Crossword Genius

Actors keeping record but disregarding a large source of influence (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

catalyst

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'influence' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for catalyst that I've seen before include "Agent promoting change" , "Stimulus" , "Cause of change, itself unchanged" , "Long journey (by sea)" , "Something precipitating an event" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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