I Watch 'Em So You Don't Have To

Character Actors You've Probably Seen A Lot Of But Don't Realize It:    


Lance Henrickson


You've seen his face everywhere on both television and in the movies. From uncredited cameos to starring roles, Lance Henrickson is another actor that will make me watch any movie in which he appears (Even Hellraiser: Hellworld - the only hell in that movie was watching it. Woof.). He is also the kind of guy that will be very handsome no matter how old he gets (he's 72).

Bishop in Aliens

I first noticed him in Aliens (1986) as Bishop, the android. He was great. Looking for him in other things was pretty easy - he's another been there done everything kind of guy.

Frank Black in Millenium

I loved the series Millenium where he played Frank Black, a former FBI agent who has the ability to get into the minds of killers. Sort of. Enough to catch them anyway. The plot was good at first: It is the years before 2000 and it played on people's fears of what would happen globally when the new millenium arrived. At first it was great but they kept messing with it so much that when it ended it was almost a relief. Talk about taking a great series and mucking it up.

Hal Vukovich in Terminator

Lance had what some would call a 'late start' in the acting business, having his first role while in his 30's. Although best known as Bishop from Aliens, three prominent franchise roles have been written for him although he would only star in one of them. James Cameron wrote The Terminator (1984) hoping he would play the title character before Arnold was cast. Chris Carter created Millennium (1996) specifically for him, then convinced him to become hero Frank Black. Lastly, Victor Salva wrote Jeepers Creepers (2001) with him in mind for the role of the Creeper, but he wasn't cast. Probably just as well. JC 1 and 2 were real stinkers.

Jesse Hooker in Near Dark

Not to say Lance hasn't had his share of, ummm, not-so-good horror movies under his belt (Anyone remember the Pumpkinhead series? Probably just as well.) But whether the movie/television show is good or bad, Lance gives consistently good performances.




Lance was born and raised in New York City and had a somewhat difficult childhood. He got his first acting job in a stage play simply because he helped build the set. In his 30's he graduated from the Actors Guild. Since he could not read, he taught himself by studying movie scripts. Pretty impressive. 




He has done character voices in many cartoons as well as video games. He is still active in film, television, commercials, voice-overs and as an artist. He is a real gentleman and a pleasure to watch.