**Joe Sawyer** (stage name for Joseph Sauers, 1906-1982) was an American character actor, known for his supporting roles. Specializing in portraying gruff and outspoken characters, he often played soldiers, policemen, low-ranking gangsters, or common men with a surly but sometimes honest disposition. His long film career, which began in the 1930s, saw him appear in numerous films, predominantly genre films.

Among his most memorable roles were those in *Sergeant York* (1941), where he played Sergeant Early; *The Pride of the Yankees* (1942), in the role of Babe Ruth's roommate; and *The Story of G.I. Joe* (1945), as Sergeant Mewett. Sawyer excelled at portraying the tenacity and authenticity of the average American, becoming a familiar face in classic Hollywood cinema.