Nicholas Victor Leslie Henson—better known as Nicky Henson—was one of Britain’s most versatile and respected actors. With a career spanning over five decades in film, television, theatre, and radio, he built a reputation as a performer with tremendous range and dedication. Though he is often remembered by many for his iconic guest appearance in the legendary Fawlty Towers episode “The Psychiatrist,” Henson’s body of work is much deeper, richer, and more diverse than most casual viewers realize.
In this article, we explore who Nicky Henson was, his life, age, family, relationships, career in movies and TV shows, his connection to Una Stubbs, his children, and the legacy he left behind. This in-depth look brings together all information people frequently search for: “Nicky Henson age,” “Nicky Henson net worth,” “Nicky Henson family,” “Nicky Henson movies and TV shows,” “Nicky Henson father,” “Nicky Henson married to,” and more.
Who Was Nicky Henson?
Nicky Henson was born on 12 May 1945 in London, England. He grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry, thanks to a father who was already a well-known name in British theatre. From an early age, he was exposed to the world of performance, music, and stagecraft, which helped shape his future career path.
Though he originally pursued music—particularly guitar—his interests soon shifted toward acting. He trained professionally at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), focusing initially on stage management before emerging as an actor. From there, Henson began building what would become an impressive and long-lasting career.
He passed away on 15 December 2019, at the age of 74, after battling cancer for many years.
Nicky Henson’s Age and Early Years
At the time of his death in 2019, Nicky Henson was 74 years old.
He grew up during a time of enormous creativity in British theatre and television, which undoubtedly influenced his artistic sensibilities. As a young man in the 1960s, he became part of a vibrant entertainment scene, involving everything from new-wave theatre companies to British rock culture.
Henson’s early exposure to both classical and modern performance styles allowed him to carve out a niche as a character actor who could move seamlessly between genres.
Nicky Henson’s Father, Family Background & Siblings
Nicky Henson came from one of Britain’s most theatrically rich families.
His Father
His father was Leslie Henson, a legendary English comedian, actor, and producer known for his music-hall performances and theatrical productions. Leslie had a massive influence on the British entertainment world during the mid-20th century, and his reputation created a pathway for Nicky to enter the arts.
His Mother
His mother was Harriet Martha Collins, also associated with artistic circles, though not as publicly recognized as Leslie.
Siblings – Brothers and Sisters
Nicky Henson had one well-known half-brother:
- Joe Henson, a respected farmer and TV presenter, best known for establishing the Cotswold Farm Park.
Through Joe, Nicky was the uncle of Adam Henson, the popular BBC Countryfile presenter.
The “Henson family legacy” extends across theatre, farming, broadcasting, and music, making them one of Britain’s quietly influential multi-industry families.
Film Career: Nicky Henson Movies
Though known widely for television, Nicky Henson enjoyed a consistent and varied film career that lasted from the late 1960s through the 2010s.
Some of his most notable film appearances include:
1. Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush (1968)
A British coming-of-age comedy in which Henson played supporting role Craig Foster.
2. Witchfinder General (1968)
A horror classic starring Vincent Price. Henson portrayed Trooper Swallow.
3. The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones (1976)
One of his most significant film roles, playing the lead character Tom Jones.
4. No. 1 of the Secret Service (1977)
A spoof spy film inspired by the James Bond franchise.
5. Vera Drake (2004)
A critically acclaimed Mike Leigh film in which Henson played a private doctor.
6. Syriana (2005)
A politically charged drama starring George Clooney. Henson appeared as Sydney Hewitt.
7. Blitz (2011)
An action drama film starring Jason Statham, where Henson played Superintendent Brown.
8. Tango One (2018)
One of his later film appearances.
Across more than fifty years, Nicky Henson’s film roles demonstrated his ability to adapt—from comedy to drama, from horror to espionage parodies—making him one of Britain’s most dependable character actors.
Television Career: Nicky Henson TV Shows
If there is one medium where Nicky Henson truly shined, it was television.
His list of TV appearances is long and filled with some of the most iconic British series of all time.
Here are some notable TV shows featuring Nicky Henson:
1. Fawlty Towers (1979)
Perhaps his most famous TV appearance: he played the handsome, charismatic guest Mr. Johnson in “The Psychiatrist” episode.
2. Minder
A popular British comedy-drama series.
3. Inspector Morse
Henson appeared in a guest role in this beloved detective series.
