François Truffaut (1932-1984) was a French filmmaker, a central figure of the Nouvelle Vague. Although primarily known as a director, he also sporadically pursued an acting career. His most memorable roles include that of Professor Lacombe in Steven Spielberg's *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* (1977) and that of Dr. Itard in his own film *The Wild Child* (1970).

As an actor, Truffaut tended to portray intelligent, empathetic characters, often quiet observers, with an air of thoughtful introspection. His directorial career, however, left an indelible mark, with iconic works such as *The 400 Blows* (1959), *Jules and Jim* (1962), and *Day for Night* (1973), which explored themes of childhood, love, and cinema itself.