diff --git a/esphome/components/api/homeassistant_service.h b/esphome/components/api/homeassistant_service.h
index d68dac3b61..0877efbf26 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/homeassistant_service.h
+++ b/esphome/components/api/homeassistant_service.h
@@ -29,7 +29,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class HomeAssistantServiceCallAction : public Action<Ts
   template<typename T> void add_variable(std::string key, T value) {
     this->variables_.push_back(TemplatableKeyValuePair<Ts...>(key, value));
   }
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     HomeassistantServiceResponse resp;
     resp.service = this->service_.value(x...);
     resp.is_event = this->is_event_;
@@ -54,7 +56,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class HomeAssistantServiceCallAction : public Action<Ts
     this->parent_->send_homeassistant_service_call(resp);
   }
 
- protected:
   APIServer *parent_;
   bool is_event_;
   std::vector<TemplatableKeyValuePair<Ts...>> data_;
diff --git a/esphome/components/binary_sensor/automation.h b/esphome/components/binary_sensor/automation.h
index e9ff37446d..b76fbdae0c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/binary_sensor/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/binary_sensor/automation.h
@@ -137,12 +137,13 @@ template<typename... Ts> class BinarySensorPublishAction : public Action<Ts...>
  public:
   explicit BinarySensorPublishAction(BinarySensor *sensor) : sensor_(sensor) {}
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, state)
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto val = this->state_.value(x...);
     this->sensor_->publish_state(val);
   }
 
- protected:
   BinarySensor *sensor_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/climate/automation.h b/esphome/components/climate/automation.h
index 0cd52b1036..2fd9d81e6b 100644
--- a/esphome/components/climate/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/climate/automation.h
@@ -18,7 +18,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ControlAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(ClimateFanMode, fan_mode)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(ClimateSwingMode, swing_mode)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto call = this->climate_->make_call();
     call.set_mode(this->mode_.optional_value(x...));
     call.set_target_temperature(this->target_temperature_.optional_value(x...));
@@ -30,7 +31,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ControlAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     call.perform();
   }
 
- protected:
   Climate *climate_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/cover/automation.h b/esphome/components/cover/automation.h
index a8eb0cdf99..bad641c150 100644
--- a/esphome/components/cover/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/cover/automation.h
@@ -11,9 +11,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class OpenAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit OpenAction(Cover *cover) : cover_(cover) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->cover_->open(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->cover_->open(); }
+
   Cover *cover_;
 };
 
@@ -21,9 +21,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class CloseAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit CloseAction(Cover *cover) : cover_(cover) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->cover_->close(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->cover_->close(); }
+
   Cover *cover_;
 };
 
@@ -31,9 +31,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class StopAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit StopAction(Cover *cover) : cover_(cover) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->cover_->stop(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->cover_->stop(); }
+
   Cover *cover_;
 };
 
@@ -41,7 +41,12 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ControlAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit ControlAction(Cover *cover) : cover_(cover) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, stop)
+  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, position)
+  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, tilt)
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto call = this->cover_->make_call();
     if (this->stop_.has_value())
       call.set_stop(this->stop_.value(x...));
@@ -52,18 +57,18 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ControlAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     call.perform();
   }
 
-  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, stop)
-  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, position)
-  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, tilt)
-
- protected:
   Cover *cover_;
 };
 
 template<typename... Ts> class CoverPublishAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   CoverPublishAction(Cover *cover) : cover_(cover) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, position)
+  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, tilt)
+  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(CoverOperation, current_operation)
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     if (this->position_.has_value())
       this->cover_->position = this->position_.value(x...);
     if (this->tilt_.has_value())
@@ -73,11 +78,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class CoverPublishAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     this->cover_->publish_state();
   }
 
-  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, position)
-  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, tilt)
-  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(CoverOperation, current_operation)
-
- protected:
   Cover *cover_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/deep_sleep/deep_sleep_component.h b/esphome/components/deep_sleep/deep_sleep_component.h
index 4372a3f66c..6287a2259a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/deep_sleep/deep_sleep_component.h
+++ b/esphome/components/deep_sleep/deep_sleep_component.h
@@ -85,9 +85,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class EnterDeepSleepAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   EnterDeepSleepAction(DeepSleepComponent *deep_sleep) : deep_sleep_(deep_sleep) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->deep_sleep_->begin_sleep(true); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->deep_sleep_->begin_sleep(true); }
+
   DeepSleepComponent *deep_sleep_;
 };
 
@@ -95,9 +95,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class PreventDeepSleepAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   PreventDeepSleepAction(DeepSleepComponent *deep_sleep) : deep_sleep_(deep_sleep) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->deep_sleep_->prevent_deep_sleep(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->deep_sleep_->prevent_deep_sleep(); }
+
   DeepSleepComponent *deep_sleep_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/dfplayer/dfplayer.h b/esphome/components/dfplayer/dfplayer.h
index 22ca11c3be..89f0fb691c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/dfplayer/dfplayer.h
+++ b/esphome/components/dfplayer/dfplayer.h
@@ -104,8 +104,8 @@ class DFPlayer : public uart::UARTDevice, public Component {
 
