From the beginning, Lance Henriksen made a name for himself by working alongside some of the most influential directors in Hollywood—names like Sidney Lumet, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron. And it was actually James Cameron who first saw something special in Lance Henriksen, originally considering him for the role of the chilling, catchphrase-driven robot in The Terminator (1984). Though Lance Henriksen ended up with a smaller part in that film, Cameron didn’t forget him. Just a couple years later, he handed Lance Henriksen one of his most iconic roles—the loyal and brave Bishop in the blockbuster Aliens (1986). That performance solidified Lance Henriksen as a standout presence in genre cinema.
After that, the momentum never really slowed. Lance Henriksen kept delivering powerful performances across a wide range of films, including Near Dark (1987), Johnny Handsome (1989), Alien3 (1992), Hard Target (1993), and The Quick and the Dead (1995). His ability to bring depth to complex characters made him a go-to actor for directors looking for substance and intensity. On television, Lance Henriksen took center stage as Frank Black, a former FBI profiler with a unique gift, in the cult-favorite series Millennium (Fox, 1996–99). Though the show struggled with ratings, it earned critical praise and developed a devoted fanbase, further elevating Lance Henriksen’s reputation.
As his career progressed, Lance Henriksen expanded into voice acting, lending his distinctive tone to video games and animated TV shows. He also continued appearing in major projects like AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Appaloosa (2008). What set Lance Henriksen apart from so many other character actors—most of whom remain invisible to the general public—was his rare ability to become both recognizable and respected. While not always the leading man, Lance Henriksen carved out a legacy as a working man’s movie star, turning in performances every bit as memorable and impactful as those of the biggest names in the industry.
When it comes to Lance Henriksen’s filmography, fans and critics often look at the highs and lows to get a sense of his career trajectory. Now, if we’re talking about the standout moment in his later years, Lance Henriksen’s highest rated movie definitely has to be Mad Props (2024)—a film that really showcased his enduring talent and brought in some great reviews. On the flip side, going back quite a ways, Lance Henriksen’s lowest rated film tends to be The Horror Show (1989), which, despite its cult following, didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics at the time. Of course, even in less successful roles, Lance Henriksen brought depth and presence—something that’s made him such a respected figure over the decades. So whether you’re revisiting old classics or checking out his recent work, Lance Henriksen continues to leave a mark on the industry.