ANTONIO BANDERAS

Laugh if you will, but I'm going to go out on a limb and declare Antonio Banderas the most eclectic actor working today. I know for many of you the idea seems ludicrous, especially since the star of The legend of Zorro has developed a reputation as a one-note romantic Spanish caricature. But think about it, there are very few actors who can jump from genre to genre like Antonio. He played one of the most heartbreaking romantic leads I've ever seen in his first English-language movie, Mambo Kings, was touching, strong and sensitive as Tom Hanks' loyal boyfriend in Philadelphia, exuded power and machismo as the mariachi of the Mexican western Desperado and sang his heart out in Evita. The fact that he can really lose himself in a role, any way he wants, allows him to go on forever. His versatility is impressive.