Crossword Genius

Quirky character every second actor has greatly admired (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

card

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'quirky character' is the definition.
'card' can be an answer for 'character' (both can mean a humorous person). I'm not sure about the 'quirky' bit.

'every second actor has greatly admired' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'second' could be 'd' and 'd' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'car' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for card that I've seen before include "showing heart, say" , "Thick paper" , "Stiff paper; comb" , "Maybe scratch this" , "caution" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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