1610s, "to go too far in action," from over- + act (v.). Meaning "play a part with too much emphasis, act (a part) with an extravagant and unnatural manner, chew the scenery" is from 1630s. Related: Overacted; overacting.
over
over-
overabundance
overabundant
overachiever
overact
overage
over-age
overall
overalls
overanxious