Leo Gratten Carroll (1886–1972) was a British actor known for his long and prolific career in theatre and film. After making his debut on the London stage, he moved to Broadway and subsequently to Hollywood, where he became an iconic face of classic cinema, especially thanks to his six collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock. His most famous roles include Dr. Murchison in "Spellbound" (1945) and the "Professor" in "North by Northwest" (1959). His fame grew further with television: he played the ghost Cosmo Topper in the sitcom "Topper" (1953–1955), a role for which he received an Emmy Award nomination, and the intelligence chief Alexander Waverly in the spy series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." (1964–1968). Specializing in phlegmatic and authoritarian characters, he was distinguished by his elegance and impeccable British aplomb, which made him one of the most recognizable character actors of his era.