chew the scenery

In the acting profession, to over-act, ham it up

Instead of chewing the scenery as he has in other films, the actor delivered a subtle performance.

by Barb July 30, 2003

chew the scenery

(of an actor) to deliver a bad or amateurish performance.

"in the final scene he was really chewing the scenery."

by Andrew Buntain May 13, 2003

chew the scenery

What people like Johnny Depp, Gary Oldman and William Shatner do for a living.

Lloyd: "Dude, did you see Gary Oldman in Dracula?"

Brett: "Yea, he didn't half chew the scenery. Almost as much as William Shatner in Star Trek."

Lloyd: "Or Johnny Depp in just about any of his films."

by Jilk O'Brie February 18, 2008

chewing the scenery

In reference to actors (William Shatner comes immediately to mind) chewing the scenery means overacting or over-emoting.

His expression of being shocked by the murder was so great he was chewing the scenery.

by Urban Nate December 3, 2009

chewing the scenery

To display excessive emotion or to act in an exaggerated manner while performing.

Actors like Johnny Depp, William Shatner, and Tim Curry are well know for chewing the scenery.

by 2tmfp9 July 10, 2011

chewing scenery

To overact, particularly in film and television.

William Shatner chews mad amounts of scenery as a part of his daily breakfast routine.

by Damn Hooligan September 18, 2003