**Hardy, Sam (1883-1946)**

Sam Hardy was a prolific American character actor, noted for his presence in numerous Hollywood films from the 1910s through the mid-1940s. Endowed with a gravelly voice and a gruff yet charismatic appearance, Hardy specialized in supporting roles that ranged from the cynical detective to the low-level gangster, the disillusioned journalist to the unscrupulous businessman.

His film career often saw him portray authoritative or ambiguous characters, making him a reliable figure for adding depth to plots. He is remembered for his appearances in classics such as *King Kong* (1933), *The Thin Man* (1934), *The Roaring Twenties* (1939), and *Woman of the Year* (1942), where he left his mark despite his secondary roles.