re: where would you rank Kurt russell as an actor

I would rank Kurt Russell as one of the top "popular" actors in history. Hardly anyone dislikes him. He can play practically any role, and come across credible. He's been everything on screen, from intimidating hero to utter buffoon, and people love him.

He's not a critic's actor. He's an actor for the people. That's why I say he's a "popular" actor. Not in terms of popular approval, though he does have that, too. He makes movies for audiences. He gets that, and he uses that, as effectively as any actor has.