Basil Henson
Introduction '''Basil Henson''' (31 July 1918 – 19 December 1990) was an English actor. He appeared on film, television, and the stage, where he was particularly known for his work at the National Theatre.==Early life== Henson was born in London in 1918.He was educated at Malvern College and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and served in the British Indian Army during World War II, where he was a major with the Garhwal Rifles.
Career Henson began his acting career in 1946 after returning to Britain, in a production of ''The Dancing Years'' at the London Casino. This began a long list of appearances on stage and television. His stage performances included a number of parts in Shakespeare productions, including ''The Merchant of Venice'' opposite Dustin Hoffman in London's West End and on Broadway. He also played in the original West End production of Terence Rattigan's ''Separate Tables'' at the St. James' Theatre in 1954.He appeared frequently at the National Theatre, including a part in the world premiere of ''Amadeus'' by Peter Shaffer. He had the very rare honour of having a dressing room there named after him. His last appearance at the National Theatre was in a performance of ''Piano'' the week before his death.He also appeared in many British films during his career. Among them ''Dr. Crippen'' (1962), the ''Edgar Wallace Mysteries'' series of second features, ''Darling'' (1965), ''The Frozen Dead'' (1966), ''Arthur? Arthur!'' (1969), ''The Walking Stick'' (1970), ''Cromwell'' (1970), ''The Final Programme'' (1973), and ''Galileo'' (1975).Henson's television appearances included ''Emergency Ward 10'', ''The Power Game'', ''Sexton Blake'', ''Casting the Runes'', ''The Champions'', ''Follyfoot'', ''War and Peace'', ''Fall of Eagles'', the Judge, in ''Crown Court'', and as Sir Horatio Manners in ''When the Boat Comes In''. He also appeared as Dr. Abbott in the ''Fawlty Towers'' episode "The Psychiatrist" 1979.
Personal life Henson was married three times; he was married to his first wife for eighteen months, until her death in 1941.He was then married to actress Eleanor Drew, with whom he had two sons before their marriage ended in divorce. His third marriage was to Patrica Raine, with whom he had a daughter.Henson died at his home in Sevenoaks, Kent, on 19 December 1990, at the age of 72.
Filmography  Year Title Role Notes1962 ''Dr. Crippen''  Mr. Arditti 1963 ''The Double''  Derreck Alwyn  ''Edgar Wallace Mysteries''1965 ''Change Partners''  Cedric Gallen  ''Edgar Wallace Mysteries''1965 ''Darling''  Alec Prosser-Jones 1966 ''The Frozen Dead''  Dr. Tirpitz 1969 ''Arthur? Arthur!'' Coverdale 1970 ''The Walking Stick''  Insp. Malcolm 1970 ''Cromwell''  Hacker 1970 ''The Man Who Haunted Himself''  Casino Manager  Uncredited1971 ''Quest for Love''  Doctor  Uncredited1973 ''The Final Programme''  Dr. Lucas 1975 ''Galileo''  Infuriated Monk
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