William "Bill" Henry

Biography

William Henry (Los Angeles, 1914 – 1982) was an American actor who worked in both film and television. He began as a child performer and became known as a leading man in westerns and B-movies, before settling into a long career as a character actor.

His early roles included small parts in comedies and dramas of the 1930s, and later adventure pictures such as Tarzan Escapes (1936). He belonged to John Ford's regular company of performers and worked with the director twelve times. He also appeared in John Wayne's The Alamo (1960), playing Dr. Sutherland, the last defender to fall. His screen time was often brief, but he became a familiar face on many television series of the period, including Bat Masterson, where he played two different sheriffs. He was also active with the Pasadena Community Playhouse.

He was married twice, and his brother Thomas Browne Henry was also a character actor. His legacy rests on steady professional work across classic westerns and the television of his day rather than on star status.

Key films

• Going My Way (1944), directed by Leo McCarey: a supporting role in one of the most successful musical comedies of its time.
• The Alamo (1960), directed by John Wayne: Dr. Sutherland, one of the defenders of the mission.
• The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), directed by John Ford: a minor role as a gambler in one of Ford's best-known westerns.
• Dear Brigitte (1965), directed by Henry Koster: a brief appearance as a racetrack cashier.