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Henry Gibson

Henry Gibson
Henry Gibson 1969 (cropped version).JPG
Born James Bateman
(1935-09-21)September 21, 1935
Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died September 14, 2009(2009-09-14) (aged 73)
Malibu, California, U.S.
Cause of death Complications of cancer
Other names Olsen Gibson
Education Saint Joseph's Preparatory School
Alma mater Catholic University of America
Occupation Actor, Singer, Songwriter
Years active 1963–2008
Television Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1967-1973)
Spouse(s) Lois Joan Geiger (m. 1966; d. 2007)
Children Jonathan David Gibson
Charles Alexander Gibson
James Gibson
Parent(s) Edmund Albert Bateman (father)
Dorothy Cassidy (mother)

Henry Gibson (September 21, 1935 – September 14, 2009), born James Bateman, was an American actor, singer, and songwriter, best known as a cast member of the TV sketch-comedy series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In from 1968 to 1971, for his portrayal of diminutive country star Haven Hamilton in Robert Altman's 1975 film Nashville, the "Illinois Nazi" leader in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, and for his recurring role as Judge Clark Brown on Boston Legal. He also appeared on an episode of My Favorite Martian.

Gibson was born on September 21, 1935 as James Bateman in Germantown, Philadelphia, the sixth of seven children of Edmund Albert Bateman and his wife Dorothy (née Cassidy). He attended Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, where he was president of the drama club.

After graduating from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., he served as an intelligence officer in the United States Air Force. Early in his career as a professional entertainer, he developed a comedy act in which he played a poet from Fairhope, Alabama. He adopted the stage name Henry Gibson, which is an oronym for the name of famed Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen. He is also known to have used the name Olsen Gibson.

Gibson's performing career began at the age of seven. He appeared in many stage and theater productions. Gibson made many appearances on Tonight Starring Jack Paar between 1957 and 1962, often reciting his poetry. His career took off when he performed in the Jerry Lewis film The Nutty Professor (1963). This was followed in 1964 by his poetry-reciting cowboy character Quirt Manly on the popular show The Beverly Hillbillies.


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