# Sterling Hayden

> American actor (1916–1986)

**Wikidata**: [Q323166](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q323166)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterling_Hayden)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sterling-hayden

## Summary
Sterling Hayden was an American actor (1916–1986) known for his roles in Western films, film noir, and war films. He served as a military officer during World War II and later transitioned into acting, becoming a character actor in Hollywood.

## Biography
- Born: 1916
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Acting in Western, drama, and noir films; military service during World War II
- Employer(s): Office of Strategic Services (1942–1945)
- Field(s): Acting, military service

## Contributions
Sterling Hayden served as a military officer during World War II, holding a position of authority in the Office of Strategic Services. He later transitioned into acting, appearing in films across multiple genres, including Westerns, dramas, and film noir.

## FAQs
**What was Sterling Hayden's primary occupation?**
Sterling Hayden was primarily an actor, known for his work in Western films, dramas, and film noir.

**Where did Sterling Hayden serve during World War II?**
He served as a military officer in the Office of Strategic Services, a United States intelligence agency active from 1942 to 1945.

**What genres of films did Sterling Hayden appear in?**
He appeared in Western films, dramas, film noir, adventure films, action films, war films, and comedy films.

**Did Sterling Hayden receive any awards?**
He was awarded the Silver Star, a United States military decoration.

## Why They Matter
Sterling Hayden's military service during World War II and subsequent career in acting contributed to his diverse roles in film. His work in Westerns, dramas, and noir films helped shape the genre's portrayal of characters. His military background also influenced his portrayal of authority figures in films.

## Notable For
- Served as a military officer during World War II
- Awarded the Silver Star for his service
- Appeared in Western films, including *The Searchers* (1956)
- Played roles in film noir and drama films
- Transitioned from military service to acting

## Body
### Early Life and Military Service
Sterling Hayden was born in 1916. He served as a military officer during World War II, holding a position of authority in the Office of Strategic Services. He was awarded the Silver Star for his service.

### Acting Career
Hayden began his acting career in the 1940s, appearing in films across multiple genres. He is known for his roles in Western films, including *The Searchers* (1956). He also appeared in drama films, film noir, adventure films, action films, war films, and comedy films.

### Influence and Legacy
Hayden's military background influenced his portrayal of authority figures in films. His work in Westerns and dramas helped shape the genre's portrayal of characters. He transitioned from military service to acting, contributing to the film industry with his diverse roles.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. SNAC
5. Find a Grave
6. filmportal.de
7. Proleksis Encyclopedia
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CONOR.SI
11. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data