Buck Henry

Biography

Buck Henry, born Henry Zuckerman on December 9, 1930, was a multifaceted American talent celebrated for his work as an actor, screenwriter, and director. His illustrious career took off on television in the early 1960s, where he gained recognition on The New Steve Allen Show (1961). Henry made a significant impact in film, co-directing the romantic comedy Heaven Can Wait (1978) with Warren Beatty. He is perhaps best known for his screenwriting contributions, particularly for the classic film The Graduate (1967), directed by Mike Nichols, and the beloved comedy What's Up, Doc? (1972), directed by Peter Bogdanovich.

In addition to his film work, Henry co-created the iconic spy parody series Get Smart, which aired from 1965 to 1970 in collaboration with Mel Brooks. His talents extended to hosting, as he became a familiar face on Saturday Night Live, serving as host ten times between 1976 and 1980. Later in his career, he made memorable guest appearances on popular television series such as Murphy Brown, Hot in Cleveland, Will & Grace, and 30 Rock.

Henry's remarkable contributions earned him two Academy Award nominations: one for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Graduate and another for Best Director for Heaven Can Wait. Buck Henry passed away on January 8, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of comedic brilliance and storytelling prowess.