William Henry was an American actor best known for his roles in “The Thin Man,” “Madame X,” and “Secret of the Incas.” He had a diverse career that spanned several decades, beginning in the 1930s.
Personal and Family Life
William Albert Henry was born on November 10, 1914, in Los Angeles, California. He attended both Los Angeles High School and Hollywood High School before studying at the Pasadena Playhouse School. He married Grace Durkin in 1936, but they divorced in 1949. He later married Barbara Knudson in 1951, and they had one child before their divorce in 1961. He had a total of three children: Michael, Michele, and William Jr. He also had a close bond with Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, who helped him start his acting career.
Career
William Henry began acting at a young age and debuted on screen at just eight years old. He gained fame for playing youthful characters and was a frequent collaborator with director John Ford, appearing in several of his films. Throughout his career, he transitioned to B-movie heroes and character roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Aside from acting, he enjoyed collecting books and later pursued landscape gardening after retiring from films.
Death and Legacy
William Henry passed away on August 10, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. He is remembered for his contributions to cinema and his memorable performances in classic films. His legacy continues through his work and the impact he had on the film industry during his career.
Filmography
Title | Release Date | Character |
---|---|---|
The Thin Man | 1934-05-25 | Gilbert Wynant |
Women in the Night | 1948-01-02 | Major Von Arnheim |
Secret of the Incas | 1954-06-06 | Phillip Lang |
Madame X | 1937-10-01 | Hugh Fariman Jr. |
New Orleans Uncensored | 1955-03-01 | Joe Reilly |
The Mysterious Mr. Valentine | 1946-09-03 | Steve Morgan |
Tarzan Escapes | 1936-11-06 | Eric Parker |
A Life at Stake | 1955-03-01 | Myles Norman |
Double or Nothing | 1937-09-17 | Egbert Clark |
Blossoms in the Dust | 1941-08-15 | Allan Keats |
Three Bad Sisters | 1956-01-01 | Gans, the reporter |
The Navy Way | 1944-02-26 | Malcolm Randall |
A Gentleman After Dark | 1942-04-16 | Paul Rutherford |
The Adventures of Mark Twain | 1944-07-20 | Charles Langdon |
Federal Man | 1950-06-21 | Agent Phil Sherrin |