**Will Geer (1902-1978)** was an American character actor whose film career was marked by impactful roles. He began on stage but soon became a recognizable face on the big screen.

His career was interrupted by the Hollywood "blacklist" in the 1950s, a period during which he dedicated himself to theater and activism. Among his most significant films before the blacklist is **"Salt of the Earth" (1954)**, a symbol of artistic resilience.

In subsequent years, he returned to prominence playing outspoken, often elderly, wise figures with a connection to nature or the rural world. He excelled in films such as **"Advise & Consent" (1962)**, **"The Reivers" (1969)**, and **"Jeremiah Johnson" (1972)**. His style was characterized by authenticity and a robust stage presence, which made him perfect for empathetic and grounded characters.