 #define DFPLAYER_SIMPLE_ACTION(ACTION_CLASS, ACTION_METHOD) \
   template<typename... Ts> class ACTION_CLASS : public Action<Ts...>, public Parented<DFPlayer> { \
-   public: \
-    void play(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->ACTION_METHOD(); } \
+   protected: \
+    void play_(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->ACTION_METHOD(); } \
   };
 
 DFPLAYER_SIMPLE_ACTION(NextAction, next)
@@ -115,7 +115,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class PlayFileAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Par
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, file)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(boolean, loop)
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto file = this->file_.value(x...);
     auto loop = this->loop_.value(x...);
     if (loop) {
@@ -131,7 +133,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class PlayFolderAction : public Action<Ts...>, public P
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, folder)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, file)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(boolean, loop)
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto folder = this->folder_.value(x...);
     auto file = this->file_.value(x...);
     auto loop = this->loop_.value(x...);
@@ -146,7 +150,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class PlayFolderAction : public Action<Ts...>, public P
 template<typename... Ts> class SetDeviceAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Parented<DFPlayer> {
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(Device, device)
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto device = this->device_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->set_device(device);
   }
@@ -155,7 +161,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetDeviceAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Pa
 template<typename... Ts> class SetVolumeAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Parented<DFPlayer> {
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, volume)
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto volume = this->volume_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->set_volume(volume);
   }
@@ -164,7 +172,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetVolumeAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Pa
 template<typename... Ts> class SetEqAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Parented<DFPlayer> {
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(EqPreset, eq)
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto eq = this->eq_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->set_eq(eq);
   }
diff --git a/esphome/components/display/display_buffer.h b/esphome/components/display/display_buffer.h
index b12fad8c8a..2a6ead3306 100644
--- a/esphome/components/display/display_buffer.h
+++ b/esphome/components/display/display_buffer.h
@@ -391,7 +391,9 @@ class Image {
 template<typename... Ts> class DisplayPageShowAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(DisplayPage *, page)
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto *page = this->page_.value(x...);
     if (page != nullptr) {
       page->show();
@@ -402,18 +404,20 @@ template<typename... Ts> class DisplayPageShowAction : public Action<Ts...> {
 template<typename... Ts> class DisplayPageShowNextAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   DisplayPageShowNextAction(DisplayBuffer *buffer) : buffer_(buffer) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->buffer_->show_next_page(); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->buffer_->show_next_page(); }
+
   DisplayBuffer *buffer_;
 };
 
 template<typename... Ts> class DisplayPageShowPrevAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   DisplayPageShowPrevAction(DisplayBuffer *buffer) : buffer_(buffer) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->buffer_->show_prev_page(); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->buffer_->show_prev_page(); }
+
   DisplayBuffer *buffer_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/esp8266_pwm/esp8266_pwm.h b/esphome/components/esp8266_pwm/esp8266_pwm.h
index b6839985b0..5871b0dcbc 100644
--- a/esphome/components/esp8266_pwm/esp8266_pwm.h
+++ b/esphome/components/esp8266_pwm/esp8266_pwm.h
@@ -38,12 +38,12 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetFrequencyAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   SetFrequencyAction(ESP8266PWM *parent) : parent_(parent) {}
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, frequency);
 
-  void play(Ts... x) {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) {
     float freq = this->frequency_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->update_frequency(freq);
   }
 
- protected:
   ESP8266PWM *parent_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/fan/automation.h b/esphome/components/fan/automation.h
index dfa72a3ea6..f2435a220f 100644
--- a/esphome/components/fan/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/fan/automation.h
@@ -14,7 +14,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class TurnOnAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, oscillating)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(FanSpeed, speed)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto call = this->state_->turn_on();
     if (this->oscillating_.has_value()) {
       call.set_oscillating(this->oscillating_.value(x...));
@@ -25,7 +26,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class TurnOnAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     call.perform();
   }
 
- protected:
   FanState *state_;
 };
 
@@ -33,9 +33,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class TurnOffAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit TurnOffAction(FanState *state) : state_(state) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->state_->turn_off().perform(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->state_->turn_off().perform(); }
+
   FanState *state_;
 };
 
@@ -43,9 +43,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ToggleAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit ToggleAction(FanState *state) : state_(state) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->state_->toggle().perform(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->state_->toggle().perform(); }
+
   FanState *state_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/globals/globals_component.h b/esphome/components/globals/globals_component.h
index 397c55f6c4..bf839b4256 100644
--- a/esphome/components/globals/globals_component.h
+++ b/esphome/components/globals/globals_component.h
@@ -59,9 +59,9 @@ template<class C, typename... Ts> class GlobalVarSetAction : public Action<Ts...
 
