🔥 “These Are the Greatest” — At 95, Clint Eastwood Reveals His Top 8 Actors of All Time!

He’s the man behind the squint, the legend of the Wild West, and one of the most iconic names in Hollywood history. Now, at the impressive age of 95, Clint Eastwood is looking back on a career that spans seven decades — and for the first time ever, he’s publicly shared his list of the 8 greatest actors of all time.

The reveal came during an intimate sit-down with American Legends Unfiltered, a special documentary series chronicling the final reflections of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. Clint, ever the quiet gunslinger, has never been known for throwing out praise easily. So when he named names, the world listened.

And yes — some of his choices may surprise you.

The Big Reveal — 8 Names That Shaped Cinema (According to Clint)

Filmed at his peaceful ranch in Carmel, California, the interview was meant to reflect on legacy, cinema, and aging. But when the interviewer asked, “Who are the actors you admire most?”, Clint leaned back, cracked a grin, and said,

“You’re gonna get me in trouble, but I’ll give you eight. These guys — and gals — they changed the game.”

Here’s the official Clint Eastwood Top 8:

Spencer Tracy – “He made acting look effortless. Never overdid it. That’s harder than people think.”

James Stewart – “Jimmy had a soul you could feel through the screen. Genuine, every time.”

Morgan Freeman – “Smart, smooth, powerful. I’ve worked with him. He’s the real deal.”

Gene Hackman – “The intensity, the grit — Hackman never missed.”

Meryl Streep – “You can’t ignore her. She disappears into every role. Pure talent.”

Marlon Brando – “A little nuts, sure, but he changed everything. You can’t talk great acting without Brando.”

Tom Hanks – “He makes it all look easy. Heart, humor, depth. The guy’s a modern-day Jimmy Stewart.”

Denzel Washington – “Denzel walks into a scene and you believe every damn word. That’s power.”

Clint added with a chuckle, “There are more I could name. But these eight — they left a mark.”

Internet Reacts: “Clint’s Mount Rushmore of Acting”

Once the clip hit social media, fans and critics alike dove into the debate. The hashtag #ClintsTop8 exploded on X (formerly Twitter), with fans sharing their own takes:

“I can’t even argue with this list. It’s classic, it’s bold, it’s Eastwood.” — @OldHollywoodObsessed

“Clint Eastwood gave us a GOAT list and I didn’t expect to agree with every name 😳” — @FilmFanatic1990

“Where’s Pacino? Where’s De Niro? WHERE’S LEONARDO??” — @GenZCinemaSnob

“Clint putting Denzel and Tom Hanks with Tracy and Stewart = ✨chef’s kiss✨” — @CinephileQueen

On TikTok, movie buffs stitched the video with dramatic tributes to the actors named, and YouTubers have already started ranking Clint’s picks vs. their own.

Not Just Names — A Glimpse Into Clint’s Philosophy

What made the moment powerful wasn’t just who Clint named — but why he picked them. In the interview, he emphasized subtlety over spectacle, consistency over fame, and a deep respect for actors who “never made it about them, but always made it about the story.”

This tracks perfectly with Eastwood’s own legacy — known for quiet intensity, minimalist direction, and characters who speak volumes with a glance.

“He’s not picking who’s trending,” one Redditor posted. “He’s picking who lasts.”

Throwback: Clint’s Collaborations and Quiet Admiration

Though Eastwood has never been one to gush over fellow actors, he has worked with several on his list — including Morgan Freeman, in Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, both Oscar-winning collaborations that revealed mutual respect and cinematic magic.

He’s also openly praised Meryl Streep, his co-star in The Bridges of Madison County, saying in past interviews that “acting with her felt like being pulled into something bigger than myself.”

And while he never worked directly with legends like Spencer Tracy or James Stewart, Clint once called Stewart “the kind of man who taught you something just by watching him.”

Legacy Sealed — And Still Talking

At 95, Clint Eastwood isn’t slowing down. Rumors suggest he’s developing what could be his final directorial project, a courtroom thriller titled Juror No. 2. But whether or not we see another film, one thing’s for sure — his opinion carries weight, and this list is already being treated as a piece of cinematic history.

As one fan tweeted: “If Clint says they’re the best, we better take notes.”

What do you think of Clint Eastwood’s Top 8 actors? Anyone you would’ve added or swapped out? Let us know in the comments! 🎬👇