Roscoe Karns (1893-1970) was a prolific American character actor, recognized for his ability to portray cynical, witty, and fast-talking characters. His screen presence was often synonymous with sarcastic remarks and straightforward realism.

He excelled in roles as journalists, military sergeants, police officers, or trusted friends of the protagonist. His most celebrated performance remains that of Detective Peter Warne in Frank Capra's *It Happened One Night* (1934), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Among his other significant roles were those in *His Girl Friday* (1940) and *Sergeant York* (1941). Karns was a familiar and reliable face in classic Hollywood cinema, a mainstay in supporting roles.