Elisha Cook Jr.

Elisha Cook Jr. (December 26, 1903 – May 18, 1995) was an American character actor known for his work in films noir. With a career spanning over 60 years, Cook appeared in a total of 21 films noir, the highest number for any actor. He rose to prominence with his role as the bug-eyed, baby-faced psychopathic killer Wilmer Cook in the 1941 version of 'The Maltese Falcon.' Cook continued to play deceptively mild-mannered villains throughout his career, with notable appearances in films such as 'The Big Sleep,' 'Shane,' 'The Killing,' 'House on Haunted Hill,' and 'Rosemary's Baby.' Born in San Francisco, he began his acting journey in vaudeville and stock theater at a young age.