Frank Faylen (1905-1985) was a prolific American character actor. With a career spanning decades, he became a recognizable face for his roles as common men, often gruff, blue-collar workers, policemen, or straightforward authoritarian figures.

Among his most memorable performances are Ernie the cab driver in *It's a Wonderful Life* (1946), the intense nurse in *The Lost Weekend* (1945), and Connie Rivers in *The Grapes of Wrath* (1940). His style was characterized by a naturalness that made him credible both as the good-natured neighbor and the more surly character, making him a pillar of classic American cinema.