Jack Elam, born as William Scott Elam on November 13, 1920, was a distinguished American film and television actor. Renowned for his striking misaligned eye, the result of a childhood injury, he was best known for his roles as villains in Western films, later transitioning into comedies, often parodying his villainous image. Before launching his acting career, Jack held various jobs in finance and served for two years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Throughout his commendable career, he performed in an impressive 73 movies and appeared in at least 41 television series.

Born in Miami, Arizona, Jack was one of two children of Millard Elam and Alice Amelia Kerby. His father shuffled through several jobs to support the family. After his mother’s death when he was just a child, Jack and his sister were taken care of by various family members until their father remarried. Jack's distinctive mangled eye was the result of a severe injury he endured in a fight when he was only 11. This bodily flaw came to define his unique appearance, catching the attention of numerous casting directors and contributing to his notorious villain roles. Despite being blind in one eye, Jack served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His acting career took flight with his screen debut in 1949, and he predominantly played a villain or 'heavy' in gangster films and Westerns.