Barry Shabaka Henley, a talented and accomplished American character actor, embarked on his professional journey on September 15, 1954, under the birth name Barry Joseph Henley. Throughout his illustrious career, he has demonstrated an impressive range and versatility, often partnering with acclaimed director Michael Mann, with whom he has shared a collaborative creative endeavor on no less than four separate occasions.
Notable among his extensive filmography is the pivotal role of Herbert Muhammad in the biographical drama Ali, where he brought to life the complex and multifaceted personality of the renowned boxing legend's manager.
Moreover, his captivating performance as a sensitive and introspective jazz musician in the critically acclaimed film Collateral left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide, as he masterfully conveyed the emotional depth and vulnerability of a character living on borrowed time.
Furthermore, Henley's impressive repertoire also includes a memorable appearance in Steven Spielberg's The Terminal, where he added to the film's rich tapestry of characters and storylines.
Additionally, his extensive television career was marked by a starring role in the iconic series Miami Vice, where he succeeded the legendary Edward James Olmos as the charismatic and authoritative Lt. Martin Castillo, bringing a unique and nuanced perspective to the character.
Notable beyond his cinematic endeavors, Henley has concurrently maintained a significant presence in television, boasting a string of recurring roles across multiple series. These notable appearances include, but are not limited to, the crime drama Robbery Homicide Division, the comedy-drama Barbershop, and the science fiction thriller FlashForward, where he has portrayed the character of FBI Agent Vreede since 2009. Furthermore, he has also shared the screen with esteemed actress Angela Bassett in the romantic comedy How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
Noted television personality, Henry Henley, is set to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry with his upcoming role as Detective Fuller in the highly acclaimed and popular television series Heroes, which has been delighting audiences since its premiere in the year 2006.
Furthermore, Henley's impressive acting credentials also include a notable performance in the comedy film Life, which was released in the year 1999 and starred the talented Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. In this film, Henley took on the role of Pokerface, showcasing his versatility as a thespian and his ability to adapt to a wide range of characters and genres.
Noted thespian, Henley has accumulated a prestigious array of honors throughout his illustrious career, boasting a trio of esteemed accolades: the Drama Desk Award, the Obie Award, and the coveted Olivier Award.
