This article proposes a new understanding of the etymology of histrio. It is likely that it originally came from Greek histor, as has been demonstrated by Szemerényi 1975. However, the conclusions presented by this scholar must be slightly revised, in particular the distinction he establishes between histrio and ludius. While the second word has been rightly linked to the oral component of dramatic performances, the first word ought to be understood as referring, originally, to performers of visual elements (moves, gestures, dance) and not to actors/reciters pronouncing words (spoken or sung). The arguments presented here also provide a basis for a new interpretation of Livy’s passage (VII, 2) on the origins of Roman drama and for a better explanation of the use of the word, in Imperial times, to refer to pantomime actors.