John Houseman was a British-American actor and producer, best known for his work in film, television, and theater. He gained fame for his role as Professor Charles Kingsfield in the movie The Paper Chase, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1974. Houseman had a long and varied career, contributing to both the arts and education. In addition to acting, Houseman was a successful producer, co-founding the Mercury Theatre with Orson Welles. He was influential in the development of American theater and later became a prominent figure in television, hosting the series Masterpiece Theatre for many years.