The actor James Cagney considered the greatest of all time

For James Cagney, one of the greatest legends of Hollywood's Golden Age, the best actor who ever lived had a first and last name: Spencer Tracy. Known for classics such as "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Public Enemy" and "Dirty-Faced Angels", Cagney coexisted with some of the greatest talents in the history of cinema. Still, when it came to acting, he believed Spencer Tracy was above everyone else. According to Cagney, Tracy had a rare quality: she seemed not to be acting. Instead of showing effort or theatrics, he simply embodied his characters so naturally that the audience forgot they were watching a performance. Spencer Tracy built an extraordinary career throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Among his most famous works are "The Old Man and the Sea", "Chained", "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "The Wind Will Be Yours". His talent was recognized by the Hollywood Academy with two consecutive Oscars for Best Actor, an extremely rare feat even today. Cagney's admiration was not isolated. Several actors from subsequent generations, including Jack Lemmon, Paul Newman and Robert De Niro, also pointed to Tracy as a fundamental reference. Decades after his death, he continues to be remembered as one of the greatest performers in the history of American cinema.