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(T, value);
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->value() = this->value_.value(x...); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->value() = this->value_.value(x...); }
+
   C *parent_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/http_request/http_request.h b/esphome/components/http_request/http_request.h
index e6c0510b32..4f164f3409 100644
--- a/esphome/components/http_request/http_request.h
+++ b/esphome/components/http_request/http_request.h
@@ -71,7 +71,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class HttpRequestSendAction : public Action<Ts...> {
 
   void set_json(std::function<void(Ts..., JsonObject &)> json_func) { this->json_func_ = json_func; }
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     this->parent_->set_url(this->url_.value(x...));
     this->parent_->set_method(this->method_.value(x...));
     if (this->body_.has_value()) {
@@ -106,7 +107,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class HttpRequestSendAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     this->parent_->close();
   }
 
- protected:
   void encode_json_(Ts... x, JsonObject &root) {
     for (const auto &item : this->json_) {
       auto val = item.second;
diff --git a/esphome/components/integration/integration_sensor.h b/esphome/components/integration/integration_sensor.h
index 2fcec069b2..85a89f6e43 100644
--- a/esphome/components/integration/integration_sensor.h
+++ b/esphome/components/integration/integration_sensor.h
@@ -76,9 +76,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ResetAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit ResetAction(IntegrationSensor *parent) : parent_(parent) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->reset(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->reset(); }
+
   IntegrationSensor *parent_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/ledc/ledc_output.h b/esphome/components/ledc/ledc_output.h
index 3f56f502b0..7ff0987e0e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ledc/ledc_output.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ledc/ledc_output.h
@@ -43,12 +43,12 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetFrequencyAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   SetFrequencyAction(LEDCOutput *parent) : parent_(parent) {}
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, frequency);
 
-  void play(Ts... x) {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) {
     float freq = this->frequency_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->apply_frequency(freq);
   }
 
- protected:
   LEDCOutput *parent_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/light/automation.h b/esphome/components/light/automation.h
index dfab780658..1c641562d4 100644
--- a/esphome/components/light/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/light/automation.h
@@ -13,13 +13,13 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ToggleAction : public Action<Ts...> {
 
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, transition_length)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto call = this->state_->toggle();
     call.set_transition_length(this->transition_length_.optional_value(x...));
     call.perform();
   }
 
- protected:
   LightState *state_;
 };
 
@@ -38,7 +38,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class LightControlAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, color_temperature)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(std::string, effect)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto call = this->parent_->make_call();
     call.set_state(this->state_.optional_value(x...));
     call.set_brightness(this->brightness_.optional_value(x...));
@@ -53,7 +54,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class LightControlAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     call.perform();
   }
 
- protected:
   LightState *parent_;
 };
 
@@ -64,7 +64,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class DimRelativeAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, relative_brightness)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, transition_length)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto call = this->parent_->make_call();
     float rel = this->relative_brightness_.value(x...);
     float cur;
@@ -77,7 +78,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class DimRelativeAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     call.perform();
   }
 
- protected:
   LightState *parent_;
 };
 
@@ -143,7 +143,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class AddressableSet : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, blue)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, white)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto *out = (AddressableLight *) this->parent_->get_output();
     int32_t range_from = this->range_from_.value_or(x..., 0);
     int32_t range_to = this->range_to_.value_or(x..., out->size() - 1) + 1;
@@ -159,7 +160,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class AddressableSet : public Action<Ts...> {
     out->schedule_show();
   }
 
- protected:
   LightState *parent_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/mhz19/mhz19.h b/esphome/components/mhz19/mhz19.h
index 2201fc87f0..bdb2c50d19 100644
--- a/esphome/components/mhz19/mhz19.h
+++ b/esphome/components/mhz19/mhz19.h
@@ -37,27 +37,30 @@ class MHZ19Component : public PollingComponent, public uart::UARTDevice {
 template<typename... Ts> class MHZ19CalibrateZeroAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   MHZ19CalibrateZeroAction(MHZ19Component *mhz19) : mhz19_(mhz19) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->mhz19_->calibrate_zero(); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->mhz19_->calibrate_zero(); }
+
   MHZ19Component *mhz19_;
 };
 
 template<typename... Ts> class MHZ19ABCEnableAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   MHZ19ABCEnableAction(MHZ19Component *mhz19) : mhz19_(mhz19) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->mhz19_->abc_enable(); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->mhz19_->abc_enable(); }
+
   MHZ19Component *mhz19_;
 };
 
 template<typename... Ts> class MHZ19ABCDisableAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   MHZ19ABCDisableAction(MHZ19Component *mhz19) : mhz19_(mhz19) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->mhz19_->abc_disable(); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->mhz19_->abc_disable(); }
+
   MHZ19Component *mhz19_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_client.h b/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_client.h
index 6f14b0c92c..fbd2435bfc 100644
--- a/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_client.h
+++ b/esphome/components/mqtt/mqtt_client.h
@@ -299,12 +299,12 @@ template<typename... Ts> class MQTTPublishAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, qos)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, retain)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     this->parent_->publish(this->topic_.value(x...), this->payload_.value(x...), this->qos_.value(x...),
                            this->retain_.value(x...));
   }
 
- protected:
   MQTTClientComponent *parent_;
 };
 
