**Donald Cook** (1901-1961) was an American actor, particularly prolific in 1930s cinema. He was known for portraying elegant and sophisticated men, often as the "second lead," the rival lover, or morally ambiguous figures.

His career took off in the Pre-Code Hays era, where his versatility allowed him to explore more complex characters. Among his most celebrated performances are Tom Powers, the respectable brother of James Cagney's gangster in *The Public Enemy* (1931), and his part in *Baby Face* (1933) alongside Barbara Stanwyck. He also appeared in the first version of *The Maltese Falcon* (1931).

Cook was never a first-rank star, but a reliable character actor, appreciated for his distinguished presence and his ability to portray a male archetype of the era.