**Ivan Desny** (Beijing, 1922 – Ascona, 1997) was a Swiss actor of Russian descent, celebrated for his long and prestigious international film career.

His career was inextricably linked to director Max Ophüls, who cast him in prominent roles in masterpieces such as *Madame de...* (1953), *Le Plaisir* (1952), and *Lola Montès* (1955), where he often embodied elegant and tormented male figures. He also took part in highly acclaimed films such as *Anastasia* (1956) alongside Ingrid Bergman and *Bonjour Tristesse* (1958).

Desny was appreciated for his refined acting, charismatic screen presence, and ability to portray complex characters: charming gentlemen, enigmatic aristocrats, or figures of power, often with a veil of melancholy or detachment. His mastery of several languages allowed him to work in French, German, English, and American productions, making him a familiar face in the global cinematic landscape for decades.