A leading actor or leading actress, is an actor who plays the title role in a movie, television series or theatre play. The word lead means the largest role in the piece, and leading actor means a person who typically plays such parts. Some leading actors are typecast with a certain role. Most leading actors typically begin their acting careers with bit parts, then become supporting actors or character actors, and eventually become leading actors as their careers advance. Actors who play the lead in some performances, can also play supporting or character roles in other performances.

• Title role
• Supporting actor
• Character actor
• Bit part
• Extra (acting)