Langdon
  138. Mario Lanza
  139. Charles Laughton
  140. Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy
  141. Peter Lawford
  142. Oscar Levant
  143. Jerry Lewis
  144. Harold Lloyd
  145. Peter Lorre
  146. Bela Lugosi
  147. Keye Luke
  148. Fred MacMurray
  149. Gordon MacRae
  150. Karl Malden
  151. Fredric March
  152. Herbert Marshall
  153. Dean Martin
  154. Lee Marvin
  155. The Marx Brothers
  156. James Mason
  157. Raymond Massey
  158. Victor Mature
  159. Joel McCrea
  160. Roddy McDowall
  161. Victor McLaglen
  162. Steve McQueen
  163. Adolphe Menjou
  164. Burgess Meredith
  165. Ray Milland
  166. Sal Mineo
  167. Thomas Mitchell
  168. Robert Mitchum
  169. Tom Mix
  170. Ricardo Montalban
  171. George Montgomery
  172. Robert Montgomery
  173. Mantan Moreland
  174. Frank Morgan
  175. Zero Mostel
  176. Paul Muni
  177. George Murphy
  178. The Nicholas Brothers
  179. David Niven
  180. Ramon Novarro
  181. Jack Oakie
  182. Edmond O'Brien
  183. Pat O'Brien
  184. Donald O'Connor
  185. Sir Laurence Olivier
  186. Jack Palance
  187. Larry Parks
  188. Gregory Peck
  189. George Peppard
  190. Anthony Perkins
  191. Slim Pickens
  192. Walter Pidgeon
  193. Sidney Poitier
  194. Dick Powell
  195. William Powell
  196. Tyrone Power
  197. Elvis Presley
  198. Robert Preston
  199. Vincent Price
  200. Anthony Quinn
  201. George Raft
  202. Claude Rains
  203. Basil Rathbone
  204. Charles Ray
  205. Ronald Reagan
  206. Wallace Reid
  207. Ralph Richardson
  208. Paul Robeson
  209. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
  210. Edward G. Robinson
  211. Buddy Rogers
  212. Roy Rogers
  213. Will Rogers
  214. Gilbert Roland
  215. Cesar Romero
  216. Mickey Rooney
  217. Charles Ruggles
  218. Harold Russell
  219. Robert Ryan
  220. Sabu
  221. George Sanders
  222. Randolph Scott
  223. Peter Sellers
  224. Robert Shaw
  225. Frank Sinatra
  226. Red Skelton
  227. James Stewart
  228. Dean Stockwell
  229. Woody Strode
  230. Robert Taylor
  231. The Three Stooges
  232. Franchot Tone
  233. Spencer Tracy
  234. Ben Turpin
  235. Peter Ustinov
  236. Rudolph Valentino
  237. Rudy Vallee
  238. Conrad Veidt
  239. Erich von Stroheim
  240. Max von Sydow
  241. Robert Walker
  242. John Wayne
  243. Clifton Webb
  244. Johnny Weissmuller
  245. Orson Welles
  246. Richard Widmark
  247. Cornel Wilde
  248. Chill Wills
  249. Gig Young
  250. Robert Young

