Henry Wilcoxon's career took a significant turn when he was entrusted with the lead role of Marc Antony in Cecil B. DeMille's monumental production of Cleopatra, released in 1934. This marked the commencement of a prolonged and fruitful association with DeMille, who would go on to frequently cast Wilcoxon in key roles, solidifying his status as a dependable and versatile character actor within DeMille's cinematic universe.
As the years progressed, Wilcoxon's relationship with DeMille continued to blossom, eventually leading to a partnership that extended beyond acting to include the role of associate producer in the later stages of DeMille's illustrious career.
Despite the enduring nature of his collaboration with DeMille, Wilcoxon's professional trajectory underwent a significant shift following the legendary director's passing. He went on to accept a range of acting roles, albeit with less frequency and prominence, as he navigated the cinematic landscape with a more measured pace.