scene-stealer

American  

[seen-stee-ler] / ˈsinˌsti lər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of scene-stealer

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The world-renowned Canadian comic actor was the shining star and scene-stealer of every film and television show she was cast in.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

She’s one of the best features in a smallish role in “Migration” and she’s an artful scene-stealer in “Panda 4.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 7, 2024

Braugher, who died on Monday at age 61, became a breakout scene-stealer in this series as Frank Pembleton, a Baltimore detective who acted as the squad’s frustrated moral center.

From New York Times • Dec. 13, 2023

The scene-stealer wasn’t initially conceived as an adorably round, pantomime character.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2023

In that vein, “Fabelmans” scene-stealer Judd Hirsch could sneak in as part of a groundswell of support for the best picture front-runner.

From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2023

Related Words

• actor
• performer
• star