**Stephen Boyd (1931-1977)**, an Irish-born British actor, is primarily remembered for his intense screen presence and for frequently portraying antagonists.

His most iconic role is undoubtedly that of Messala, Judah Ben-Hur's ambitious and cruel rival in the epic *Ben-Hur* (1959). This performance earned him international fame, defining his image as a dark and tormented man.

Characterized by a vigorous appearance and passionate acting, Boyd excelled at portraying complex characters, often morally ambiguous or conflicted. Other significant films include *The Fall of the Roman Empire* (1964) and the science fiction film *Fantastic Voyage* (1966). Despite his promising ascent, his career never reached the same peak after the success of *Ben-Hur*.