Mike Henry was an NFL linebacker who became an actor, known for his roles in Tarzan movies of the 1960s and the “Smokey and the Bandit” series.
- Died: January 8, 2021 (Who else died on January 8?)
- Details of death: Died in Burbank, California at the age of 84.
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From the NFL to Hollywood
Henry played football for USC and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1958. After several seasons with the team, he wanted to pursue acting, so he requested a transfer to the Los Angeles Rams. His request was granted, and he played for the Rams from 1962 to 1964, when he caught the eye of a Warner Bros. producer. He was cast as Tarzan in “Tarzan and the Valley of Gold” (1966), “Tarzan and the Great River” (1967), and “Tarzan and the Jungle Boy” (1968). Henry bowed out of the Tarzan franchise after being bitten by a chimpanzee while filming, frustrated with this and other unsafe conditions while working.
After Tarzan
Another well-known role for Henry began in 1977 with “Smokey and the Bandit.” He played Junior, the son of Jackie Gleason’s character, Sheriff Buford T. Justice. He reprised the role in the film’s 1981 and 1983 sequels. Henry’s other films include “Skyjacked” (1972), “Soylent Green” (1973), and “The Longest Yard” (1974). He appeared on TV shows including “M*A*S*H,” “General Hospital,” and “Fantasy Island.”
Tributes to Mike Henry
Full obituary: Variety
