**James Gregory (1911-2002)** was an American character actor, renowned for his imposing presence and his ability to portray authoritative and often menacing figures. He specialized in roles as a military officer, policeman, politician, or a tough and cynical businessman.

His most iconic performance is arguably that of General Iselin, the unsettling paranoid and manipulative figure in *The Manchurian Candidate* (1962), which defined his archetype. Other significant films include *Al Capone* (1959), *PT 109* (1963), and *Beneath the Planet of the Apes* (1970). Gregory was appreciated for his gravelly voice and the intensity he brought to his characters, making him a reliable and memorable presence in cinema for decades.