scene-stealer

noun

scene-steal·​er ˈsēn-ˌstē-lər 

: an actor who attracts attention when another is intended to be the center of attention

Examples of scene-stealer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In both sitcoms, he’s surrounded by colorful characters and scene-stealers, but every scene hinges on his character and his reactions. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 July 2024

Early in his career, Paxton was a scene-stealer in The Terminator (1984), Weird Science (1985), and Aliens (1986). —EW.com, 18 July 2024

Few studios can boast a track record like A24, and with a veteran scene-stealer like Hugh Grant at the wheel, what could go wrong? —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 25 June 2024

But the majority of insight comes from interviews with her close pals and collaborators, including John Kander, Joel Grey, Ben Vereen, Chita Rivera and Mia Farrow (a sardonic scene-stealer). —Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scene-stealer

noun

scene-steal·​er

ˈsēn-ˌstē-lər

: an actor who draws attention though he or she is not intended to be the center of attraction