Leading Lady

[blendaboy]

Professors, this is the name for an actress performing the main role in a movie or show. My question is: Is there an especific term for an actress who has an extensive acting career but NOT ALWAYS performing the main role. I mean a high profile (status) actress?
Thank you very much.

[Tdol]

We talk about supporting actors/actresses, but that doesn't cover a career of such roles.

[blendaboy]

Professor Tdol, I wanted to question this because I need to clasify the best actresses for a talent contest, so, for the greatest performers may I use the term: "master-class actress"? Thank you very much.