**Warren Oates (1928-1982)** was an American actor, known for his intense presence and rugged face. A character actor, he excelled at portraying complex men, often vulnerable, rough-edged, or on the fringes.

His career is closely tied to director Sam Peckinpah, who cast him in memorable roles such as Lyle Gorch in *The Wild Bunch* (1969) and the controversial Benny in *Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia* (1974).

Other iconic performances include the Mechanic in Monte Hellman's *Two-Lane Blacktop* (1971) and the starring role in *Dillinger* (1973). Oates embodied an authentic anti-hero, a quintessential face of 1970s cinema, capable of imbuing even the most ambiguous characters with depth and humanity.