Michael Smith: Denzel Washington voted America's favorite actor again
BY MICHAEL SMITH World Scene Writer
Friday, February 08, 2013
2/08/13 at 5:38 AM
Denzel Washington has been voted America's favorite actor four times in the last seven years, and Harris Poll voters returned the star to the top spot again this year.
Washington had two hits in 2012 in "Safe House" and "Flight," which helped him regain his No. 1 status, with Clint Eastwood in the No. 2 position and Tom Hanks finishing in third place among those polled.
Johnny Depp, who had finished No. 1 a year ago, dropped to the No. 4 spot, tied with Brad Pitt.
There were 2,141 adults surveyed for the Harris Poll, conducted between Dec. 12-18. The top 10 favorite actors were:
1. Denzel Washington
2. Clint Eastwood
3. Tom Hanks
4. Johnny Depp
4. Brad Pitt
6. John Wayne
7. George Clooney
8. Harrison Ford
9. Meryl Streep
10. Matt Damon
The three actors who dropped out of the annual poll from last year were Sandra Bullock, Will Smith and Adam Sandler.
Among those surveyed, people's favorite actors varied widely when considering the age, gender, political leaning and part of the country for those polled.
Eastwood finished first among men, and Washington was the favorite actor of women who responded.
Eastwood topped the list for Republicans, and Washington ranked highest among Democrats. Hanks was the No. 1 choice of those surveyed who described themselves as independent voters.
Washington finished first among those in the age groups of 18-35 as well as 48-66, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp tied as favorite for the 36-47 "Gen X" group, and those age 67 and older would rather ride along with John Wayne as their favorite actor.
Washington was the winner in both Eastern and Western sections of the country, and Eastwood was the winner in the South, but Washington and Hanks tied for No. 1 in the Midwest.
Politics, as well as performances, appear to play a key role in determining the American public's favorite actors.
Original Print Headline: Denzel is America's favorite actor, again
Associated Images:
Denzel Washington edged out Clint Eastwood as America's favorite actor. TODD WILLIAMSON/Associated Press
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