Problem: To provide an actuator capable of preventing damage to spherical bodies and their receiving surfaces when subjected to a shock force.
Solution Means: The present invention is an actuator (10) for stabilizing images by moving an imaging lens, comprising a fixed portion (12), a movable portion (14) to which an imaging lens is attached, a plurality of spherical bodies (18) for supporting the movable portion, a fixed portion spherical body receiving surface (28b) disposed on the fixed portion and contacting the spherical bodies, a movable portion spherical body receiving surface (30b) disposed on the movable portion and contacting the spherical bodies, a biasing means (26) for sandwiching the spherical bodies between the fixed portion spherical body receiving surface and the movable portion spherical body receiving surface, and spherical body receiving surface protection means (29, 30) which, when image stabilization control is not in effect, reduce the contact pressure acting on the spherical bodies so as to sandwich the spherical bodies when the movable portion is moved to a predetermined protected position.