Richard Barthelmess (1895–1963) was an American actor and one of the biggest stars of the silent film era. Launched by director D.W. Griffith, he achieved international fame with sensitive and iconic roles in films such as *Broken Blossoms* (1919) and *Way Down East* (1920). At the height of his popularity, he founded his own production company, Inspiration Pictures, consolidating his star status. He successfully made the transition to sound films, starring in important films such as *The Dawn Patrol* (1930) and delivering a memorable supporting performance in Howard Hawks' *Only Angels Have Wings* (1939). He was one of the founding members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and received a Best Actor nomination at the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929 for his performances in *The Patent Leather Kid* and *The Noose*. His career slowed down in the late 1930s, and he retired from acting after serving in World War II.