Ida Lupino was an English-American actress, director, and producer who was active in the entertainment industry from 1933 to 1995. She is best known for her roles in films such as High Sierra (1941), The Hard Way (1943), and Not Wanted (1949). She was also the first woman to direct a film noir, The Hitch-Hiker (1953). Lupino was a pioneer in the industry, paving the way for other female filmmakers.