Milton Sills (1882-1930) was a celebrated American actor and one of the major film stars of the silent era. A graduate of the University of Chicago, he began his career in theater before transitioning to film in 1914, where he quickly became a highly popular leading man. His fame peaked in the 1920s, with performances in adventurous and dramatic roles. Among his most important works is the epic film *The Sea Hawk* (1924), in which he delivered an iconic performance as Sir Oliver Tressilian. He successfully made the transition to sound films, as demonstrated in *The Barker* (1928). An influential figure in Hollywood, he was one of the 36 founding members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that presents the Academy Awards. His prolific career was cut short by his sudden death in 1930 at the age of 48. For his contribution to the motion picture industry, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.