**Sam Levene (1905-1980)** was an American actor, a distinctive face of film and theater. Known for his character roles, he often portrayed gritty, cynical, and street-smart characters, typical of American urban life.

His raspy voice and blunt style made him perfect for roles as policemen, investigative journalists, or ambiguous yet loyal figures. Among his most notable films are *The Thin Man* (1934), where he brought detective Sergeant Guild to life, and the classic noirs *Crossfire* (1947) and *The Killers* (1946).

He continued acting until the end of his life, with a memorable appearance in *Marathon Man* (1976). Levene was able to infuse authenticity and depth even into minor characters.