Barry Fitzgerald (born William Joseph Shields; 1888 – 1961) was an Irish actor, a celebrated Hollywood character actor. His diminutive figure, shrewd face, and distinctive diction made him instantly recognizable. He was known for his supporting roles, often playing wise, good-natured, or curmudgeonly elderly characters, such as priests, butlers, doctors, or village residents, always with a touch of wit and humanity.

His most celebrated performance was in *Going My Way* (1944), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (and was also nominated for Best Actor, a unique occurrence). Fitzgerald frequently collaborated with John Ford, appearing in iconic films such as *How Green Was My Valley* (1941) and the classic *The Quiet Man* (1952). His style, characterized by an unmistakable screen presence, made him a beloved face of cinema.