Charles Laughton (1899-1962), celebrated British actor naturalized American, is remembered for his imposing stage presence and extraordinary versatility. His film career saw him excel in complex and often ambiguous roles.

He won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Henry VIII in *The Private Life of Henry VIII* (1933). Unforgettable were the despotic Captain Bligh in *Mutiny on the Bounty* (1935) and the tormented Quasimodo in *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* (1939), where he demonstrated his ability to make grotesque characters profoundly human.

His gallery of characters includes historical figures, tyrants, and anti-heroes, often characterized by a profound humanity or grotesque vulnerability. Among his last great performances, his role in *Witness for the Prosecution* (1957) and as Senator Gracchus in *Spartacus* (1960) stand out. With his unmistakable voice and his mastery, Laughton left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.