**Kolbjörn Knudsen (1897-1967)** was a Norwegian actor whose film career was primarily in Sweden. Known for his intense screen presence, he specialized in roles of authority figures, often elderly, complex, and sometimes morally ambiguous.

His performances were characterized by remarkable gravitas and an ability to convey depth to stern or tormented characters. His most notable films include Alf Sjöberg's "Hets" (Torment, 1944), where he played a memorable, despotic professor, and several collaborations with Ingmar Bergman, including "Fängelse" (Prison, 1949) and "Ansiktet" (The Face, 1958). Knudsen excelled at portraying figures of power or conscience, leaving a distinctive mark on Nordic cinema.