Richard Widmark (1914-2008) was an American actor known for his versatility and the intensity of his performances. He made an explosive debut with *Kiss of Death* (1947), where his character, the sociopathic Tommy Udo, and his maniacal laugh immediately became iconic, earning him an Oscar nomination.

Initially typecast in villainous and neurotic roles, Widmark soon demonstrated a remarkable range. He excelled in film noir, such as *Panic in the Streets* (1950) and *Pickup on South Street* (1953), and in epic Westerns like *The Alamo* (1960) and *How the West Was Won* (1962). Among his most memorable roles was that of the prosecutor in *Judgment at Nuremberg* (1961).

His screen presence was often characterized by a blend of sharp intelligence, integrity, and a potential moral ambiguity, making him effective as both a hero and an antihero.