William Demarest (1892-1983) was an American character actor, known for his long and prolific film career. Specializing in 'everyman' roles, often as laborers or authoritarian figures with a gruff yet fundamentally honest nature, Demarest excelled in both comedy and drama.

He is best remembered for his collaborations with director Preston Sturges, appearing in many of his celebrated 1940s comedies, including *Sullivan's Travels* (1941), *The Miracle of Morgan's Creek* (1944), and *Hail the Conquering Hero* (1944).

His most acclaimed performance was as Steve Martin in *The Jolson Story* (1946), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His style, characterized by impeccable comedic timing and a strong screen presence, made him one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces.