Don Henderson

Born Donald Francis Henderson in Leytonstone in 1931, Don Henderson was a distinguished English actor renowned for his dynamic performances on stage, television, and film. He gained widespread recognition for his compelling portrayals of tough characters and authoritative figures, most notably as Detective George Bulman in the Granada Television series that ran from 1976 to 1987, which included the popular titles The XYY Man, Strangers, and Bulman. After concluding his role in Bulman, he transitioned to playing Father Frank Kane in the BBC drama The Paradise Club, created by Murray Smith, the author of Bulman.

Henderson's versatility extended to cult classics and science fiction, with memorable appearances in the original Star Wars film as General Tagge, as well as roles in Doctor Who and Red Dwarf. Before embarking on his acting career, he worked as a dental technician in the army and served as a detective sergeant in the Essex Constabulary; however, he resigned after developing empathy for the very criminals he was meant to apprehend.

Henderson was married twice; his first wife, Hilary, passed away in 1977. He later married actress Shirley Stelfox, whom he met during the filming of The XYY Man. The couple settled in Stratford-upon-Avon and frequently collaborated professionally. Don Henderson passed away from throat cancer in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.