Since Philip Seymour Hoffman died, I'm not sure who I'd pick from living actors. Going back a bit, no one comes near Brando for me.
Both excellent. Although Clint my fav I accept he is not exactly Shakespeare material. I have a liking for Leo de cappuccino. Think he is excellent in all he does
Denzil Washington for the good to watch movie. Jimmy Gagney for his aplomb and nostalgia of the formative years. Marlene Dietrich because she was Marlene Dietrich ... way before her time.
Always struggle to remember my 'favourites' in these sort of things, but off the top (in an order of no intention) probably missing loads: Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Leonard Rossiter, Ricardo Darin, Phil Silvers, Klaus Kinski, John Cazale, Patrick McGoohan, Dennis Hopper (partic. Blue Velvet - Frank - up there with Pesci's 'I amuse you' for intimidation)
I can't think of Hopper in the same way as my picks, but he really is a stand-out actor. A bit Pete Postlethwaite, but more intense and not as easy on a Monday night ...
Richard Burton. Alan Bates, John Hurt, Derek Jacobi, Woody Allen, John Gielgud,Albert Finney, Jack Nickolson, Anthony Hopkins. Oh aye - Julie Christie, Brigitte Bardot & Genevieve Bujold, Katherine Hepburn, Vanessa Redgrave, Helen Mirren.