**Jan Sterling** (1921 – 2004) was an American actress known for her prolific film career, especially in the 1950s. She distinguished herself by portraying women who were often cynical, tough, or vulnerable, sometimes with an aura of moral ambiguity.

Among her most memorable roles was that of the unfortunate wife of Kirk Douglas's character in Billy Wilder's *L'asso nella manica* (also known as *The Big Carnival*, 1951), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. She had another prominent role in *Prigionieri del cielo* (The High and the Mighty, 1954), which earned her another Golden Globe and BAFTA nomination. She also appeared in films such as *Johnny Belinda* (1948) and *1984* (1956).

Her strong and incisive presence made her a recognizable figure in film noir and the dramas of the era.