**Sig Ruman** (born Siegfried Albon Rumann, 1884-1967) was a prolific German-American character actor. Renowned for his strong German accent and imposing presence, he specialized in authoritarian, pompous, or eccentric character roles. He often portrayed military officers, Russian bureaucrats, or European magnates, contributing his comedic flair to numerous Hollywood productions.

He is inextricably linked to the comedies of Ernst Lubitsch, such as *Ninotchka* (1939) and particularly *To Be or Not to Be* (1942), where his Colonel Ehrhardt became iconic. Other notable appearances include *A Night at the Opera* (1935) and *The Shop Around the Corner* (1940). His ability to make even supporting roles memorable made him a familiar and beloved face of classic cinema.