彼は舞台役者として有名だ。
He is famous as a stage actor.
あの役者は演技がとても自然だ。
That actor's performance is very natural.
clever person; man of wits; cunning fellow
Figurative use referring to someone who is shrewd, resourceful, or good at playing a role in social situations. Often implies a degree of cunning or theatricality in real life. Can be used in phrases like 役者が一枚上 (one level above in cleverness).
彼はなかなかの役者で、交渉がうまい。
He's quite a clever operator and negotiates skillfully.
あの政治家は役者だね。
That politician is a real performer (a cunning fellow).
He became an actor after graduating high school.
He turns out to be quite the shrewd operator when it comes to negotiations.
That actor performs on stage every night.
This time, she proved to be one step more cunning than him.
third-rate actor; ham actor
popular stage actor; star performer