**Conrad Veidt** (1893-1943) was a German actor, an iconic figure of Expressionist cinema. His tall stature, gaunt face, and intense gaze made him ideal for enigmatic and psychologically complex roles. He became famous as Cesare in *Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari* (1920), embodying the tormented somnambulist.

He excelled at portraying refined and often tragic antagonists, imbuing them with depth. Other key roles include Gwynplaine in *The Man Who Laughs* (1928), whose makeup inspired the Joker. A fervent anti-Nazi, he left Germany in the 1930s, continuing his career in Great Britain and Hollywood. His most notable role in the American period was the chilling Major Strasser in *Casablanca* (1942). Veidt is remembered for his powerful screen presence and his ability to portray the dark side of the human psyche.