Jack Oakie (1903-1978) was an American actor whose film career primarily distinguished itself in the comedies of the 1930s and 1940s. Known for his energetic and jovial style, he often played kind-hearted characters, sometimes a bit boastful or naive, but always with a strong comedic flair.

Initially, he starred in lighthearted films such as *College Humor* (1933) and *Million Dollar Legs* (1932). However, the role that cemented his reputation and earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor was that of dictator Benzino Napaloni in Charlie Chaplin's *The Great Dictator* (1940). His exuberant screen presence and his ability to embody likable and dynamic figures made him a beloved face to the public.