Henry Gibson, who died on Monday from cancer at the age of 73, was a fine comedic actor and living pun. (Born James Bateman, his stage name was a tip of the hat to playwright Henrik Ibsen.) Gibson initially became famous in the late ’60s with his turns on the satirical comedy show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and, more recently, portrayed an idiosyncratic judge on Boston Legal. His film credits included The Incredible Shrinking Woman, Wedding Crashers, and the Blues Brothers, in which he memorably essayed a Nazi. He was also a favorite actor of the director Joe Dante who cast him in Innerspace, the ‘burbs, and Gremlins 2.
It is an indication of Gibson’s talents that another of his Hollywood patrons was the very un-Dante-esque Robert Altman. The late great auteur cast him in a number of films, such as Nashville and A Perfect Couple. But, to me, Gibson will always be Dr Verringer in Robert Altman’s peerless 1973 noir classic, The Long Goodbye. The movie is stuffed with terrific performances from the likes of Mark Rydell, Sterling Hayden, and, of course, Elliott Gould as laconic, private eye-out-of-time Philip Marlowe. Gibson more than holds his own as the reptilian doc who may or may not be holding Hayden’s alcoholic writer against his will at his sanatorium. If you have seen The Long Goodbye, then you’ll know what I’m talking about. And if you haven’t? Then you are in for a treat.
“Write the check, Roger…”
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How I wish EW did a photo-retrospective of Gibson’s work, instead of two measly paragraphs.
Agreed-what a talented person. Pay attention EW!
Yes, and no mention of Magnolia, which is just wrong. (Thank you Daniel & Craig). His performance in Nashville was simply brilliant.
Loved him in Magnolia too as the bitter, hateful queen in the bar.
seconded
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a fan of Mr. Gibson. His portrayal of Haven Hamilton should have won him an Oscar, or at least a nomination. A fine character actor who will be missed.
From Laugh-in to Boston Legal to Wedding Crashers, he was a great commedian and we seriously have lost a great consistent talent!
I first saw him on Laugh-In on Nick at Night when I was younger and havee been a fan ever since. I remember seeing him in The ‘Burbs and getting excited that I knew who he was.
Don’t forget Bio-Dome (a guilty pleasure of mine)
Death Overshadowed
A Poem for Henry Gibson
He was a quietly funny guy,
Who never, ever lost it.
When it was time to die,
Became Swayze’s Farrah Fawcett.
so who is Mary Travers? Swayze’s Billy Mays?
Well done, Kay.
RIP Haven Hamilton!
The Blues Brothers…
I didn’t know who he was until I saw his face and then it clicked with me – he was the grandfather from Luck of the Irish (Disney Channel movie). I’m ashamed to say that’s pretty much the only thing I saw him in but I’m glad he was appreciated for the roles he played.
I had the pleasure of working with Henry Gibson on the film “BioDome” where I was the still photographer.
Henry was an absolute pleasure to work with and quite the professional as he always asked if I had the shots I needed or if I wanted him to pose after the take.
When I was younger, I enjoyed his performance in the Blues Brothers film too.
He was a funny, nice guy and he will be missed.
I will always remember him from Boston Legal. He was so funny and will be missed!
He was awesome in the Blues Brothers and showed that he was a fantastic actor in Magnolia (actually, his acting was the only thing that I liked about Magnolia. The movie was too freaking depressing and long!).
Laugh In will forever be what he was remembered for. My brother who is seven years younger than me even loved the show. He has the season one DVD. RIP Henry.
TWO WORDS “NAMBY PAMBY”
Pricless! He will be missed. R.I.P.
Ah, Dr. Klopek from The ‘Burbs. he will be missed.
Magnolia – “another spoke in the wheel” – loved it!!!
No mention of his voicing of Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web ?- holy crap did that movie make me cry.
A comic genius really and way under-utilized. He was briliant in literally every role he played. He will be missed.
Poppycock!
RIP, good sir.
I loved Henry Gibson as the judge in “Amateur Night at the Dixie Bar and Grill.” It would be WONDERFUL if whoever owns the rights to that movie would release it on DVD as a tribute to Mr. Gibson (and as a favor to all the fans of that movie who have been asking for it for YEARS!!!).
outrageous
Henry Gibson was one of a kind and I agree a slideshow of his roles would be greatly appreciated and long overdue , also HOW could you fail to mention his brilliant turn as the voice of Wilbur The Pig in “Charlotte’s Web”? You are able to give us explicit details about some Johnny-come-lately , but your article on one of the best comedic actors of the 20th Century really comes up short. he deserves better, R.I.P. Henry Gibson
Henry Gibson really “socked it to us”!
Don’t forget his appearances on Boston Legal as the judge — he was brilliant!
Very sad. Agree with all the above.
Don’t forget his great performance in the over looked western “Evil Roy Slade”. The man was one of the best actor in any part he was given. I will miss him.
I’ll always love Henry Gibson for his sweet, funny poems.
I had the joy of knowing Henry back in his LAUGH-IN days, and I can tell you that, along with the huge talent, Henry was the sweetest, kindest man you could ever hope to know, a total sweetheart.
I was just an 18 year old, stage-struck boy, and Henry took a shine to me, and treated me like a friend. He was a wonderful man. We will still have his work, but we have lost a trerrific human being.
Thx for that, Douglass – You confirm my impression of him. Something about his eyes, perhaps….but i always had the feeling that he was a genuinely kind person. Thx for taking the time to share your memories of him.
Great underrated actor who was much more than his appearances on Laugh-In. I loved him in Nashville as well.
I met him in Santa Barbara at the dog bakery where I used to work. A very funny, very sweet man who was happy to give me his autograph. He was so talented and a true humble star.
Loved him as a judge on Boston Legal. He was hilarious and his facial expressions were fantastically humorous. He will be missed. RIP Mr Gibson