diff --git a/docs/source/conf.py b/docs/source/conf.py
index 0036d0f8..84f0a974 100644
--- a/docs/source/conf.py
+++ b/docs/source/conf.py
@@ -18,11 +18,11 @@
 
 import alabaster  # noqa
 
-import dramatiq  # noqa
-
 sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath('../..'))
 sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath('./'))
 
+import dramatiq  # noqa
+
 
 # -- General configuration ------------------------------------------------
 
diff --git a/dramatiq/generic.py b/dramatiq/generic.py
index b72244e5..6ad79e90 100644
--- a/dramatiq/generic.py
+++ b/dramatiq/generic.py
@@ -40,6 +40,9 @@ def __new__(metacls, name, bases, attrs):
         return clazz
 
     def __getattr__(cls, name):
+        if "__actor__" not in cls.__dict__:
+            # avoid infinite recursion on GenericActor
+            raise AttributeError(f"type object {cls.__name__!r} has no attribute {name!r}")
         return getattr(cls.__actor__, name)
 
 
diff --git a/tests/test_generic_actors.py b/tests/test_generic_actors.py
index c697a770..cca25fd4 100644
--- a/tests/test_generic_actors.py
+++ b/tests/test_generic_actors.py
@@ -117,3 +117,8 @@ def perform(self):
 
     # And the actor registry should be called with CustomActor
     actor_registry.assert_called_once_with(CustomActor)
+
+
+def test_getattr_generic_actor():
+    with pytest.raises(AttributeError):
+        dramatiq.GenericActor.missing_property