Paul Muni (1895-1967), an American actor of Austro-Hungarian origin, was a central figure of classic Hollywood cinema. Hailing from Yiddish theater and later Broadway, Muni was renowned for his ability to completely transform himself. He excelled at portraying complex and often tormented roles, masterfully utilizing makeup, accents, and body language to immerse himself in the characters. Among his most iconic performances were the brutal gangster Tony Camonte in *Scarface* (1932) and the unjustly condemned man in *I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang* (1932), roles that cemented his fame. He was a master of historical biopics, winning an Oscar for *The Story of Louis Pasteur* (1936) and receiving nominations for *The Life of Emile Zola* (1937). His intense and meticulous style made him one of the first true character actors in Hollywood, capable of bringing psychological depth to his portrayals.