actor

Definition 
Originally actor meant a "doer," from the Latin agere, to do. Its current sense dates from the 16th century, but it is recorded three centuries before then. Collectively, actors and actresses have been called companies, casts, troops, and even entrances. In the Middle Ages, a troop was called a cry, and in more recent times, during the heyday of the Hollywood studios, there were stables of actors and writers. A number of angels financially backing a play might be called a host of angels and a collection of critics a frown.