Henry Jones (actor)
A master character actor whose sharp, often sardonic presence graced decades of film and television, from Hitchcock thrillers to beloved sitcoms.
1912–1999 (age 87)·American actor·Birthday: August 1·The Greatest Generation
Biography
With a face made for expressing dry wit and a voice that could convey both authority and mischief, Henry Jones enjoyed a remarkably long and varied career. After starting on the Broadway stage, he moved seamlessly into film, becoming a favorite of directors like Alfred Hitchcock, who cast him as the sardonic coroner in 'Vertigo.' Jones specialized in playing judges, clerks, doctors, and neighbors—the essential supporting players who ground a story with a dose of reality and often a well-timed quip. Television audiences knew him from hundreds of guest spots on shows from 'Gunsmoke' to 'The Twilight Zone,' but he found perhaps his most iconic role as the scheming, lazy handyman Leroy Jessup on the long-running sitcom 'Phyllis.' His work was never flashy, but it was always precisely calibrated, making him one of Hollywood's most reliable and memorable utility players.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Henry was born in 1912, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Henry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1912
Henry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1912Born
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1917Started school
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1925Became a teenager
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Could drive
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1930Could vote
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Turned 21
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1942Turned 30
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 40
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 50
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 60
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 70
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 80
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1999Died at 87
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
Key Achievements
- Delivered a memorable performance as the coroner in Alfred Hitchcock's classic film 'Vertigo' (1958).
- Played the recurring role of the conniving handyman Leroy Jessup on the CBS sitcom 'Phyllis' (1975-1977).
- Won a Tony Award in 1958 for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in 'Sunrise at Campobello.'
- Appeared in over 100 television series throughout his career, including iconic shows like 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'M*A*S*H.'
Did You Know?
He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
Jones was the voice of the animated character 'Sir Tuxford' in Disney's 'The Robin Hood' (1973).
He played a judge in the comedy 'The Out-of-Towners' (1970) and again in its 1999 remake.
His final film role was in 'Dick Tracy' (1990), playing a character named 'City Editor.'
“Just say the lines and try not to bump into the furniture.”
