**Marie Windsor** (1919-2000) was an American actress known for her intense performances in the film noir genre. She often played femme fatales: tough, cynical, ambitious, or morally ambiguous women. Her stage presence was powerful and memorable.

Among her most famous roles are Sherry Peatty in Stanley Kubrick's The Killing (1956), Edna Tucker in Abraham Polonsky's Force of Evil (1948), and Helen S. Forbes in The Narrow Margin (1952). Although often relegated to “villain” or supporting roles, Windsor left an indelible mark, becoming a recognizable icon of classic noir thanks to her ability to convey vulnerability and malice with equal effectiveness.