@@ -316,15 +316,15 @@ template<typename... Ts> class MQTTPublishJsonAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, retain)
 
   void set_payload(std::function<void(Ts..., JsonObject &)> payload) { this->payload_ = payload; }
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto f = std::bind(&MQTTPublishJsonAction<Ts...>::encode_, this, x..., std::placeholders::_1);
     auto topic = this->topic_.value(x...);
     auto qos = this->qos_.value(x...);
     auto retain = this->retain_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->publish_json(topic, f, qos, retain);
   }
-
- protected:
   void encode_(Ts... x, JsonObject &root) { this->payload_(x..., root); }
   std::function<void(Ts..., JsonObject &)> payload_;
   MQTTClientComponent *parent_;
diff --git a/esphome/components/output/automation.h b/esphome/components/output/automation.h
index 8c8a5ab61b..c65b0d3f6e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/output/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/output/automation.h
@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class TurnOffAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   TurnOffAction(BinaryOutput *output) : output_(output) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->output_->turn_off(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->output_->turn_off(); }
+
   BinaryOutput *output_;
 };
 
@@ -22,9 +22,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class TurnOnAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   TurnOnAction(BinaryOutput *output) : output_(output) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->output_->turn_on(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->output_->turn_on(); }
+
   BinaryOutput *output_;
 };
 
@@ -33,9 +33,10 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetLevelAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   SetLevelAction(FloatOutput *output) : output_(output) {}
 
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, level)
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->output_->set_level(this->level_.value(x...)); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->output_->set_level(this->level_.value(x...)); }
+
   FloatOutput *output_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/pid/pid_climate.h b/esphome/components/pid/pid_climate.h
index 8f379c47b4..0c92cee798 100644
--- a/esphome/components/pid/pid_climate.h
+++ b/esphome/components/pid/pid_climate.h
@@ -71,7 +71,12 @@ template<typename... Ts> class PIDAutotuneAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   PIDAutotuneAction(PIDClimate *parent) : parent_(parent) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) {
+  void set_noiseband(float noiseband) { noiseband_ = noiseband; }
+  void set_positive_output(float positive_output) { positive_output_ = positive_output; }
+  void set_negative_output(float negative_output) { negative_output_ = negative_output; }
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) {
     auto tuner = make_unique<PIDAutotuner>();
     tuner->set_noiseband(this->noiseband_);
     tuner->set_output_negative(this->negative_output_);
@@ -79,11 +84,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class PIDAutotuneAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     this->parent_->start_autotune(std::move(tuner));
   }
 
-  void set_noiseband(float noiseband) { noiseband_ = noiseband; }
-  void set_positive_output(float positive_output) { positive_output_ = positive_output; }
-  void set_negative_output(float negative_output) { negative_output_ = negative_output; }
-
- protected:
   float noiseband_;
   float positive_output_;
   float negative_output_;
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/jvc_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/jvc_protocol.h
index 8a216f5348..af666bf131 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/jvc_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/jvc_protocol.h
@@ -23,7 +23,9 @@ DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(JVC)
 template<typename... Ts> class JVCAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionBase<Ts...> {
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, data)
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     JVCData data{};
     data.data = this->data_.value(x...);
     JVCProtocol().encode(dst, data);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/lg_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/lg_protocol.h
index b810115f58..a2e9489d09 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/lg_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/lg_protocol.h
@@ -26,7 +26,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class LGAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionBase<Ts.
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, data)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, nbits)
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     LGData data{};
     data.data = this->data_.value(x...);
     data.nbits = this->nbits_.value(x...);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/nec_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/nec_protocol.h
index c794991eab..8c1db632b6 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/nec_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/nec_protocol.h
@@ -25,7 +25,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class NECAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionBase<Ts
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, address)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, command)
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     NECData data{};
     data.address = this->address_.value(x...);
     data.command = this->command_.value(x...);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/panasonic_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/panasonic_protocol.h
index b13bd3e92d..1a09b2ffd6 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/panasonic_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/panasonic_protocol.h
@@ -26,7 +26,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class PanasonicAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionB
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, address)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, command)
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     PanasonicData data{};
     data.address = this->address_.value(x...);
     data.command = this->command_.value(x...);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/pioneer_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/pioneer_protocol.h
index f93e51a033..8761762232 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/pioneer_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/pioneer_protocol.h
@@ -25,7 +25,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class PioneerAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionBas
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, rc_code_1)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, rc_code_2)
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     PioneerData data{};
     data.rc_code_1 = this->rc_code_1_.value(x...);
     data.rc_code_2 = this->rc_code_2_.value(x...);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/raw_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/raw_protocol.h
index 1d9f1c5acc..39da5fa8fb 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/raw_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/raw_protocol.h
@@ -46,7 +46,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RawAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionBase<Ts
   }
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, carrier_frequency);
 
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     if (this->code_static_ != nullptr) {
       for (size_t i = 0; i < this->code_static_len_; i++) {
         auto val = this->code_static_[i];
@@ -61,7 +62,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RawAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionBase<Ts
     dst->set_carrier_frequency(this->carrier_frequency_.value(x...));
   }
 
