Sterling Hayden (1916-1986) was an American actor, known for his imposing physique and deep voice. He excelled at portraying rugged characters, often tormented or ambiguous, with an innate authority and a touch of melancholy.

His film career is studded with memorable roles. He played the robber Johnny Clay in John Huston's *Giungla d'asfalto* (The Asphalt Jungle, 1950), a classic of the film noir genre. He collaborated with Stanley Kubrick on two masterpieces: the corrupt police officer in *Rapina a mano armata* (The Killing, 1956) and the unforgettable General Jack D. Ripper in *Il dottor Stranamore* (Dr. Strangelove, 1964).

Other iconic roles include the cowboy in *Johnny Guitar* (1954), Captain McCluskey in *Il Padrino* (The Godfather, 1972), and the writer Roger Wade in *Il lungo addio* (The Long Goodbye, 1973). Hayden left an indelible mark thanks to his magnetic screen presence and his ability to render complex seemingly simple characters.