The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Ad Lib

1 minute read | Last updated: 4 months ago

What does Ad Lib mean?

Ad Lib refers to the unscripted lines or actions added by an actor during a performance. This can occur in film, television, or live theater when an actor improvises lines or dialogue based on the scene’s context. Ad-libbing can inject spontaneity and realism into a scene, and sometimes these improvised moments end up being some of the most memorable parts of a performance.

Example:In a dramatic scene, the actor ad-libs an emotional line that wasn’t in the script, making the performance more powerful and authentic.
Example: During a comedy scene, an actor ad-libs a funny response to another character’s line, resulting in a natural, spontaneous laugh from the audience.

Did you know?
One of the most famous ad-libs in film history is the line “Here’s looking at you, kid” delivered by Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca. It was not part of the original script!

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