The 250 Female Nominees

The 250 female nominees selected by the for its 1999 ballot in AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars are listed below in . Those who advanced to the top 25 female screen legends are indicated in bold. The nominees encompassed a broad range of American film history, including many actresses who were deceased by the time of the voting, such as early pioneers like (d. 1955) and later icons like (d. 1989), to honor enduring contributions to cinema.
  • Gracie Allen
  • June Allyson
  • Dame Judith Anderson
  • Annabella
  • Eve Arden
  • Jean Arthur
  • Mary Astor
  • Lauren Bacall
  • Pearl Bailey
  • Lucille Ball
  • Tallulah Bankhead
  • Vilma Bánky
  • Theda Bara
  • Ethel Barrymore
  • Anne Baxter
  • Louise Beavers
  • Barbara Bel Geddes
  • Constance Bennett
  • Joan Bennett
  • Ingrid Bergman
  • Joan Blondell
  • Claire Bloom
  • Ann Blyth
  • Beulah Bondi
  • Shirley Booth
  • Clara Bow
  • Alice Brady
  • Helen Broderick
  • Betty Bronson
  • Louise Brooks
  • Virginia Bruce
  • Billie Burke
  • Spring Byington
  • Kitty Carlisle
  • Madeleine Carroll
  • Cyd Charisse
  • Ruth Chatterton
  • Mae Clarke
  • Claudette Colbert
  • Dolores Costello
  • Jeanne Crain
  • Joan Crawford
  • Viola Dana
  • Dorothy Dandridge
  • Bebe Daniels
  • Linda Darnell
  • Danielle Darrieux
  • Jane Darwell
  • Marion Davies
  • Bette Davis
  • Joan Davis
  • Doris Day
  • Laraine Day
  • Yvonne De Carlo
  • Ruby Dee
  • Gloria DeHaven
  • Olivia de Havilland
  • Dolores Del Rio
  • Marlene Dietrich
  • Louise Dresser
  • Marie Dressler
  • Margaret Dumont
  • Irene Dunne
  • Deanna Durbin
  • Jeanne Eagels
  • Dale Evans
  • Frances Farmer
  • Glenda Farrell
  • Alice Faye
  • Betty Field
  • Gracie Fields
  • Geraldine Fitzgerald
  • Rhonda Fleming
  • Nina Foch
  • Joan Fontaine
  • Kay Francis
  • Greta Garbo
  • Ava Gardner
  • Judy Garland
  • Peggy Ann Garner
  • Betty Garrett
  • Greer Garson
  • Janet Gaynor
  • Mitzi Gaynor
  • Hermione Gingold
  • Dorothy Gish
  • Lillian Gish
  • Paulette Goddard
  • Ruth Gordon
  • Betty Grable
  • Gloria Grahame
  • Bonita Granville
  • Kathryn Grayson
  • Jane Greer
  • Corinne Griffith
  • Jean Hagen
  • Barbara Hale
  • Margaret Hamilton
  • Ann Harding
  • Jean Harlow
  • June Haver
  • Helen Hayes
  • Susan Hayward
  • Rita Hayworth
  • Sonja Henie
  • Audrey Hepburn
  • Katharine Hepburn
  • Judy Holliday
  • Celeste Holm
  • Miriam Hopkins
  • Lena Horne
  • Marsha Hunt
  • Kim Hunter
  • Ruth Hussey
  • Betty Hutton
  • Jennifer Jones
  • Ruby Keeler
  • Grace Kelly
  • Madge Kennedy
  • Deborah Kerr
  • Veronica Lake
  • Hedy Lamarr
  • Dorothy Lamour
  • Elsa Lanchester
  • Priscilla Lane
  • Angela Lansbury
  • Piper Laurie
  • Florence Lawrence
  • Janet Leigh
  • Vivien Leigh
  • Joan Leslie
  • Viveca Lindfors
  • Gina Lollobrigida
  • Carole Lombard
  • Sophia Loren
  • Bessie Love
  • Myrna Loy
  • Ida Lupino
  • Jeanette MacDonald
  • Anna Magnani
  • Marjorie Main
  • Dorothy Malone
  • Jayne Mansfield
  • Mae Marsh
  • Mary Martin
  • Virginia Mayo
  • May McAvoy
  • Mercedes McCambridge
  • Hattie McDaniel
  • Dorothy McGuire
  • Nina Mae McKinney
  • Butterfly McQueen
  • Una Merkel
  • Ethel Merman
  • Ann Miller
  • Carmen Miranda
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Maria Montez
  • Colleen Moore
  • Agnes Moorehead
  • Rita Moreno
  • Mae Murray
  • Mildred Natwick
  • Alla Nazimova
  • Dame Anna Neagle
  • Patricia Neal
  • Pola Negri
  • Anna Q. Nilsson
  • Mabel Normand
  • Margaret O'Brien
  • Maureen O'Hara
  • Maureen O'Sullivan
  • Merle Oberon
  • Seena Owen
  • Geraldine Page
  • Lilli Palmer
  • Eleanor Parker
  • Gail Patrick
  • Mary Pickford
  • Zasu Pitts
  • Eleanor Powell
  • Jane Powell
  • Marie Prevost
  • Edna Purviance
  • Luise Rainer
  • Vera Hruba Ralston
  • Martha Raye
  • Donna Reed
  • Lee Remick
  • Anne Revere
  • Debbie Reynolds
  • Thelma Ritter
  • Dame Flora Robson
  • Ginger Rogers
  • Ruth Roman
  • Gail Russell
  • Jane Russell
  • Rosalind Russell
  • Ann Rutherford
  • Lizabeth Scott
  • Martha Scott
  • Jean Seberg
  • Norma Shearer
  • Ann Sheridan
  • Dinah Shore
  • Sylvia Sidney
  • Jean Simmons
  • Simone Simon
  • Penny Singleton
  • Alexis Smith
  • Gale Sondergaard
  • Ann Sothern
  • Barbara Stanwyck
  • Gloria Stuart
  • Margaret Sullavan
  • Gloria Swanson
  • Blanche Sweet
  • Constance Talmadge
  • Norma Talmadge
  • Jessica Tandy
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Shirley Temple
  • Gene Tierney
  • Ann Todd
  • Thelma Todd
  • Claire Trevor
  • Lana Turner
  • Helen Twelvetrees
  • Lupe Velez
  • Evelyn Venable
  • Vera-Ellen
  • Ethel Waters
  • Mae West
  • Pearl White
  • Esther Williams
  • Lois Wilson
  • Marie Wilson
  • Marie Windsor
  • Shelley Winters
  • Estelle Winwood
  • Jane Withers
  • Anna May Wong
  • Natalie Wood
  • Irene Worth
  • Fay Wray
  • Teresa Wright
  • Jane Wyatt
  • Jane Wyman
  • Clara Kimball Young
  • Loretta Young

