The Most Famous Actor to Portray Sherlock Holmes, Ranked

Choose the actor you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jun 6, 2024 07:34
Fans of detective stories often find themselves debating about who best brought to life the iconic character Sherlock Holmes. From stage to screen, numerous actors have donned the hat and pipe, each adding their own flair to the sleuth's persona. Choosing a favorite can be a personal and captivating discussion among enthusiasts, revealing preferences in interpretation and style. On this site, you have the opportunity to weigh in on this debate by voting for the actor you believe most effectively embodies Sherlock Holmes. Your votes contribute to a live ranking that reflects the collective opinion of fellow fans. Engage with the community, share your views, and see how your favorite stacks up in the ongoing tally of votes.

Who Is the Most Famous Actor to Portray Sherlock Holmes?

  1. 1
    59
    votes

    Basil Rathbone

    Famous for his portrayal in fourteen Holmes films from 1939 to 1946.
    • Films: 14
    • Era: Golden Age of Hollywood
  2. 2
    26
    votes

    Jeremy Brett

    Widely regarded for his performance in Granada Television's 'Sherlock Holmes' series.
    • Series Run: 1984-1994
    • Episodes: 41 episodes
  3. 5
    8
    votes

    Peter Cushing

    Played Sherlock Holmes in various movies and a television series in the 1950s and 1960s.
    • Notable Film: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)
    • TV Series: BBC's 'Sherlock Holmes' (1968)
  4. 6
    7
    votes

    Clive Brook

    One of the first actors to portray Sherlock Holmes on the big screen in the 1920s and 1930s.
    • First Film: The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1929)
    • Notable Aspect: First talking Sherlock Holmes
  5. 7
    5
    votes

    Christopher Lee

    Portrayed Sherlock Holmes in several films, including 'Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace'.
    • First Holmes Film: 1962
    • Unique Aspect: Also played Mycroft Holmes
  6. 8
    3
    votes

    Jonny Lee Miller

    Known for his role as Sherlock in the CBS television series 'Elementary'.
    • Series Run: 2012-2019
    • Episodes: 154 episodes
  7. 10
    0
    votes

    Douglas Wilmer

    Played the detective in the 1960s BBC series 'Sherlock Holmes'.
    • Series Run: 1964-1965
    • Episodes: 13 episodes

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous actor to portray Sherlock Holmes. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or actor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1448 views
  • 151 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each actor once every 24 hours. The rank of each actor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Actor to Portray Sherlock Holmes

Basil Rathbone
Rank #1 for the most famous actor to portray Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone (Source)
Sherlock Holmes, the iconic detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has been portrayed by many actors over the years. One actor, in particular, stands out for his portrayal of the character. His performance set the standard for future adaptations and remains a benchmark in the history of film and television.

This actor brought a unique blend of intelligence, wit, and charisma to the role. His interpretation of Holmes was both faithful to the original stories and innovative in its own right. He captured the detective's keen observational skills, sharp mind, and often aloof demeanor. Audiences were captivated by his ability to make the character both relatable and enigmatic.

His portrayal of Holmes spanned several films and television episodes. Each performance showcased his talent and dedication to the role. He worked hard to ensure that every detail, from Holmes's distinctive mannerisms to his complex personality, was portrayed accurately. This commitment to authenticity helped to create a lasting impression on viewers.

The actor's background in theater also contributed to his success as Holmes. He had a deep understanding of character development and dramatic timing. This experience allowed him to bring depth and nuance to the role, making Holmes more than just a brilliant detective. He became a fully realized character with flaws and strengths.

His collaboration with talented directors and writers also played a key role in the success of his portrayal. They worked together to create compelling stories that stayed true to Conan Doyle's vision while also offering fresh perspectives. This synergy resulted in a series of films and episodes that remain beloved by fans to this day.

The actor's dedication to the role did not go unnoticed. He received critical acclaim and numerous awards for his performances. His portrayal of Holmes became so iconic that it influenced how future actors approached the character. Many sought to emulate his style, but few could match his level of skill and charisma.

Off-screen, the actor was known for his professionalism and commitment to his craft. He took his work seriously and always strived to deliver the best performance possible. This dedication earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of audiences worldwide.

In addition to his role as Holmes, the actor had a successful career in film and television. He took on a wide range of roles, showcasing his versatility and talent. However, it is his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes that remains his most famous and enduring legacy.

His impact on the character of Sherlock Holmes cannot be overstated. He brought the detective to life in a way that was both true to the original stories and uniquely his own. His performances continue to be celebrated and serve as a benchmark for future adaptations.

In conclusion, this actor's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes set a high standard for future adaptations. His blend of intelligence, wit, and charisma made the character come alive in a way that few others have achieved. His dedication to the role and his skill as an actor ensured that his interpretation of Holmes would be remembered for generations to come.

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