**Sir Cedric Hardwicke (1893-1964)** was a distinguished British actor, renowned for his dignified bearing and resonant voice. Specializing in roles as authoritative figures, intellectuals, or sophisticated antagonists, his long film career saw him excel as a patriarch, judge, scientist, or leader, often imbued with a touch of mischievousness or wisdom.

Among his most iconic performances are that of the sinister Archdeacon Frollo in *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* (1939), the benevolent Bishop Myriel in *Les Misérables* (1935), and Pharaoh Seti I in *The Ten Commandments* (1956). Hardwicke consistently imbued his characters with an aura of gravitas and subtle intelligence, establishing himself as one of the most respected character actors of his era.