**James Coburn (1928-2002)** was an American actor known for his charisma, screen presence, and distinctive smile. His film career spanned various genres, but he is primarily remembered for his roles as a "cool" man, often enigmatic or anti-heroic.

He emerged in the 1960s with supporting roles in iconic Westerns such as *The Magnificent Seven* (1960) and *The Great Escape* (1963). He achieved leading man status in the spy parody *Our Man Flint* (1966) and in Sergio Leone's masterpiece *Duck, You Sucker!* (1971), where he delivered a memorable performance alongside Rod Steiger.

Despite health issues that slowed his career, Coburn returned to prominence in the 1990s. His career culminated with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for *Affliction* (1998), demonstrating his profound versatility and dramatic intensity.