The gender of an "actor" is generally male, although the term "actor" can be used in a gender-neutral way to refer to anyone who performs a role, regardless of their gender. Traditionally, the term "actress" was used to specifically denote a female performer.
Here's a breakdown:
- Traditionally Masculine: "Actor" historically referred to a male performer.
- Gender-Neutral Usage: In modern usage, "actor" is often used as a gender-neutral term to refer to any performer, male, female, or non-binary. This avoids the need for separate terms and promotes inclusivity.
- Feminine Term: "Actress" is the traditionally feminine term for a female performer.
Therefore, while "actor" can refer specifically to a male, its usage is increasingly becoming gender-neutral.
