Robert Cornthwaite (Saint Helens, April 28, 1917 – Woodland Hills, July 20, 2006) was an American character actor. He is primarily known for his roles in two classic science fiction films of the 1950s: as the obsessive scientist Dr. Arthur Carrington in *The Thing from Another World* (1951) by Christian Nyby and Howard Hawks, and as Dr. Pryor in *The War of the Worlds* (1953) by Byron Haskin. These roles established him as an iconic figure in the genre. His prolific career, spanning over fifty years, also included extensive work in theater as both an actor and director, and countless appearances in successful television series, including *The Twilight Zone*, *Perry Mason*, and *Columbo*. Although he did not receive major formal awards, Cornthwaite is universally recognized for his intense and intellectual performances and for his lasting contribution to film and television, cementing his reputation as a versatile and memorable actor.