Match the Leading Man Trivia Quiz

Answer: Robert Redford

'Out of Africa' starred Meryl Streep, with Robert Redford as her leading man. The movie is based on the autobiography of Karen Blixen, which tells the story of her life in Kenya during the early 1900s. Redford's character, Denys Finch Hatton, is a big-game hunter and Karen's love interest, even though she is married to another man.

Redford has been the leading man in several films including 'The Sting' (1973)', Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' (1969), both with Paul Newman, and 'Brubaker' (1980). Although Robert didn't win an acting Oscar, he did receive the Best Director award for 'Ordinary People', which was released in 1980.

Answer: Warren Beatty

Natalie Wood starred in 'Splendor in the Grass' alongside Warren Beatty. The film was directed by Elia Kazan and tells the story of two young lovers from different social classes who struggle to maintain their relationship with the pressures of society and personal turmoil causing problems. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving two Academy Award nominations and solidifying Wood and Beatty's places as rising stars in Hollywood.

Among Beatty's many other acting credits are 'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967), 'Dick Tracy' (1990) and 'Rules Don't Apply' (2016). Beatty is another actor who has had success as a director, with 'Reds' giving him a Best Director Oscar in 1981.

Answer: Clint Eastwood

This is primarily a male dominated film, dealing with a group of marines and the affect the return of a veteran, Tom Highway (Eastwood), has on them. There is some love interest as Highway attempts to rekindle the love he had with his former wife, played by Marsha Mason. The fighting action mainly involves a fictional version of the American invasion of Grenada, which had taken place only three years before the film was made.

Eastwood has a long list of credits to his name, with an early appearance on television in the series 'Rawhide' in the 1950s. Films in which he has starred include 'A Fistful of Dollars' (1964) and 'The Bridges of Madison County' (1995).

Answer: Steve McQueen

'The Cincinnati Kid' starred Steve McQueen and Ann-Margret. McQueen played the role of Eric 'The Kid' Stoner, a young poker player who challenges the reigning champion, Lancey Howard (Edward G Robinson), to a high-stakes game. The movie is known for its intense poker scenes and McQueen's cool and collected performance. Ann-Margret plays a woman who seduces the 'Kid' while Tuesday Weld portrays his girlfriend.

Steve McQueen appeared with Paul Newman in 'The Towering Inferno' (1974), in 'The Great Escape' (1963) and the original, 1968, version of 'The Thomas Crown Affair'.

Answer: Peter Sellers

Peter Sellers was the leading man in 'Being There', starring with Shirley MacLaine. In the film, Sellers plays a simple-minded gardener named Chance who becomes a trusted advisor to a wealthy businessman and eventually finds himself thrust into the world of politics.

Sellers' performance was widely praised and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He was well known as a comedy actor, particularly with The Goons and for portraying Inspector Clouseau in some of 'The Pink Panther' films. 'Being There' proved to be his final film as he died in 1980 after suffering with a heart condition for several years.

Answer: George C. Scott

This lesser known film from those covered in the quiz, 'They Might Be Giants', starred George C. Scott, with Joanne Woodward as the leading lady. The film is a comedy-drama that follows a retired judge who believes he is Sherlock Holmes and the psychiatrist (Woodward) who is tasked with evaluating him. It was based on a play by James Goldman who adapted it for the big screen.

Scott made a few comedies, including 'Doctor Strangelove' (1964) with Peter Sellers, and 'Not with My Wife, You Don't!' (1966). He is probably best remembered for 'Patton', in which he played the title role in 1970 - his refusal to accept the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal caused a furor. Scott's rationale was that acting should not be a competition, but the award was accepted on his behalf by the film's producer.

Answer: Paul Newman

Paul Newman starred in 'The Hustler', alongside Piper Laurie. Newman played the role of 'Fast' Eddie Felson, a talented pool player who wanted to become the best in the game. The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning nine Academy Award nominations and winning two. Newman's performance was particularly praised, and he went on to reprise his role as Felson in the 1986 sequel 'The Color of Money', for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Paul Newman and Robert Redford appeared in only two films together, but both of them were memorable. In addition, Paul appeared in 'Hud' (1963), the Hitchcock directed 'Torn Curtain' (also 1963) and 'The Road to Perdition' (2002).

Answer: Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage was the star of 'Leaving Las Vegas' alongside Elisabeth Shue. Cage's performance as a alcoholic determined to commit suicide earned him critical acclaim and the Academy Award for Best Actor. Elizabeth Shue was also nominated for her role as the prostitute who tries to save him.

Cage has numerous other film roles to his name including 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' (2001), 'Con Air' (1997) and 'Moonstruck' (1987).

Answer: Omar Sharif

Omar Sharif played the title role in 'Doctor Zhivago' while Julie Christie played Lara, with whom he falls in love despite being married. The film was based on Boris Pasternak's novel of the same name and the film was directed by David Lean.

Sharif's portrayal of Yuri Zhivago, earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He had first made an impact in Hollywood when he appeared alongside Peter O'Toole in 'Lawrence of Arabia', also directed by Lean, in 1962. These two early films set Sharif on his long lasting career which included films such as 'Funny Girl' in 1968 and the title role in 'Che!' the following year.

Answer: Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson starred as the leading man in 'Maverick' with Jodie Foster and James Garner. The film is a Western comedy based on the 1950s television series of the same name. Gibson's character, Bret Maverick, is a charming gambler who sets out to win a high-stakes poker tournament. The movie was a box office success and received positive reviews for its humour and performances.

Gibson also served as a producer on the film, which was directed by Richard Donner. Mel has played many roles over his career, with his appearance in 'Mad Max' (1979) establishing him as an actor to be reckoned with. Other films to his name are 'Gallipoli' (1981), 'Braveheart' (1995) and 'What Women Want' (2000).