**Ben Johnson (1918-1996)** was an American actor whose career was inextricably linked to the Western genre, with an authenticity stemming from his background as a rodeo champion and stuntman.

Discovered by John Ford, he became an iconic face in his films, such as *She Wore a Yellow Ribbon* (1949) and *Rio Grande* (1950). His definitive breakthrough came with memorable roles: in Sam Peckinpah's *The Wild Bunch* (1969), and winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Peter Bogdanovich's *The Last Picture Show* (1971), a dramatic role that showcased his versatility.

Johnson excelled at portraying men of integrity, often cowboys or frontier figures, characterized by a stoic dignity, few words, and genuine simplicity. His screen presence imparted a sense of truth and profound humanity.