Barry Shabaka Henley

Barry Shabaka Henley (born Barry Joseph Henley; September 15, 1954) is an American character actor. Henley has appeared as a regular in a number of television series, has numerous film credits, and is a fixture in films by director Michael Mann,[1] having worked with the director five times. His stage name, Shabaka, is taken from a Pharaoh from Egypt’s 25th dynasty, who ruled from 721 to 707 BC.

Henley was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His mother was a dance teacher, and he often tagged along to watch recitals. During his childhood his family moved to San Francisco, and he attended the San Francisco Polytechnic High School, where he was taught by Johnny Land. Henley’s first true audition came at age 17 when he heard that the Encore Theatre was looking for a certain type. He was given the script but did not think he was a good fit for the part and determined not to read it. But, Henley has said, “On the bus from 45th and Quintara to Mason and Geary, it hit me…You know what, I guess this guy wants me to memorize this stuff. So I memorized it on the bus.” He spent the next several years acting on stage before moving to the screen. His early stage work included appearances with the San Francisco Mime Troupe, and a performance as “Factwino.