- protected:
   std::function<std::vector<int32_t>(Ts...)> code_func_{};
   const int32_t *code_static_{nullptr};
   int32_t code_static_len_{0};
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc5_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc5_protocol.h
index 2e1da74d9f..f90284c23c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc5_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc5_protocol.h
@@ -26,7 +26,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RC5Action : public RemoteTransmitterActionBase<Ts
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, address)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, command)
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     RC5Data data{};
     data.address = this->address_.value(x...);
     data.command = this->command_.value(x...);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.h
index 8362899cec..480f49ea92 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.h
@@ -71,7 +71,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RCSwitchRawAction : public RemoteTransmitterActio
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(RCSwitchBase, protocol);
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(std::string, code);
 
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     auto code = this->code_.value(x...);
     uint64_t the_code = decode_binary_string(code);
     uint8_t nbits = code.size();
@@ -88,7 +89,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RCSwitchTypeAAction : public RemoteTransmitterAct
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(std::string, device);
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, state);
 
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     auto group = this->group_.value(x...);
     auto device = this->device_.value(x...);
     auto state = this->state_.value(x...);
@@ -111,7 +113,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RCSwitchTypeBAction : public RemoteTransmitterAct
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, channel);
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, state);
 
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     auto address = this->address_.value(x...);
     auto channel = this->channel_.value(x...);
     auto state = this->state_.value(x...);
@@ -133,7 +136,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RCSwitchTypeCAction : public RemoteTransmitterAct
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, device);
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, state);
 
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     auto family = this->family_.value(x...);
     auto group = this->group_.value(x...);
     auto device = this->device_.value(x...);
@@ -156,7 +160,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RCSwitchTypeDAction : public RemoteTransmitterAct
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, device);
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, state);
 
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     auto group = this->group_.value(x...);
     auto device = this->device_.value(x...);
     auto state = this->state_.value(x...);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.h
index 250b59e55e..c9cae96c7a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.h
@@ -323,20 +323,20 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RemoteTransmitterActionBase : public Action<Ts...
  public:
   void set_parent(RemoteTransmitterBase *parent) { this->parent_ = parent; }
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, send_times);
+  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, send_wait);
+
+ protected:
+  virtual void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) = 0;
+
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto call = this->parent_->transmit();
-    this->encode(call.get_data(), x...);
+    this->encode_(call.get_data(), x...);
     call.set_send_times(this->send_times_.value_or(x..., 1));
     call.set_send_wait(this->send_wait_.value_or(x..., 0));
     call.perform();
   }
 
-  virtual void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) = 0;
-
-  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, send_times);
-  TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, send_wait);
-
- protected:
   RemoteTransmitterBase *parent_{};
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung_protocol.h
index 50ff02c1aa..0e1666b3b4 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung_protocol.h
@@ -24,7 +24,9 @@ DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Samsung)
 template<typename... Ts> class SamsungAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionBase<Ts...> {
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, data)
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     SamsungData data{};
     data.data = this->data_.value(x...);
     SamsungProtocol().encode(dst, data);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/sony_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/sony_protocol.h
index 9f0bcdf82f..a122d3758c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/sony_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/sony_protocol.h
@@ -26,7 +26,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SonyAction : public RemoteTransmitterActionBase<T
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, data)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, nbits)
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
+
+ protected:
+  void encode_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) override {
     SonyData data{};
     data.data = this->data_.value(x...);
     data.nbits = this->nbits_.value(x...);
diff --git a/esphome/components/rf_bridge/rf_bridge.h b/esphome/components/rf_bridge/rf_bridge.h
index 86713b8a5c..c747be9972 100644
--- a/esphome/components/rf_bridge/rf_bridge.h
+++ b/esphome/components/rf_bridge/rf_bridge.h
@@ -68,7 +68,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RFBridgeSendCodeAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint16_t, high)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, code)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) {
     RFBridgeData data{};
     data.sync = this->sync_.value(x...);
     data.low = this->low_.value(x...);
@@ -77,7 +78,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RFBridgeSendCodeAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     this->parent_->send_code(data);
   }
 
- protected:
   RFBridgeComponent *parent_;
 };
 
@@ -85,9 +85,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RFBridgeLearnAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   RFBridgeLearnAction(RFBridgeComponent *parent) : parent_(parent) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) { this->parent_->learn(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) { this->parent_->learn(); }
+
   RFBridgeComponent *parent_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/rotary_encoder/rotary_encoder.h b/esphome/components/rotary_encoder/rotary_encoder.h
index 4220645478..0bbcf21ddb 100644
--- a/esphome/components/rotary_encoder/rotary_encoder.h
+++ b/esphome/components/rotary_encoder/rotary_encoder.h
@@ -74,9 +74,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RotaryEncoderSetValueAction : public Action<Ts...
  public:
   RotaryEncoderSetValueAction(RotaryEncoderSensor *encoder) : encoder_(encoder) {}
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(int, value)
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->encoder_->set_value(this->value_.value(x...)); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->encoder_->set_value(this->value_.value(x...)); }
   RotaryEncoderSensor *encoder_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/script/script.h b/esphome/components/script/script.h
index a6b208167f..92eba15e41 100644
--- a/esphome/components/script/script.h
+++ b/esphome/components/script/script.h
@@ -23,9 +23,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ScriptExecuteAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   ScriptExecuteAction(Script *script) : script_(script) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->script_->trigger(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->script_->trigger(); }
+
   Script *script_;
 };
 
