Buck Henry

Biography

Buck Henry (1930-2020) was an American actor, screenwriter, and director whose dry wit, incisive satire, and quiet charisma made him a distinctive and influential figure in Hollywood for over five decades. From groundbreaking television comedy to Oscar-nominated screenplays and directorial efforts, Henry's multi-faceted career left an indelible mark on the landscape of American entertainment.

Born Henry Zuckerman on December 9, 1930, in New York City, Henry came from an artistic family; his mother, Ruth Taylor, was a silent film actress. He honed his comedic instincts early, contributing to humor magazines at Dartmouth College. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he ventured into the burgeoning world of television, working on variety and satirical news programs like The New Steve Allen Show and That Was the Week That Was.

Henry's career truly took off in the 1960s with his groundbreaking work in television and film. He co-created the iconic spy parody sitcom "Get Smart" (1965-1970) with Mel Brooks, for which he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing. The show's clever blend of slapstick and sharp satire redefined the spy genre and remains a beloved classic.

His transition to film proved equally impactful. Henry received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for the seminal coming-of-age film "The Graduate" (1967), which he co-wrote with Calder Willingham. He also made a memorable cameo in the film as the hotel desk clerk. His screenwriting credits continued to impress, including the satirical war film "Catch-22" (1970), the Barbra Streisand vehicle "What's Up, Doc?" (1972), and Gus Van Sant's dark comedy "To Die For" (1995).

In 1978, Henry ventured into directing, co-helming "Heaven Can Wait" with its star, Warren Beatty. This charming fantasy-comedy earned him his second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Director. He also directed the political satire "First Family" (1980).

Beyond his behind-the-scenes work, Buck Henry was also a recognizable and highly respected actor, often portraying understated, intelligent, or quirky characters. He appeared in over 40 films, including a lead role in Miloš Forman's "Taking Off" (1971), David Bowie's cult classic "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976), John Cassavetes' "Gloria" (1980), Albert Brooks' "Defending Your Life" (1991), Robert Altman's "The Player" (1992) (playing himself), and "Grumpy Old Men" (1993).

A true fixture of American comedy, Henry was famously one of the earliest and most frequent hosts of NBC's Saturday Night Live, hosting 10 times and becoming the inaugural member of the show's "Five-Timers Club." His deadpan delivery and willingness to participate in absurd sketches made him a perfect foil for the show's original cast.

Buck Henry passed away on January 8, 2020, at the age of 89. His legacy is that of a uniquely versatile and intelligent artist who consistently elevated the comedic and dramatic landscape of film and television, leaving behind a body of work characterized by its sophistication, wit, and enduring appeal.