Jack Webb (1920-1982) was an American actor, director, and producer, known for his dry acting style and monotone voice. He specialized in authoritative and procedural roles, often portraying law enforcement or military figures.

His most iconic performance was as Sergeant Joe Friday in the *Dragnet* TV series and films, which defined his investigative and impassive style. In cinema, he is remembered for his brief but incisive appearance in *Sunset Boulevard* (1950). He played starring roles in noirs such as *Dark City* (1950), the military drama *The D.I.* (1957), which he also directed, and the musical film *Pete Kelly's Blues* (1955), also directed by him.

Webb embodied the archetype of the determined and unyielding lawman, making his style a distinctive hallmark of procedural cinema.