Early Photo of Henry On 60’s TV Show Laugh-In
Cancer has been taking its toll on performers this month.
First it was Patrick Swayze, and sadly it has claimed two more lives. Mary Travers, age 72 of the famed folk group Peter Paul and Mary and now actor Henry Gibson at the age of 73.
I fondly remember Henry Gibson from the late 60’s show Rowan and Martin’s Laugh -In which my family watched religiously.
He was always was the quiet one of the show. I remember him playing the teetotaler priest during their party scenes.
Of course he always had a poem to recite on Laugh-In, and would start every one with, “A poem…. by Henry Gibson”.
Later roles found him in the Blues Brother’s movie playing a Nazi party leader!
And most people didn’t know that Henry played a Ferengi named “Nilva” on Star Track Deep Space 9. (Nilva was a Ferengi Commerce Authority commissioner and the chairman of the Slug-o-Cola company) for all you non Trekkies.
Years later, you can find him playing Judge Clark Brown on Boston Legal just to name a few.
Reuters Wrote:
By Mike Barnes
Henry Gibson, a wry comic character actor whose career included “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” “Nashville” and “Boston Legal,” died Monday at his home in Malibu after a brief battle with cancer. He was 73.
Gibson’s breakthrough came in 1968 when he was cast as a member of the original ensemble of NBC’s top-rated “Laugh-In,” on which he performed for three seasons. Each week, a giant flower in his hand, he recited a signature poem, introducing them with the catchphrase that became his signature: “A Poem, by Henry Gibson.”
The poems proved so popular that they led to the release of two comedy albums, “The Alligator” and “The Grass Menagerie,” as well as a book, “A Flower Child’s Garden of Verses.”
After “Laugh-In,” he played the evil Dr. Verringer in “The Long Goodbye” (1973), the first of four films in which he appeared for director Robert Altman. They reunited two years later for “Nashville,” in which Gibson played country singer Haven Hamilton and also wrote his character’s songs. They went on to work together again in “A Perfect Couple” and “HealtH.”
In television, is recent notable work included a five-season stint as crusty Judge Clarence Brown on “Boston Legal” and multiple episodes as the voice of newspaperman Bob Jenkins on the animated “King of the Hill.”
Gibson is survived by three sons. Memorial services are pending.
Early Picture Of Henry With Cast Members Of Laugh-In
To Henry, who was a very versatile actor who was loved by many… may you rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to family members and friends.
Source: Queen
Related Posts:
