Old actor in family pairing? (5)

I believe the answer is:

mason

'old actor' is the definition.
(James Mason, 1909-1984)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for mason that I've seen before include "member of charitable society" , "Secret society member" , "One works with stone or brick" , "Construction industry employee" , "secretive lodger!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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