Two of the most famous Shakespearean actors are Sir Laurence Olivier and Edmund Kean. Olivier was an English actor, director, and producer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. He was knighted in 1947 for his services to the theatre. Edmund Kean was an English actor who was known for his powerful performances of Shakespeare's tragic characters. He was considered one of the greatest actors of his time and was highly praised by his contemporaries.