Burl Ives was an American singer and actor who was active from the 1930s to the 1970s. He was known for his folk music, which he often performed with his guitar, and for his roles in films such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Big Country. He was also a popular radio personality and hosted his own show, The Wayfaring Stranger. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Big Country.