Celebrity Info
Justin Henry was just eight years old when he made Hollywood history with an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor—quite the achievement for a kid who had never acted before. Cast as the lovable son of Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep in the 1979 emotional powerhouse Kramer vs. Kramer, Justin Henry’s performance left a lasting impression. He was actually “discovered” by a neighbor who happened to be a casting director, and though completely new to acting, his big, expressive eyes brought genuine emotion to the screen—especially during the intense custody battle scenes between his on-screen parents. Despite earning only $5,000 for the role, Justin Henry quickly became one of the most talked-about young talents in the industry.
At that point, Hollywood was ready to crown Justin Henry as the breakout child star of the 1980s. But here’s the thing—Justin Henry wasn’t interested in fame. Instead of chasing blockbuster roles or red carpet moments, he chose a quieter path, returning to his family’s home in Westchester County, New York. Still, he didn’t disappear from the spotlight entirely. Throughout the ‘80s, Justin Henry took on select roles that showcased his natural talent. He played Molly Ringwald’s annoying but endearing younger brother in John Hughes’ classic Sixteen Candles (1984), delivered a heartfelt performance in Martin’s Day (1984) as a boy kidnapped by—and eventually bonding with—Richard Harris, and portrayed Don Johnson’s troubled teenage son in Sweet Hearts Dance (1988). On television, Justin Henry also made a memorable appearance in the 1986 Disney/ABC TV movie Tiger Town, where he played a young fan who helps inspire the Detroit baseball team to victory.
All in all, Justin Henry may have stepped away from the limelight early, but his impact—especially as a child actor with real depth—remains undeniable.
When it comes to Justin Henry’s filmography, one standout performance really defines his early career—and that’s his role in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), which remains Justin Henry’s highest-rated movie to date. The film was not only a critical success but also earned widespread acclaim, helping solidify Justin Henry’s place in Hollywood at a young age. On the other end of the spectrum, Justin Henry appeared in Finding Home (2003), a film that didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics, making it Justin Henry’s lowest-rated movie so far. While Justin Henry has taken on various roles over the years, these two films mark the high and low points in terms of ratings. Still, Justin Henry continues to be recognized for his impactful debut and enduring presence in the industry.
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