Raoul A. Walsh (March 11, 1887December 31, 1980) was an American film director and actor. He also founded the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He was known for playing the part of John Wilkes Booth in the movie "The Birth of a Nation" (1915). He also directed films like "The Big Trail" (1930) starring John Wayne, "High Sierra" (1941) starring Ida Lupino and Humphrey Bogart, and "White Heat" (1949) with James Cagney and Edmond O'Brien.