Introduction: The Legend of Lance Henriksen
Lance Henriksen: Few actors have left as lasting an impression on sci-fi and horror as Lance Henriksen. With his deep, gravelly voice, weathered face, and intense screen presence, Henriksen has become synonymous with iconic roles in legendary franchises like Alien, Terminator, and Millennium. Born on May 5, 1940, in New York City, Henriksen’s journey from a troubled childhood to Hollywood stardom is as compelling as the characters he portrays.
Over his six-decade career, Henriksen has played everything from androids and detectives to vampires and military leaders. His ability to bring depth to even the most minor roles has earned him a dedicated cult following.
Who Is Lance Henriksen?
Lance Henriksen is more than just an actor—he’s a Hollywood survivor. His early life was marked by hardship, including poverty, homelessness, and a stint in the U.S. Navy before he discovered acting. His rugged appearance and raw, authentic performances made him a favorite among directors like James Cameron and Ridley Scott.
Key Facts About Lance Henriksen:
- Full Name: Lance James Henriksen
- Birthdate: May 5, 1940 (Age: 85 as of 2025)
- Nationality: American
- Notable Traits: Deep voice, intense screen presence, often cast in sci-fi/horror
- Career Span: 1961–Present (Still active in 2025)
Henriksen’s breakthrough came in the 1980s, where he became a staple in genre films. Despite never becoming a mainstream leading man, his versatility and dedication have kept him working steadily for decades.
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Lance Henriksen Movies:
Henriksen’s filmography is a goldmine for fans of sci-fi, horror, and action. From blockbuster hits to cult classics, his performances have left an indelible mark.
Must-Watch Lance Henriksen Films:
- Aliens (1986) – As Bishop, the synthetic humanoid, he delivered one of his most memorable performances.
- The Terminator (1984) – Played Detective Hal Vukovich, a role that almost became the Terminator itself.
- Near Dark (1987) – A cult vampire film where he shined as the ruthless Jesse Hooker.
- Pumpkinhead (1988) – His emotional portrayal of Ed Harley made this horror film a classic.
- Hard Target (1993) – Played the villain opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Recent & Upcoming Work (2020–2025):
- The Man in the Basement (2021) – A psychological thriller.
- The Price We Pay (2023) – A gritty crime-horror film.
- Awaken the Shadowman (2025) – An upcoming supernatural thriller.
Henriksen continues to take on challenging roles, proving that age hasn’t slowed him down.
Lance Henriksen in Terminator:
Before Arnold Schwarzenegger became the Terminator, James Cameron originally wanted him for the role.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts:
- Henriksen was considered because of his intense, mechanical acting style.
- The studio wanted a more physically imposing actor, leading to Schwarzenegger’s casting.
- Instead, Henriksen played Detective Hal Vukovich, a minor but memorable role.
Despite missing out on the lead, Henriksen’s career skyrocketed thanks to Aliens and other iconic roles.
Lance Henriksen TV Shows:
Henriksen’s television work is just as impressive as his film career.
Most Notable TV Roles:
- Millennium (1996–1999) – As Frank Black, a psychic FBI profiler, he carried the show with his haunting performance.
- The X-Files – Guest-starred in multiple episodes, adding to his cult status.
- Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes – Voiced Grim Reaper, showcasing his voice-acting talent.
- Mass Effect Series – Brought Admiral Hackett to life in the beloved video game franchise.
His role in Millennium remains one of his most acclaimed performances, blending psychological depth with supernatural intrigue.
Lance Henriksen Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Henriksen’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. While not among Hollywood’s wealthiest, his longevity and diverse roles have ensured financial stability.
Primary Income Sources:
- Film & TV Acting
- Voice Acting (Video games, animation)
- Pottery Business (A surprising passion project!)
Lance Henriksen Age: How Old Is He in 2025?
Born in May 5, 1940, Henriksen is 85 years old as of 2025. Despite his age, he continues to act, proving that passion doesn’t retire.
Aging Gracefully in Hollywood:
- Still takes on new film roles.
- Remains active in voice acting.
- Engages in pottery and art.
His career shows no signs of slowing down, making him one of the most enduring actors in the industry.
Lance Henriksen Young:
Before becoming a sci-fi icon, Henriksen struggled in small roles and theater.
Early Career Highlights:
- Started in off-Broadway plays.
- Landed minor roles in films like Dog Day Afternoon (1975).
- Breakthrough came with James Cameron’s The Terminator (1984).
His persistence and unique presence eventually led to bigger opportunities.
Lance Henriksen Wife:
Henriksen has been married to:
- Mary Jane Evans (1985–1989)
- Jane Pollack (1995–2006)
He has two daughters and values privacy in his personal life.
Lance Henriksen Nationality
- Nationality: American (Born in New York City)
Lance Henriksen Pottery:
Beyond acting, Henriksen is a skilled potter.
- Runs a pottery studio in Los Angeles.
- Creates handcrafted ceramic pieces.
- Says pottery helps him stay grounded outside of Hollywood.
Lance Henriksen Height: How Tall Is He?
Henriksen stands at 5′ 10¼″ (1.79 m), giving him a commanding presence on screen.
Lance Henriksen in Aliens:
As Bishop in Aliens (1986), Henriksen delivered one of his most iconic performances.
- Played an android with humanity.
- Reprised the role in Alien vs. Predator (2004).
- Fans still consider it one of his best roles.
Conclusion:
From street kid to Hollywood legend, Lance Henriksen’s career is a testament to talent, perseverance, and versatility. Whether as Bishop, Frank Black, or a grizzled villain, his performances remain unforgettable.
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