Sam Jaffe (1891-1984) was an American actor, renowned for his prolific film and stage career. With a distinctive stage presence and a penetrating gaze, he specialized in roles of intellectual characters, wise elders, or eccentric and complex figures.

Among his most celebrated performances are the High Lama in *Lost Horizon* (1937), the brilliant but tormented Doc Riedenschneider in the film noir *The Asphalt Jungle* (1950), and Simonides in *Ben-Hur* (1959). He also left his mark in films such as *The Scarlet Empress* (1934) and *Gentleman's Agreement* (1947). Although often a supporting actor, Jaffe always imbued his characters with memorable depth and intensity.