German-born Henry Brandon, a character actor in American films, was frequently seen in villainous roles. His parents, who emigrated to the United States shortly after his birth, were instrumental in nurturing his early interest in acting. This interest led him to study at the prestigious Pasadena Community Playhouse, where he honed his craft and laid the foundation for a successful career.
Brandon's breakthrough role came when he landed the lead villain part in the Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy film March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934). He quickly became a familiar and reliable heavy in pictures of all sizes, earning a reputation for his versatility and range.
In 1936, Brandon adopted the stage name Henry Brandon, having previously been billed as either Henry or Harry Kleinbach. He went on to captivate thriller audiences with his sinister portrayal of Dr. Fu Manchu in Drums of Fu Manchu (1943),and balanced this with a significant number of sympathetic roles, such as the skilled foreman Joe Dombrowski in Black Legion (1937).
Throughout his film career, Brandon continued to work on stage, playing the villain in the record-length run of the melodrama "The Drunkard". His sharp features led him to be cast in unexpected roles, including Indian chiefs in two John Ford features, The Searchers (1956) and Two Rode Together (1961).
Brandon remained active in films and occasional television roles, as well as reprising his role in "The Drunkard" on stage in the 1980s, until the end of his life. A confirmed bachelor, he dedicated himself to his craft, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of character acting.
