Michael Dennis Henry (August 15, 1936 – January 8, 2021) was an American professional football linebacker and actor. He was best known for his role as Tarzan in the 1960s film trilogy and as Junior in the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy.

Football career

Henry attended Bell High School in Los Angeles, where his play caught the attention of USC Trojans alum John Ferraro, who arranged for him to get a tryout at USC. He attended USC and was co-captain of the 1957 USC Trojans football team.

Henry joined the NFL when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 9th round of the 1958 NFL draft, playing for them from 1958 until 1961. With hopes of pursuing an acting career, he requested and received transfer to the Los Angeles Rams, playing with them from 1962 through 1964.

Filmography

  • Curfew Breakers (1957) as Reagan
  • General Hospital (1963, TV Series) as Rudolpho (1988)
  • Spencer's Mountain (1963) as Spencer Brother (uncredited)
  • Palm Springs Weekend (1963) as Doorman (uncredited)
  • Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (1966) as Tarzan
  • Tarzan and the Great River (1967) as Tarzan
  • Tarzan and the Jungle Boy (1968) as Tarzan
  • The Green Berets (1968) as Sergeant Kowalski
  • More Dead Than Alive (1968) as Luke Santee
  • Number One (1969) as Walt Chaffee
  • Rio Lobo (1970) as Sheriff Tom Hendricks
  • Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (1972) as Fargo
  • Skyjacked (1972) as Sam Allen
  • Soylent Green (1973) as Kulozik
  • The Longest Yard (1974) as Rassmeusen
  • Mean Johnny Barrows (1976) as Carlo Da Vince
  • Adiós Amigo (1976) as Mary's Husband
  • No Way Back (1976) as Goon #3
  • Smokey and the Bandit (1977) as Junior Justice
  • M*A*S*H (1977, TV Series) as Donald Penobscot
  • Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) as Junior Justice
  • Fantasy Island (1981, TV Series) as Mike
  • Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983) as Junior Justice
  • Outrageous Fortune (1987) as Russian #1

References

  • Mike Henry at Brian's Drive-In Theater