4. A Touch of Frost
Another staple of British TV crime drama, where Henson made notable appearances.
5. Heartbeat
A 1960s-era British drama set in Yorkshire.
6. The Green Man (1990)
He played a doctor in this TV adaptation of Kingsley Amis’s ghost story.
7. Bad Girls (2005)
A popular series set in a women’s prison, where he played the antiques dealer Hugo.
8. Shine On Harvey Moon (1995 revival)
Henson took the lead role when the series was revived.
9. Doctors
Appeared in multiple episodes over the years.
His wide television résumé cemented him as a familiar face for millions of viewers across generations. Whether he played villains, comic characters, authority figures, or eccentric personalities, Henson delivered with reliability and charm.
Stage Career: A Foundation of Excellence
Beyond screen acting, Nicky Henson was a dedicated theatre performer.
He trained at RADA but quickly transitioned into acting on stage. He spent time working with:
- the Royal Shakespeare Company
- the Young Vic
- the National Theatre
His range covered Shakespearean drama, classical theatre, West End comedies, and contemporary plays. Critics often praised his ability to command a stage with energy and charisma.
Radio Work
Henson also performed in radio dramas, including:
- Space Force (1984–85)
- Various BBC radio productions
This showcased yet another dimension of his talent—voice performance.
Nicky Henson and Una Stubbs: Relationship & Marriage
One of the most searched topics about Nicky Henson is his relationship with actress Una Stubbs.
Una was a beloved British television actress best known for roles in Sherlock, Worzel Gummidge, and Till Death Us Do Part.
Marriage to Una Stubbs
Nicky Henson and Una Stubbs married in 1969. Their relationship was rooted in the entertainment world, and they often appeared together at events during the early years of their marriage.
Divorce
The marriage ended in 1975, but they remained on good terms afterward.
Children with Una Stubbs
Together they had two children:
- Christian Henson – composer
- Joe Henson – also a composer
Both sons went on to successful careers in music, particularly in film and TV scoring.
Nicky Henson’s Second Marriage: Marguerite Porter
After separating from Una Stubbs, Henson later married Marguerite Porter, a celebrated ballerina. They married in 1986.
Child with Marguerite Porter
They had one son:
- Keaton Henson – singer-songwriter, visual artist, and poet
Keaton has built a respected career in indie music, known for deeply emotional and haunting compositions.
Nicky Henson Children
In total, Nicky Henson had three children:
- Christian Henson (with Una Stubbs) – film and video game composer
- Joe Henson (with Una Stubbs) – composer and session musician
- Keaton Henson (with Marguerite Porter) – musician and artist
His children continue the Henson family tradition of creativity, adding their own contributions to the arts.
Nicky Henson’s Net Worth
While exact figures are not publicly documented, it is generally understood that Nicky Henson had a comfortable level of wealth earned from:
- decades of work in British theatre
- film roles across nearly sixty years
- significant television appearances
- radio and stage performances
Many websites speculate about celebrity net worth, but no verified source provides an exact number. What can be said confidently is that his career was steady and reputable, suggesting he lived a secure, professional lifestyle.
Nicky Henson’s Battle with Cancer
In 2003, Henson was diagnosed with cancer, specifically tumors around his spleen. After undergoing surgery to remove multiple tumors, he faced recurring health challenges.
By 2006, he had further complications with tumors that were too risky to operate on. Despite this, Henson:
- continued working
- supported cancer charity causes
- maintained a positive presence in the industry
He lived with cancer for over 16 years, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience until his passing in December 2019.
Legacy of Nicky Henson
Nicky Henson leaves behind a remarkable legacy:
- A celebrated British character actor
- A contributor to iconic films and TV shows
- A performer with true versatility in theatre, screen, and radio
- A member of a multi-generational entertainment family
- A father whose children continued the artistic legacy
- An actor remembered for generosity, professionalism, and dedication
His career is a testament to the power of consistency, passion, and adaptability in the arts.
Final Thoughts — Remembering Nicky Henson
Nicky Henson may not have always been the leading man, but he was certainly one of Britain’s most memorable supporting actors. Viewers recognized him instantly, even in small roles, because he brought a unique spark to every character. His work continues to live on through film, television, radio, and the ongoing artistic contributions of his family.
For readers who love exploring biographies and entertainment history, websites like moviesmod continue to highlight the stories of actors like Nicky Henson whose impact deserves recognition.