**Steven Berkoff** (London, 1937) is a British actor, director, and playwright, known for his intense stage presence. His film career is predominantly associated with roles as complex and often menacing antagonists, in which he excels at portraying authoritarian and ruthless figures.

He has played memorable characters in blockbusters such as General Orlov in *Octopussy* (1983), Colonel Podovsky in *Rambo: First Blood Part II* (1985), and Victor Maitland in *Beverly Hills Cop* (1984). His acting style is distinguished by dramatic intensity, an often theatrical delivery, and the ability to imbue his characters with an aura of cold intelligence and control. He became renowned for personifying the archetypal Hollywood "villain."