Reception and Legacy

Cultural Impact

The AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars list was revealed during a three-hour prime-time television special on June 15, 1999, hosted by Shirley Temple Black and featuring tributes from 50 prominent contemporary actors and filmmakers, which garnered an 8.0 Nielsen rating and a 15 share, placing it among the week's top 20 programs. This broadcast generated substantial media buzz as part of the American Film Institute's commemoration of American cinema, sparking national conversations about the enduring legacy of icons and encouraging public engagement with film history. Curated by a blue-ribbon panel of over 1,800 artists, critics, and historians, the list has served an al function by highlighting the artistry and influence of screen legends, thereby promoting deeper understanding of classic American among students and general audiences. It has contributed to renewed interest in vintage through retrospectives and archival screenings, aligning with 's to advance education and appreciation. As a cornerstone of the (1998–2008), which produced 10 milestone lists to celebrate cinematic achievements, 100 Stars elevated the Institute's stature as a leading authority on and , inspiring subsequent AFI tributes and similar retrospective rankings by fostering dialogue on the evolution of American screen performance. The initiative's emphasis on expert consensus and historical context has influenced modern "best of" compilations, reinforcing the value of collective reflection on cinema's societal role.

Criticisms and Omissions

The AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars list has faced criticism for perpetuating the male-dominated biases of early , despite its gender-balanced structure of 25 male and 25 female legends, as the selections overwhelmingly favor white performers from the classic studio era, resulting in severely limited representation of women of color in the top ranks. Racial diversity is particularly limited, with (#22 male) and (#25 female) standing as the only non-white actors in the top 50. Other Black nominees such as (nominated but unranked in the top 25) highlight the list's failure to reflect broader contributions to American film by minorities. The selection criteria, which emphasized actors debuting on screen by 1950 or those deceased by the voting period, further exacerbated omissions by sidelining post-1950s talents, even among nominees, thereby overlooking emerging icons and reinforcing an outdated focus on pre-1970s cinema that ignored evolving industry dynamics. Critics, including , have lambasted the subjective —conducted by a jury of film artists, critics, and historians—as arbitrary and prone to commercial influences, arguing that ranking incomparable screen legends like against serves little artistic purpose beyond generating publicity. Specific rankings, such as Shirley Temple's 18th place among females despite her Depression-era cultural dominance, have drawn complaints for undervaluing her unique impact. Since its 1999 debut, the list has not been revised, prompting retrospective calls for updates to incorporate more diverse voices and contemporary figures amid Hollywood's ongoing reckoning with inclusion, though the has maintained it as a snapshot of 20th-century legends without plans for expansion.

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