Barry Shabaka Henley

Barry Shabaka Henley

Born:September 15, 1954

Place of Birth:New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Barry Shabaka Henley, born Barry Joseph Henley on September 15, 1954, is an esteemed American character actor known for his captivating performances on both the big screen and television. With a career spanning decades, Henley has become a recognizable face in Hollywood, often collaborating with renowned director Michael Mann, showcasing his versatility and talent in a variety of roles.

One of Henley's notable performances was in the biographical sports drama "Ali," where he portrayed the character of Herbert Muhammad. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to his roles shone through in the film, earning him critical acclaim for his portrayal. In "Collateral," he captivated audiences with his portrayal of a jazz musician facing his mortality, showcasing his range as an actor.

Henley's talent was further showcased in Steven Spielberg's "The Terminal," where he delivered a memorable performance that resonated with viewers. His role as Lt. Martin Castillo in "Miami Vice," following in the footsteps of Edward James Olmos, solidified his reputation as a skilled character actor capable of embodying complex roles with nuance and depth.

Beyond his work on the screen, Henley has also made significant contributions to the stage, earning prestigious awards such as the Drama Desk, Obie, and Olivier Awards for his outstanding performances. His dedication to his craft and ability to immerse himself in diverse characters have made him a respected figure in the world of acting.

In addition to his film and stage work, Henley has graced the small screen with his presence, appearing in various television series such as "Robbery Homicide Division" and "Barbershop." His recurring role as FBI Agent Vreede in the ABC series "FlashForward" further showcased his talent and range as an actor, captivating audiences with his compelling performances.

Henley's versatility as an actor is evident in his diverse range of roles, from portraying Buddy in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" to Detective Fuller in "Heroes." His ability to bring authenticity and depth to each character he embodies has made him a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry, garnering him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

Throughout his career, Henley has demonstrated a commitment to his craft, immersing himself in each role with dedication and passion. His contributions to both film and television have left an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented actor with a gift for bringing characters to life on screen.

Barry Shabaka Henley's legacy as a respected character actor continues to grow, with each new role showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Whether on stage, screen, or television, Henley's performances captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.

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Barry Shabaka Henley
Barry Shabaka Henley

Filmography

Acting

Rush Hour

Rush Hour

Bobby

1998

When Hong Kong Inspector Lee is summoned to Los Angeles to investigate a kidnapping, the FBI doesn't want any outside help and assigns cocky LAPD Detective James Carter to distract Lee from the case. Not content to watch the action from the sidelines, Lee and Carter form an unlikely partnership and investigate the case themselves.
The Terminal

The Terminal

Thurman

2004

An Eastern European tourist unexpectedly finds himself stranded in JFK airport, and must take up temporary residence there.
Collateral

Collateral

Daniel Baker

2004

Cab driver Max picks up a man who offers him $600 to drive him around. But the promise of easy money sours when Max realizes his fare is an assassin.
A Star Is Born

A Star Is Born

Little Feet

2018

Seasoned musician Jackson Maine discovers — and falls in love with — struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer — until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.
Carrie

Carrie

Principal Henry Morton

2013

A contemporary take on the horror classic about an awkward, telekinetic teenage girl, whose lonely life is dominated by relentless bullying at school and an oppressive religious fanatic mother at home. When her tormentors pull a humiliating prank at the senior prom, she unleashes a horrifying chaos on everyone, leaving nothing but destruction in her wake.
Life

Life

Pokerface

1999

Two men in 1930s Mississippi become friends after being sentenced to life in prison together for a crime they did not commit.
Four Brothers

Four Brothers

Councilman Douglas

2005

Four adopted brothers return to their Detroit hometown when their mother is murdered and vow to exact revenge on the killers.
Patch Adams

Patch Adams

Emmet

1998

The true story of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams, who in the 1970s found that humor is the best medicine, and was willing to do just anything to make his patients laugh—even if it meant risking his own career.
Fallen

Fallen

Uniformed Cop

1998

Homicide detective John Hobbes witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese. Soon after the execution the killings start again, and they are very similar to Reese's style.
Miami Vice

Miami Vice

Lt. Martin Castillo

2006

A case involving drug lords and murder in South Florida takes a personal turn for undercover detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs. Unorthodox Crockett gets involved romantically with the Chinese-Cuban wife of a trafficker of arms and drugs, while Tubbs deals with an assault on those he loves.
State of Play

State of Play

Gene Stavitz

2009

When a congressional aide is killed, a Washington, D.C. journalist starts investigating the case involving the Representative, his old college friend.
Ali

Ali

Herbert Muhammad

2001

In 1964, a brash, new pro boxer, fresh from his Olympic gold medal victory, explodes onto the scene: Cassius Clay. Bold and outspoken, he cuts an entirely new image for African Americans in sport with his proud public self-confidence and his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time. Yet at the top of his game, both Ali's personal and professional lives face the ultimate test.
Paterson

Paterson

Doc

2016

A week in the life of Paterson, a poet bus driver, and his wife Laura, a very creative artist, who live in Paterson, New Jersey, hometown of many famous poets and artists.
Horsemen

Horsemen

Tuck

2009

A recently widowed detective still grieving over his wife's death discovers a shocking connection between himself and the suspects in a serial killing spree linked to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
What's Love Got to Do with It

What's Love Got to Do with It

El Paso Doctor

1993

Singer Tina Turner rises to stardom while mustering the courage to break free from her abusive husband Ike.
Bulworth

Bulworth

Man at Frankie's

1998

A suicidally disillusioned liberal politician puts a contract out on himself and takes the opportunity to be bluntly honest with his voters by affecting the rhythms and speech of hip-hop music and culture.
Dolemite Is My Name

Dolemite Is My Name

Demond

2019

The story of Rudy Ray Moore, who created the iconic big screen pimp character Dolemite in the 1970s.
The Big Year

The Big Year

Dr. Neil Kramer

2011

Three fanatical bird-watchers spend an entire year competing to spot the highest number of species as El Nino sends an extraordinary variety of rare breeds flying up into the U.S., but they quickly discover that there are more important things than coming out on top of the competition.
Lord of Illusions

Lord of Illusions

Dr. Toffler

1995

During a routine case in L.A., NY private investigator Harry D'Amour stumbles over members of a fanatic cult who are preparing for the resurrection of their leader Nix, a powerful magician who was killed 13 years earlier.
Devil in a Blue Dress

Devil in a Blue Dress

Woodcutter

1995

In late 1940s Los Angeles, Easy Rawlins is an unemployed black World War II veteran with few job prospects. At a bar, Easy meets DeWitt Albright, a mysterious white man looking for someone to investigate the disappearance of a missing white woman named Daphne Monet, who he suspects is hiding out in one of the city's black jazz clubs. Strapped for money and facing house payments, Easy takes the job, but soon finds himself in over his head.

Production