Harry Cording

Biography

Hector William "Harry" Cording was a notable British character actor who made his mark in Hollywood from the mid-1920s through the 1950s. Born and raised in England, Cording eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he embarked on his film career in 1925. Standing at an impressive six feet tall with a robust physique, he often found himself cast in roles as thugs, henchmen, and law enforcement figures, earning him the nickname "Harry the Henchman."

Among his most memorable performances were his portrayal of the menacing Dickon Malbete, the Captain of the Guard in the classic film "Adventures of Robin Hood" alongside Errol Flynn, and as Thamal, the formidable henchman to Bela Lugosi in the 1934 horror film "The Black Cat." During the 1940s, he served as a contract player at Universal Pictures, appearing in minor roles in numerous horror films, including "The Wolf Man."

Cording also made a brief appearance in the 1939 adaptation of "Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" featuring Basil Rathbone and would go on to have supporting and minor roles in seven out of the twelve Sherlock Holmes films produced by Universal Studios starring Rathbone. His contributions to the film industry, particularly in the realm of character acting, have left a lasting legacy in classic cinema.