comedian who plays a lover's part; man who is both handsome and fun
A kabuki-derived term for a male performer or person who combines the handsome, romantic qualities of a 二枚目 (lover type) with the comedic, approachable traits of a 三枚目 (clown type). Used in entertainment contexts and occasionally for describing a man's personality.
彼は二枚目半の役がよく似合う俳優だ。
He is an actor who suits roles that are both handsome and comedic.
あの芸人は二枚目半で、女性ファンが多い。
That entertainer is a handsome funny guy and has many female fans.
二枚目半 describes a man who is handsome but also has a comic or endearing side, unlike plain 二枚目, which is purely the serious, romantic-lead type.
From kabuki terminology: 二枚目 (the second panel, indicating the handsome lover role) + 半 (half), literally 'halfway between the second and third panels', i.e., between the lover and the clown.