Robert Mitchum (1917-1997) was an American actor, a cinematic icon known for his charismatic presence, his roguish gaze, and his disillusioned 'anti-hero' style.

Excelling in roles as a 'tough guy with a heart of gold' or, more often, a cynical man of action and an ambiguous figure, he was an undisputed star of film *noir* and *westerns*. His impassive demeanor and his innate 'coolness' made him perfect for complex and morally ambiguous characters.

Among his most celebrated films are *Out of the Past* (1947), where he embodied the archetype of a man tormented by fate, and *The Night of the Hunter* (1955), in the terrifying role of preacher Harry Powell, demonstrating a versatile ability to portray pure evil. Other important titles include *Cape Fear* (1962) and *Ryan's Daughter* (1970).

His minimalist acting style and his unmistakable aura of detachment made him an enduring Hollywood icon, capable of conveying psychological depth with apparent ease.