* No Central Database: There isn't a single, comprehensive database tracking every film role, especially for historical films.
* Defining "Leading Role": What constitutes a "leading role" is subjective. Some roles may be considered "lead" by some and "supporting" by others.
* Career Length: Actors with long careers, even if they didn't always play leads, could have a higher number of roles overall.
However, we can look at some strong contenders:
* John Wayne: Widely considered the biggest Western star, John Wayne was a prolific actor with hundreds of films to his name.
* Cary Grant: Known for his charisma and range, Grant starred in numerous classic Hollywood films.
* Clint Eastwood: Another iconic Western star, Eastwood has starred in numerous films, both as an actor and director.
* Henry Fonda: With a career spanning decades, Fonda played a wide range of roles, often leading.
* Humphrey Bogart: A legend of film noir, Bogart played many leading roles in iconic films.
Ultimately, the "most leading roles" title is subjective and depends on how you define "leading role" and which films and actors you consider.