Henry Slate


Biography

Though you may not recognize his name, Henry Slate's face would likely prove familiar, as the prolific performer appeared in more than 60 film and television productions in a career that spanned more than 50 years. He and his brothers, Jack and Syd, were a successful singing trio who made their Broadway debut in 1930 in the aptly titled musical comedy "Ballyhoos of 1930." He'd go on to s...

Biography

Though you may not recognize his name, Henry Slate's face would likely prove familiar, as the prolific performer appeared in more than 60 film and television productions in a career that spanned more than 50 years. He and his brothers, Jack and Syd, were a successful singing trio who made their Broadway debut in 1930 in the aptly titled musical comedy "Ballyhoos of 1930." He'd go on to share the stage with his brothers in a number of Broadway productions, including the musical comedy "You Said It" and the musical revue "Earl Carroll's Vanities." In 1938, the brothers broke into film, landing small roles in the George Burns/Gracie Allen comedy "College Swing." Comedy was definitely Slate's strong suit, and he'd go on to land supporting roles in a number of beloved funny films, including the Jack Lemmon/Janet Leigh romantic-comedy musical "My Sister Eileen," Disney's family adventure "Herbie Goes Bananas," and the Sally Field vehicle "Murphy's Romance." The last proved to be Slate's final film performance; he retired after its completion, ending a long and storied career. He died 11 years later of cancer, but left behind a legacy of music and laughter.

Life Events

Videos

Movie Clip

Rock Around The Clock (1956) -- (Movie Clip) See You Later Alligator Disillusioned promoter Steve (Johnny Johnston) and ex big-band bass player Corny (Henry Slate) in fictional "Strawberry Springs" discover the genuine Bill Haley and His Comets, singing their hit tune by Robert C. Gurdy, in Rock Around The Clock, 1956.
Pickup On South Street -- (Movie Clip) Tiger's Waiting Pickpocket Skip (Richard Widmark) returns to his waterfront hide-out, discovers he's scored some microfilm, and greets cops Winocki (Milburn Stone) and Mac (Henry Slate) in Samuel Fuller's Pickup On South Street, 1953.
Miss Sadie Thompson (1954) -- (Movie Clip) Refrigeration Unit Somerset Maugham's story updated to post-WWII American Samoa, marines Aldo Ray, Henry Slate and Charles Buchinsky (later Bronson) on their heels as director Curtis Bernhardt introduces Rita Hayworth, the title character, early in Miss Sadie Thompson, 1954.
Bus Stop (1956) -- (Movie Clip) Ignorant Hillbilly Virgil (Arthur O'Connell) is just arriving at the Blue Dragon, as Cherie (Marilyn Monroe, her first scene) shares her story with waitress friend Vera (Eileen Heckart), in Bus Stop, 1956, Joshua Logan directing, from the William Inge play.
Bus Stop (1956) -- (Movie Clip) I'm A Chanteuse Bo (Don Murray) has just rescued Cherie (Marilyn Monroe) from the rowdy cowboy audience at the Blue Dragon, sparks now flying between them, in Bus Stop, 1956, from the William Inge play.
O. Henry's Full House (1952) -- (Movie Clip) The Clarion Call New York cop Barney (Dale Robertson), who realized that an unusual pencil found at a murder scene implicated his Pennsylvania childhood pal Johnny (Richard Widmark), confronts him, prompting a compromising backstory, in director Henry Hathaway’s contribution to the anthology O. Henry’s Full House, 1952.

Bibliography