**Dorothy McGuire (1916-2001)** was an American actress renowned for her understated elegance and her portrayal of gentle yet resilient characters. Her film career gained momentum in 1943 with the role of Claudia in *Claudia*, which established her as a promising talent.

She excelled at portraying sensitive women, often devoted and virtuous wives or mothers. Her most notable roles include Gregory Peck's wife in *Accordo segreto* (*Gentleman's Agreement*, 1947), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and the mute invalid in the gothic thriller *La scala a chiocciola* (*The Spiral Staircase*, 1946), demonstrating versatility. Also memorable as the Quaker Eliza Birdwell in *La legge del Signore* (*Friendly Persuasion*, 1956) and as a mother in *L'albero della vita* (*A Tree Grows in Brooklyn*, 1945). Her style was characterized by natural and understated acting, which allowed her to remain a beloved figure in cinema, including later roles in Disney films such as *Il vecchio e il bambino* (*Old Yeller*).