Gary Merrill (1915-1990) was an American actor, known for his roles as authoritative men, often cynical or of strong moral integrity. He rose to prominence in the post-war era, distinguishing himself in military officer roles, such as that of Colonel Keith Davenport in *Twelve O'Clock High* (1949).

His portrayal of Bill Sampson in *All About Eve* (1950) was pivotal, where he met and later married co-star Bette Davis. His repertoire also included darker characters, such as the detective in the film noir *Where the Sidewalk Ends* (1950). Merrill excelled at imbuing his characters with a natural gravitas and imposing credibility, making him a recognizable and respected face of classic Hollywood cinema.