James Mason (1909-1984) was a British actor, known for his deep, velvety voice and elegant bearing. He established himself in British cinema of the 1940s, often in tormented and ambiguous roles (e.g., "The Man in Grey", "The Seventh Veil").

His transition to Hollywood in the 1950s solidified his status as an international star. He is remembered for memorable roles: the melancholic Norman Maine in "A Star Is Born", the charismatic Captain Nemo in "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", the ruthless Philip Vandamm in "North by Northwest", and the obsessed Humbert Humbert in "Lolita".

Mason excelled at portraying complex, intelligent characters, often with a hint of sophisticated villainy or profound sadness, solidifying his image as a captivating and ambiguous antihero.