Definition

1. Noun:

   • An actor or performer who shares equal or similar starring status with another actor or performer in a play, film, or other production.

2. Verb:

   • To perform as a co-star; to share starring status with another actor in a production.
   • To feature someone as a co-star; to cast or present an actor as sharing starring status.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She was thrilled to be the co-star in the new action movie.
  • The film's success was due to the chemistry between its two co-stars.
• Verb:
  • He will co-star with a famous actress in the upcoming drama series.
  • The director decided to co-star the veteran actor with a newcomer.

Advanced Usage

• The term implies a level of prominence and billing that is very close to, if not equal to, that of the other star(s). It is often used in promotional materials and credits.
• It can be used transitively (with an object) or intransitively (without an object).
  • Intransitive: "The two actors co-starred in three films together."
  • Transitive: "The show co-stars a talented ensemble cast."

Variants and Related Words

• Co-starring (present participle/gerund/adjective): Used to describe the action or to list actors in credits (e.g., "A film co-starring X and Y").
• Star (noun/verb): The primary performer. A co-star shares this status.
• Supporting actor/actress: A performer in a secondary, non-starring role.

Synonyms

• Noun: Fellow star, lead actor/actress (when referring to the shared role).
• Verb: Share top billing with, appear alongside (as a lead).

Related Phrases

• To have top billing with someone: To be listed as an equal star in promotional materials.
• To share the spotlight: To receive equal public attention and recognition in a performance.

Noun

1. one of two actors who are given equal status as stars in a play or film

Verb

1. be the co-star in a performance
2. feature as the co-star in a performance