**Antoine Balpêtre (1898-1980)** was a French actor, an emblematic figure of French auteur cinema. Specializing in character roles, he distinguished himself by his ability to embody authoritative and often ambiguous characters, such as officials, judges, doctors, or bourgeois figures, with an innate gravitas and realism.

His long career saw him collaborate with the leading directors of his era. Among his most memorable performances are those in *Le Corbeau* (1943) by Henri-Georges Clouzot, where he played Dr. Vorzet, *Goupi Mains Rouges* (1943) by Jacques Becker, *Le Procès* (1962) by Orson Welles as Padre, and *L'Armée des ombres* (1969) by Jean-Pierre Melville, in the role of Aubert. Balpêtre excelled at lending depth and credibility to his characters, making him a reliable and distinctive presence in the French cinematic landscape for over forty years.