scene stealer

Meaning

A 'scene stealer' is an actor or character in a film, play, or television show who attracts the audience's attention and praise, often overshadowing the main actors despite having a smaller or supporting role. It carries a highly positive connotation of charisma and talent.

Examples

• The sidekick in that comedy was a total scene stealer; his funny faces made the whole movie.

  The sidekick in that comedy was a total scene stealer; his funny faces made the whole movie.

• Even though she only had five minutes of screen time, she was the ultimate scene stealer.

  Even though she only had five minutes of screen time, she was the ultimate scene stealer.

• He has a reputation for being a scene stealer because of his intense physical acting style.

  He has a reputation for being a scene stealer because of his intense physical acting style.

• The cute dog in the commercial turned out to be a major scene stealer.

  The cute dog in the commercial turned out to be a major scene stealer.

• Playing a villain is great because you often get to be the scene stealer of the show.

  Playing a villain is great because you often get to be the scene stealer of the show.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He stole the scene actor.

  ✓ He was a scene stealer.

  'Scene stealer' is a noun phrase referring to the person. To use the verb form, say 'he stole the scene'.

• ✗ The main character was a scene stealer.

  ✓ The supporting actor was a scene stealer.

  A 'scene stealer' is almost always a minor or supporting character who unexpectedly outshines the leads. It is not used for main characters who are expected to dominate.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The younger brother in the sitcom is a complete ___, getting the biggest laughs in every episode.

  💡 A supporting actor who attracts all the attention.

  Show answer

  scene stealer

• She didn't have many lines, but her expressive eyes made her a ___.

  💡 A noun phrase for someone who dominates a scene unexpectedly.

  Show answer

  scene stealer