Buck Henry (born Henry Zuckerman; December 9, 1930 – January 8, 2020) was an American actor, screenwriter, and director. He is best known for co‑writing the 1967 film The Graduate and for creating, writing, and starring in the television series Get Smart (1965–1970). Henry also appeared in a variety of films and television programs as a character actor, often portraying comedic or eccentric roles.
Early life and education
Henry was born in New York City to a family of Russian‑Jewish immigrants. He attended the High School of Performing Arts and later enrolled at Yale University, where he studied drama. After graduating, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing and performing.
Career
Screenwriting
- Co‑wrote The Graduate with Calder Willingham, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
- Authored the screenplay for Heaven Can Wait (1978) and contributed to several other films, including The Owl and the Pussycat (1970).
Television
- Created the satirical spy‑comedy series Get Smart with comedian Mel Brooks; the show won multiple Emmy Awards and remains a cultural touchstone.
- Wrote episodes for series such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Acting
- Frequently appeared in films such as Catch‑22 (1970), The Day of the Locust (1975), and A Night at the Museum (2006).
- Made guest appearances on television programs including MASH*, The Simpsons, and The Larry Sanders Show.
Directing
- Directed the feature film The Big Chill (1983) as a co‑producer and contributed uncredited script revisions.
- Directed episodes of television series, notably for The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Personal life
Henry was openly gay and was a longtime partner of actor Michael Parks. He was active in charitable causes related to the arts and LGBT rights.
Awards and honors
- Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay (The Graduate, 1968).
- Two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for Get Smart.
- Inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1995).
Death
Buck Henry died of natural causes at his home in Beverly Hills, California, on January 8, 2020, at the age of 89. His contributions to American comedy and screenwriting have been widely recognized and continue to influence contemporary media.