@@ -33,9 +33,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ScriptStopAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   ScriptStopAction(Script *script) : script_(script) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->script_->stop(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->script_->stop(); }
+
   Script *script_;
 };
 
@@ -53,14 +53,11 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ScriptWaitAction : public Action<Ts...>, public C
  public:
   ScriptWaitAction(Script *script) : script_(script) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
-  }
-
   void play_complex(Ts... x) override {
     this->num_running_++;
     // Check if we can continue immediately.
     if (!this->script_->is_running()) {
-      this->play_next(x...);
+      this->play_next_(x...);
       return;
     }
     this->var_ = std::make_tuple(x...);
@@ -74,12 +71,15 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ScriptWaitAction : public Action<Ts...>, public C
     if (this->script_->is_running())
       return;
 
-    this->play_next_tuple(this->var_);
+    this->play_next_tuple_(this->var_);
   }
 
   float get_setup_priority() const override { return setup_priority::DATA; }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
+  }
+
   Script *script_;
   std::tuple<Ts...> var_{};
 };
diff --git a/esphome/components/sensor/automation.h b/esphome/components/sensor/automation.h
index 079077dba0..e6ddc3b95c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/sensor/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/sensor/automation.h
@@ -25,9 +25,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SensorPublishAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   SensorPublishAction(Sensor *sensor) : sensor_(sensor) {}
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, state)
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->sensor_->publish_state(this->state_.value(x...)); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->sensor_->publish_state(this->state_.value(x...)); }
   Sensor *sensor_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/servo/servo.h b/esphome/components/servo/servo.h
index a37188740c..b4076e8cd5 100644
--- a/esphome/components/servo/servo.h
+++ b/esphome/components/servo/servo.h
@@ -64,18 +64,18 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ServoWriteAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   ServoWriteAction(Servo *servo) : servo_(servo) {}
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, value)
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->servo_->write(this->value_.value(x...)); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->servo_->write(this->value_.value(x...)); }
   Servo *servo_;
 };
 
 template<typename... Ts> class ServoDetachAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   ServoDetachAction(Servo *servo) : servo_(servo) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->servo_->detach(); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->servo_->detach(); }
   Servo *servo_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/sim800l/sim800l.h b/esphome/components/sim800l/sim800l.h
index 696eb8890f..afdb504681 100644
--- a/esphome/components/sim800l/sim800l.h
+++ b/esphome/components/sim800l/sim800l.h
@@ -78,13 +78,13 @@ template<typename... Ts> class Sim800LSendSmsAction : public Action<Ts...> {
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(std::string, recipient)
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(std::string, message)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) {
     auto recipient = this->recipient_.value(x...);
     auto message = this->message_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->send_sms(recipient, message);
   }
 
- protected:
   Sim800LComponent *parent_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/stepper/stepper.h b/esphome/components/stepper/stepper.h
index 33777dce83..31bdf59bf9 100644
--- a/esphome/components/stepper/stepper.h
+++ b/esphome/components/stepper/stepper.h
@@ -43,9 +43,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetTargetAction : public Action<Ts...> {
 
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(int32_t, target)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->set_target(this->target_.value(x...)); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->set_target(this->target_.value(x...)); }
+
   Stepper *parent_;
 };
 
@@ -55,9 +55,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ReportPositionAction : public Action<Ts...> {
 
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(int32_t, position)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->report_position(this->position_.value(x...)); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->report_position(this->position_.value(x...)); }
+
   Stepper *parent_;
 };
 
@@ -67,13 +67,13 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetSpeedAction : public Action<Ts...> {
 
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(float, speed);
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     float speed = this->speed_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->set_max_speed(speed);
     this->parent_->on_update_speed();
   }
 
- protected:
   Stepper *parent_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/switch/automation.h b/esphome/components/switch/automation.h
index 90bdabf0f4..c4824b106b 100644
--- a/esphome/components/switch/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/switch/automation.h
@@ -11,9 +11,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class TurnOnAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit TurnOnAction(Switch *a_switch) : switch_(a_switch) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->switch_->turn_on(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->switch_->turn_on(); }
+
   Switch *switch_;
 };
 
@@ -21,9 +21,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class TurnOffAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit TurnOffAction(Switch *a_switch) : switch_(a_switch) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->switch_->turn_off(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->switch_->turn_off(); }
+
   Switch *switch_;
 };
 
@@ -31,9 +31,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ToggleAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit ToggleAction(Switch *a_switch) : switch_(a_switch) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->switch_->toggle(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->switch_->toggle(); }
+
   Switch *switch_;
 };
 
