**Lee Van Cleef (1925-1989)** was an American actor known for his imposing figure and his roles as villains or anti-heroes. He began his career with small parts, often as a henchman, in classic Westerns such as *High Noon* (1952).

His fame exploded thanks to Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns. He became an international star by playing Colonel Mortimer in *For a Few Dollars More* (1965) and the cold, calculating Sentenza (Angel Eyes) in *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly* (1966).

With his gaunt face, piercing eyes, and a menacing presence, Van Cleef embodied the archetype of the ruthless yet charismatic gunman. His characters were often pragmatic, silent, and morally ambiguous. His performances left an indelible mark on the Western genre, making him a globally recognized icon.