Bernard Lee (1908-1981) was a British actor best known for his portrayal of M, the head of MI6, in the James Bond film series. He played the role in eleven films, from *Dr. No* (1962) to *Moonraker* (1979), becoming an iconic face of the franchise.

A prolific character actor, Lee was noted for playing authoritative figures who were often reliable and principled, such as police officers, military personnel, or government officials. His understated and authoritative screen presence lent credibility to his characters.

His other significant works include *The Third Man* (1949), the war drama *The Battle of the River Plate* (1956), and *A Man for All Seasons* (1966), showcasing his versatility well beyond the character of M.