scene-stealer

[ seen-stee-ler ]

noun

1. a performer in a play, motion picture, etc., who by charm, talent, or artifice, draws most of the audience's attention, often away from the leading performers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scene-stealer¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

“Anatomy of Lies” is based on Vanity Fair’s “Scene Stealer” report in May 2022 that chronicled Finch’s ruse and how she climbed the ranks behind the scenes in the writers room.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite his lack of dialogue in “Breaking Bad,” Mr. Margolis proved a scene stealer from his wheelchair, his eyes bulging, his face trembling with rage, despite the nasal cannula pumping oxygen up his nose and his palm furiously banging his bell, taped to an arm of the chair, whenever he needed attention.

From New York Times

In the opening episode of Season 2 of And Just Like That …, there’s a scene stealer, and it’s not a dress or a celebrity: It’s a purse stool.

From Seattle Times

Matt Roush calls the great John Lithgow a “veteran scene stealer” in “The Old Man” and pulls out a “wish-list long shot: Todd Stashwick as ‘Picard’s’ hilarious skeptical Starfleet officer who refused to worship the aging heroes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Like a dog nosing around in the background, a robot vacuum cleaner is a guaranteed scene stealer.

From New York Times

Related Words

• actor
• performer
• star