**Steve Cochran (1917-1965)** was an American actor, celebrated for his intense and often menacing presence on the big screen. He established himself in roles as "tough guys," anti-heroes, gangsters, or morally ambiguous and tormented characters, often with an underlying current of repressed violence. He became a recognizable figure in film noir and crime dramas of the 1940s and 1950s.

Among his most memorable performances is the role of "Big Ed" Somers, James Cagney's brutal brother, in Raoul Walsh's classic *White Heat* (Furia Selvaggia, 1949). Other significant appearances include *The Damned Don't Cry* (Femmine ribelli, 1950) alongside Joan Crawford, *Highway 301* (Sparate senza pietà!, 1950), and *Private Hell 36* (Anonima omicidi, 1954). Cochran left his mark thanks to his ability to infuse depth and vulnerability even into his most sinister characters.