What does a 49 year old itinerant Carpenter, Upholsterer, Interior Decorator, Property Manager, Street Vendor, Carpet Cleaner, former US Army Soldier have that the world cares to know about? Why would anyone even care to hear about a Trinidadian native formerly of the streets of Brooklyn, now residing in Ft Lauderdale Florida? I mean really, so what that he is the Father of six children and that his parents both died in 1990? What’s the big deal about such a person? The big deal is that this “Jack of all trades” is a master at the art of acting. The big deal is that this man’s passion for exhibiting his creative wares as an actor has led him to accept little known parts in movies of great note and making such an impact that one would almost believe that he was the star of the movie.
Dr. Henry was born in Lavantille Trinidad but spent his formative years in the village of Tunapuna under the watchful eyes of his grandmother. He migrated to the shores of the U.S. in 1979 to the streets of Brooklyn New York and swears that he lives by the words of a science teacher from his formal school days some 30 years ago; “The way of the transgressor is exceedingly difficult.”
In speaking recently with Dr. Henry about that quote, I could not help but think that in it’s literal meaning, these very powerful words epitomizes the life and experiences of Curtis Henry. In defense of Henry’s continuous journey towards his own personal star; I believe that he has transgressed tremendously in how he has chosen to live his life without submitting to the demands of society.
Dr. Henry has had an extensive acting career which includes Television, Stage and Film appearances. Some of his screen work includes “Kids”, “Dread Night Folk”, “The Forgotten Father”, he performed several success plays like “Scandals, Lies and Visa”, “Single Life in New York” and off Broadway in “The Trial of Mumia Abu Jamal”. He has appeared in WABC’S soap opera “The City” and in “Law and Order”. He has appeared in music videos for Public Enemy and Ini Kamoze. Though his true passion is acting, he also lends his hand to writing poetry, some of which he has performed at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York.
As head of his own production company, Knatty Dread Films Inc, he has numerous projects in various stages of development some of which he not only penned but intends to play the lead role. He states that his decision to write came about after he “Became disenchanted with the Hollywood dream and noticed a void of the Caribbean experience and presence in Hollywood”.
With this his first film on the way, Henry hopes to expand his production company in his native Trinidad and Tobago where he can pool the resources and talents of aspiring Screenwriters, Producers and Actors. So you will be hearing great things about him as he continues to amble up the ladder of stardom and financial gain: Dr. Henry epitomizes Winston Churchill’s words to the student body at a graduation in England many, many years ago: “Never Give Up, Never Give Up.” Because even though circumstances in life caused him to transgress from his true calling, he has little to regret for the choices he has made and he can feel at peace knowing that he was bold enough to believe in and pursue his own dreams.
