costar

The word "costar" (often written as "co-star") refers to an actor who shares a starring role with another performer in a production like a movie, play, or television series. Sometimes one performer is marketed as the star, but a costar is still one of the main faces of the story, with plenty of attention and screen time. They aren't just background support; they matter to the plot and often have their own storylines that connect with the lead's.

Think of classic pairings like Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca, or Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle—both actors were costars, driving the narrative forward together. The term points to shared high-level importance, even if one name appears first on the poster.

Costar can also be a verb: actors "costar" when they appear together in starring roles (for example, "She costars with him in the new series"). Outside entertainment, it sometimes shows up as a playful metaphor for sharing the spotlight on a project or event, but that use is more informal.

The word originates from the theatrical tradition of listing actors in order of importance—those at the top of the list were considered "stars," and those sharing that prominence were "costars." So next time you're enjoying a film or show, pay attention to who is truly sharing the spotlight—they are likely costars!