This invention describes a method for producing a novel, superior, highly electroactive material and highly electroactive actuator, which act as artificial muscle, tendon, fascia, perimysium, epimysium, and skin that wrinkles and with the preferred movement of contraction, comprising ion-containing, cross-linked electroactive material(s); solvent(s); electrode(s); attachments to levers or other objects; and coating(s). The composition and electrode configuration of the highly electroactive material of the highly electroactive actuator can be optimized so that contraction occurs when activated by electricity, and when allowed to relax back to its original conformation or when the polarity of the electrodes is reversed, expansion occurs, and a combination of these movements can be arranged, such as antagonistic pairs. The highly electroactive material itself or the highly electroactive actuator may be used individually or grouped to produce movement when activated by electricity. This invention can provide for human-like motion, durability, toughness, and strength.