Tom Reese (1928-2017) was a prolific American character actor, known for his imposing stature and stern face, which made him a memorable presence in numerous films and television series, especially in the western and action genres. His career took off in the 1960s, during which he became a familiar face thanks to his role as Sergeant Sam Troy in the television series *The Rat Patrol* (1966-1968). On the big screen, he appeared in notable films such as *In Harm's Way* (1965) and *McQ* (1974), both alongside John Wayne. Another of his iconic performances was as the policeman hunting the protagonist in the cult film *Vanishing Point* (1971). Also active in television with appearances in series such as *Gunsmoke* and *Murder, She Wrote*, Reese did not win any major awards but was widely recognized as a reliable and versatile supporting actor whose career spanned over four decades, solidifying his image as a tough and authoritative figure in American cinema.