Crossword Genius

Player on stage removing agent’s head (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

actor

'player on stage' is the definition.
(someone performing on a stage)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for actor that I've seen before include "Croat (anag.)" , "Cruise maybe" , "Cruise, e.g." , "Films/stage worker" , "Person performing on stage or screen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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