Henry Stephenson, a tall and dignified British character actor, was a prominent figure in Hollywood's classic history-based films of the 1930s and 1940s. With his patrician presence, he could effortlessly convey a sense of authority and benevolence, often dispensing words of wisdom or offering gentlemanly aid in his roles.
Born Henry S. Garroway on April 16, 1871, in Granada, British West Indies, Stephenson studied at Rugby in England before establishing himself on the stage in both America and England. He made his Broadway debut around the turn of the century with "A Message from Mars" in 1901 and went on to build a reputation as a versatile and accomplished stage actor.
Although he did appear in a few silent films from 1917, it wasn't until later years that he gained recognition in the film industry. This was largely due to his successful transfer of a Broadway role to the screen with "Cynara" in 1932, which marked the beginning of his Hollywood career.
Stephenson went on to work with various studios, including RKO, MGM, and Warner Bros., and appeared in a wide range of films. He frequently collaborated with top stars, including Errol Flynn, with whom he appeared in several films, including "Captain Blood" (1935),"The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1936),"The Prince and the Pauper" (1937),and "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" (1939).
Stephenson's last film was the sentimental yarn "Challenge to Lassie" in 1949. He was married to character actress Ann Shoemaker for many years and died on April 24, 1956, in San Francisco, California, at the age of 85. He was survived by his widow and daughter.
