<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (November 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> It is implied that Thespis invented acting in the Western world, and that prior to his performances, no one had ever assumed the resemblance of another person for the purpose of storytelling . In fact, Thespis is the first known actor in written plays . He may thus have had a substantial role in changing the way stories were told and inventing theatre as we know it today . In reverence to Thespis, actors in the English - speaking part of the world have been referred to as thespians . </P> <P> Thespis was the title character in an 1871 comic opera by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, the first collaboration between the two men, although the musical score has mostly been lost . The story involves Thespis and his troupe of actors temporarily replacing the Gods of Olympus, while the latter come down to earth to "mingle" with humanity . </P> <P> Thespis is a 2014 UK film, produced by ACT 2 CAM . </P>

Who is the first actor what do we call actors to honor him