@@ -73,9 +73,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SwitchPublishAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   SwitchPublishAction(Switch *a_switch) : switch_(a_switch) {}
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(bool, state)
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->switch_->publish_state(this->state_.value(x...)); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->switch_->publish_state(this->state_.value(x...)); }
   Switch *switch_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/text_sensor/automation.h b/esphome/components/text_sensor/automation.h
index 496efb1cc3..9fac17c4cb 100644
--- a/esphome/components/text_sensor/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/text_sensor/automation.h
@@ -30,9 +30,9 @@ template<typename... Ts> class TextSensorPublishAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   TextSensorPublishAction(TextSensor *sensor) : sensor_(sensor) {}
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(std::string, state)
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->sensor_->publish_state(this->state_.value(x...)); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->sensor_->publish_state(this->state_.value(x...)); }
   TextSensor *sensor_;
 };
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/tm1651/tm1651.h b/esphome/components/tm1651/tm1651.h
index 6eab24687c..6291cf1ecf 100644
--- a/esphome/components/tm1651/tm1651.h
+++ b/esphome/components/tm1651/tm1651.h
@@ -43,7 +43,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetLevelPercentAction : public Action<Ts...>, pub
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, level_percent)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto level_percent = this->level_percent_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->set_level_percent(level_percent);
   }
@@ -53,7 +54,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetLevelAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Par
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, level)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto level = this->level_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->set_level(level);
   }
@@ -63,20 +65,21 @@ template<typename... Ts> class SetBrightnessAction : public Action<Ts...>, publi
  public:
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint8_t, brightness)
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     auto brightness = this->brightness_.value(x...);
     this->parent_->set_brightness(brightness);
   }
 };
 
 template<typename... Ts> class TurnOnAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Parented<TM1651Display> {
- public:
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->turn_on(); }
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->turn_on(); }
 };
 
 template<typename... Ts> class TurnOffAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Parented<TM1651Display> {
- public:
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->turn_off(); }
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->parent_->turn_off(); }
 };
 
 }  // namespace tm1651
diff --git a/esphome/components/uart/automation.h b/esphome/components/uart/automation.h
index 9686f94413..6889bc12e4 100644
--- a/esphome/components/uart/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/components/uart/automation.h
@@ -17,7 +17,8 @@ template<typename... Ts> class UARTWriteAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Pa
     this->static_ = true;
   }
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override {
     if (this->static_) {
       this->parent_->write_array(this->data_static_);
     } else {
@@ -25,8 +26,6 @@ template<typename... Ts> class UARTWriteAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Pa
       this->parent_->write_array(val);
     }
   }
-
- protected:
   bool static_{false};
   std::function<std::vector<uint8_t>(Ts...)> data_func_{};
   std::vector<uint8_t> data_static_{};
diff --git a/esphome/core/automation.h b/esphome/core/automation.h
index 6e595fc458..cb95364675 100644
--- a/esphome/core/automation.h
+++ b/esphome/core/automation.h
@@ -75,13 +75,25 @@ template<typename... Ts> class ActionList;
 
 template<typename... Ts> class Action {
  public:
-  virtual void play(Ts... x) = 0;
   virtual void play_complex(Ts... x) {
     this->num_running_++;
-    this->play(x...);
-    this->play_next(x...);
+    this->play_(x...);
+    this->play_next_(x...);
   }
-  void play_next(Ts... x) {
+  virtual void stop_complex() {
+    if (num_running_) {
+      this->stop_();
+      this->num_running_ = 0;
+    }
+    this->stop_next_();
+  }
+  virtual bool is_running() { return this->num_running_ > 0 || this->is_running_next_(); }
+
+ protected:
+  friend ActionList<Ts...>;
+
+  virtual void play_(Ts... x) = 0;
+  void play_next_(Ts... x) {
     if (this->num_running_ > 0) {
       this->num_running_--;
       if (this->next_ != nullptr) {
@@ -89,37 +101,26 @@ template<typename... Ts> class Action {
       }
     }
   }
-  virtual void stop() {}
-  virtual void stop_complex() {
-    if (num_running_) {
-      this->stop();
-      this->num_running_ = 0;
-    }
-    this->stop_next();
+  template<int... S> void play_next_tuple_(const std::tuple<Ts...> &tuple, seq<S...>) {
+    this->play_next_(std::get<S>(tuple)...);
   }
-  void stop_next() {
+  void play_next_tuple_(const std::tuple<Ts...> &tuple) {
+    this->play_next_tuple_(tuple, typename gens<sizeof...(Ts)>::type());
+  }
+
+  virtual void stop_() {}
+  void stop_next_() {
     if (this->next_ != nullptr) {
       this->next_->stop_complex();
     }
   }
-  virtual bool is_running() { return this->num_running_ > 0 || this->is_running_next(); }
-  bool is_running_next() {
+
+  bool is_running_next_() {
     if (this->next_ == nullptr)
       return false;
     return this->next_->is_running();
   }
 
-  void play_next_tuple(const std::tuple<Ts...> &tuple) {
-    this->play_next_tuple_(tuple, typename gens<sizeof...(Ts)>::type());
-  }
-
- protected:
-  friend ActionList<Ts...>;
-
-  template<int... S> void play_next_tuple_(const std::tuple<Ts...> &tuple, seq<S...>) {
-    this->play_next(std::get<S>(tuple)...);
-  }
-
   Action<Ts...> *next_ = nullptr;
 
   int num_running_{0};
diff --git a/esphome/core/base_automation.h b/esphome/core/base_automation.h
index bd34009790..4edd459424 100644
--- a/esphome/core/base_automation.h
+++ b/esphome/core/base_automation.h
@@ -108,27 +108,29 @@ template<typename... Ts> class DelayAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Compon
 
