Rodney Stephen Steiger, known popularly as Rod Steiger, was an American actor, born on April 14, 1925 and died on July 9, 2002. He became prominent for his portrayal of offbeat, often volatile and crazed characters, executing such roles with distinctive intensity. Steiger was ranked as 'one of Hollywood's most charismatic and dynamic stars,' and was closely associated with the art of method acting, a technique where he would completely embody the characters he played. His remarkable performances led him to clashes with directors and co-stars, but his brilliance was undeniable as he claimed notable roles and rewards including the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as police chief Bill Gillespie in the film 'In the Heat of the Night' (1967).

Steiger was born in Westhampton, New York, as the son of a vaudevillian. Despite a difficult childhood, he succeeded in carving a career for himself in the world of acting, starting with television roles in 1947. His talent manifested itself in numerous stage performances and his appearances in several films where he committed himself to diverse characters and intense performances. Steiger's life was also marked with personal challenges, including depression and health issues, which he bravely faced while continuing to make significant contributions to the acting industry.