A synthespian is any form of computer-generated actor. The word is a combination of "synthetic," meaning not of natural origin, and "thespian," meaning dramatic actor. The term "synthespian" was coined by Jeff Kleiser and Diana Walczak of the Kleiser-Walczak Construction Co. in 1988, while producing the experimental film "Sextone for President."

Kleiser and Walczak currently design and produce computer animation through their company, Synthespian Studios (http://synthespians.net/ ), with studios in Hollywood and Williamstown, MA.