   TEMPLATABLE_VALUE(uint32_t, delay)
 
-  void stop() override {
-    this->cancel_timeout("");
-  }
-
-  void play(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
-  }
-
   void play_complex(Ts... x) override {
-    auto f = std::bind(&Action<Ts...>::play_next, this, x...);
+    auto f = std::bind(&DelayAction<Ts...>::play_next_, this, x...);
     this->num_running_++;
     this->set_timeout(this->delay_.value(x...), f);
   }
   float get_setup_priority() const override { return setup_priority::HARDWARE; }
+
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
+  }
+
+  void stop_() override {
+    this->cancel_timeout("");
+  }
 };
 
 template<typename... Ts> class LambdaAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   explicit LambdaAction(std::function<void(Ts...)> &&f) : f_(std::move(f)) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->f_(x...); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->f_(x...); }
+
   std::function<void(Ts...)> f_;
 };
 
@@ -138,15 +140,12 @@ template<typename... Ts> class IfAction : public Action<Ts...> {
 
   void add_then(const std::vector<Action<Ts...> *> &actions) {
     this->then_.add_actions(actions);
-    this->then_.add_action(new LambdaAction<Ts...>([this](Ts... x) { this->play_next(x...); }));
+    this->then_.add_action(new LambdaAction<Ts...>([this](Ts... x) { this->play_next_(x...); }));
   }
 
   void add_else(const std::vector<Action<Ts...> *> &actions) {
     this->else_.add_actions(actions);
-    this->else_.add_action(new LambdaAction<Ts...>([this](Ts... x) { this->play_next(x...); }));
-  }
-
-  void play(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
+    this->else_.add_action(new LambdaAction<Ts...>([this](Ts... x) { this->play_next_(x...); }));
   }
 
   void play_complex(Ts... x) override {
@@ -154,25 +153,28 @@ template<typename... Ts> class IfAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     bool res = this->condition_->check(x...);
     if (res) {
       if (this->then_.empty()) {
-        this->play_next(x...);
+        this->play_next_(x...);
       } else if (this->num_running_ > 0) {
         this->then_.play(x...);
       }
     } else {
       if (this->else_.empty()) {
-        this->play_next(x...);
+        this->play_next_(x...);
       } else if (this->num_running_ > 0) {
         this->else_.play(x...);
       }
     }
   }
 
-  void stop() override {
+ protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
+  }
+
+  void stop_() override {
     this->then_.stop();
     this->else_.stop();
   }
 
- protected:
   Condition<Ts...> *condition_;
   ActionList<Ts...> then_;
   ActionList<Ts...> else_;
@@ -192,14 +194,11 @@ template<typename... Ts> class WhileAction : public Action<Ts...> {
         }
       } else {
         // condition false, play next
-        this->play_next_tuple(this->var_);
+        this->play_next_tuple_(this->var_);
       }
     }));
   }
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
-  }
-
   void play_complex(Ts... x) override {
     this->num_running_++;
     // Store loop parameters
@@ -208,7 +207,7 @@ template<typename... Ts> class WhileAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     if (!this->condition_->check_tuple(this->var_)) {
       // If new condition check failed, stop loop if running
       this->then_.stop();
-      this->play_next_tuple(this->var_);
+      this->play_next_tuple_(this->var_);
       return;
     }
 
@@ -217,9 +216,12 @@ template<typename... Ts> class WhileAction : public Action<Ts...> {
     }
   }
 
-  void stop() override { this->then_.stop(); }
-
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
+  }
+
+  void stop_() override { this->then_.stop(); }
+
   Condition<Ts...> *condition_;
   ActionList<Ts...> then_;
   std::tuple<Ts...> var_{};
@@ -229,15 +231,12 @@ template<typename... Ts> class WaitUntilAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Co
  public:
   WaitUntilAction(Condition<Ts...> *condition) : condition_(condition) {}
 
-  void play(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
-  }
-
   void play_complex(Ts... x) override {
     this->num_running_++;
     // Check if we can continue immediately.
     if (this->condition_->check(x...)) {
       if (this->num_running_ > 0) {
-        this->play_next(x...);
+        this->play_next_(x...);
       }
       return;
     }
@@ -253,12 +252,15 @@ template<typename... Ts> class WaitUntilAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Co
       return;
     }
 
-    this->play_next_tuple(this->var_);
+    this->play_next_tuple_(this->var_);
   }
 
   float get_setup_priority() const override { return setup_priority::DATA; }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { /* ignore - see play_complex */
+  }
+
   Condition<Ts...> *condition_;
   std::tuple<Ts...> var_{};
 };
@@ -266,9 +268,10 @@ template<typename... Ts> class WaitUntilAction : public Action<Ts...>, public Co
 template<typename... Ts> class UpdateComponentAction : public Action<Ts...> {
  public:
   UpdateComponentAction(PollingComponent *component) : component_(component) {}
-  void play(Ts... x) override { this->component_->update(); }
 
  protected:
+  void play_(Ts... x) override { this->component_->update(); }
+
   PollingComponent *component_;
 };