Sam De Grasse was a Canadian actor, known primarily for his villainous roles during the silent film era. Born in Bathurst, New Brunswick, he began his film career around 1912, often working with his brother, director Joseph De Grasse. His career gained momentum with roles in landmark films such as D.W. Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "Intolerance" (1916). He specialized in portraying villainous and authoritarian characters, becoming a recurring presence in Douglas Fairbanks' films. His notable roles include Prince John in "Robin Hood" (1922) and the governor's lieutenant in "The Black Pirate" (1926). He also collaborated with Erich von Stroheim on the film "Blind Husbands" (1919). With the advent of sound, his career went into decline, relegating him to minor roles. Although he received no formal awards, his contribution is recognized for defining the charismatic antagonist in 1920s adventure films, influencing the portrayal of villains for subsequent generations.