The most reknown ever character actors i guess, somehow they are not movie-star actors but they are the ones that always appear on countless avatars and profile signatures on various movie boards, mostly as Tuco from GBU or Quint from Jaws, the guys who do not have as many hits as the stars but for the couple of roles they did do that alone makes it enough.

Man it's tough not to vote for Wallach. That cat has worked for so long and been memorable in so many great films. I love Shaw but Eli gets my vote here.

Eli Wallach has been in more movies that I've liked but Robert Shaw has in the two roles I've seen him in has made more of an impression. Not sure how to vote.

I'm going w/ Wallach just cuz of the sheer volume of work. A lot of fucking great too.

Well as they say he was a ladies man too.

With his attitude. How could a woman not want his dick in her?

Eli Wallach made a huge impression on me playing Tuco in The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. But everything else he did, not much of an impression. Even though he's always good, in my mind, I just see him as Tuco.

But Robert Shaw made a huge impression on me in everything I've seen him in, so I don't just think of him as Grant or Quint.

I vote Robert Shaw.

I worked on a movie where Eli Wallach walked to a podium and gave a short speech. When the director called "cut" all 400 extras gave Mr. Wallach a standing ovation. It's one of my best memories working as an extra.

Voted Shaw. Quint is one of my favorite characters of all time and the USS Indianapolis speech one of my favorite movie moments.

Agreed on both counts.

No friggin' contest: Eli Wallach's Tuco blows most character actors off the map. Shaw never did anything even close.

And let's not forget Calvera in THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. Other great Wallach movies: THE MISFITS, HOW THE WEST WAS WON, LORD JIM, THE TIGER MAKES OUT, HOW TO SAVE A MARRIAGE AND RUIN YOUR LIFE, MACKENNA'S GOLD, plus three other Italian westerns.

Shaw. Quint (or his character in From Russia with Love) would wipe the floor with Tuco. Actually tough call but I just like Shaw more.

Tuco was more entertaing than Quint or Grant.

I just saw a bad performance by Eli Wallach in BATMAN t.v. show as Mr. Freeze.

There were bad performances in the Batman TV show? Who knew.

When it comes to the main bad guys they were very good performances.
So when a poor acting performance comes up it should be noted.

Very tough call here, but I'm going with Shaw.

a: he died too young
b: I remember his performance as Henry VII in "A Man for all Seasons" (in addition to all the other roles mentioned). Small role, but played crazy/schizo pretty darn good.
c: Doyle Lonegan/Bernard Grier

Even then, I it is almost a toss up between these fine actors.

VERY tough call, but I had to go with Shaw.... his Red Grant from From Russia With Love is one of the best villains in film history - no scene-chewing flash and pomp, just really devious, sinister, and cunning evil.

Wallash in GTBTU is epic too. tough call. ultimately though...Shaw was the finer actor.

One thing that has not been noted.
Eli plays a hispanic very good.
Better than Brando, Pacino and Heston.

Enjoyed Robert Shaw movies more.
Some of my favorites....
Battle of the Bulge
Jaws
The Sting
Force 10 from Navarone
The Deep