**Van Heflin** (1910-1971) was an American actor known for his versatility and the intensity of his performances. His film career often saw him cast as the common man, upright yet tormented, or as complex and morally ambiguous characters.

He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in *Johnny Eager* (1942). Among his most memorable roles were the farmer Joe Starrett in *Shane* (1953), the rancher Dan Evans in *3:10 to Yuma* (1957), and nuanced characters in film noirs like *The Prowler* (1951) and dramas such as *Possessed* (1947) and *Random Harvest* (1942). Heflin was admired for his ability to bring depth and credibility even to the most ordinary characters.