Stephen Henderson, who has taught at UB for about 20 years, has landed his first regular role on a new television series. An established professor as well as a professional stage and television actor, Henderson plays the lead in two extravagantly different lives.
Henderson is an associate professor with the department of theater and dance. In addition to his professorship, he has been in and out of the classroom to make several appearances on the NBC drama "Law & Order," in addition to performing in a number of Broadway productions. Henderson is currently on leave from the university to take part in the new Fox series, "New Amsterdam," set to premiere March 4 at 9 p.m.
There are many great elements of the series as a whole," Henderson said. "For the most part, it is really about humanity. The New York City setting is a symbol of America and the series really brings out the many different cultures and lifestyles that the US is known for."
The series is based on the life of John Amsterdam, a Dutch soldier in the colony of New Amsterdam in the year 1642. The character is a New York Police Department homicide detective. Amsterdam has lived three centuries without aging as the result of an immortality spell a Native American girl cast on him after he stepped in front of a sword to save her life, according to the Fox Broadcasting Company Web site. The spell can only be broken when Amsterdam finds his true love.
Henderson plays Omar, the owner of a Jazz bar and the only one who knows Amsterdam's secret. For Henderson, this role is especially likeable because he grew up around jazz music all his life. He also likes that some of the filming for the show took place in NYC rather than on a set.
"There is just something so profound about filming on the streets of New York," he said. "With all the lights and crowds of onlookers, it really gave me a perspective that I've never thought about while performing as a stage actor."
Henderson developed his love of acting as a child growing up in Kansas City. He was raised by people in show business who traveled throughout the country to present comedic performances, and was surrounded by many outlets that ignited his artistic flair. As a child, he was amazed by all the stories that emerged from that type of work.
"Ever since I was a child, I knew that I always wanted to be on the stage," Henderson said. "I was never afraid because theater seemed like such a natural thing for me to get into."
For Henderson, acting was also a part of family life.
"During my youth, my brother and I loved to spend time together at the movie theater," he said. "After the movie ended, I would act out certain scenes for my brother, who suffered from a hearing impairment, so that he could better understand the plot."
Coincidentally, Henderson landed his first role in the play, "The Miracle Worker," where he portrayed the character of Helen Keller's brother.
After high school, Henderson furthered his education and attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. One year later, he was offered a scholarship to the private conservatory, The Juilliard School in New York City, where he was a member in the first class of the theater division. He continued his education at North Carolina School of the Arts, Rose Bruford College in London, and went to graduate school at Purdue University.
The professors he encountered during his extensive college career inspired him to become a teacher in addition to being an actor.
"Because of all the great teachers that I'd had growing up, I felt that it was my obligation to pass on the knowledge that they had previously given to me," Henderson said. "Not only is the classroom a special place for the students to learn, but it is a place for them to share their creative ideas as well. The students really help me stay fresh."
Teaching also gave Henderson the opportunity to spend more time with his family.
"When my son was younger, I was either on the road or performing. In both cases, I spent a lot of time away from home," he said. "I missed his first haircut, so when it was time for him to learn how to ride a bike, I wanted to be the one to teach him."
While Henderson took time off from the stage to teach and raise a family, he still could not seem to tear himself away from acting completely. He was involved in numerous organizations such as Upward Bounds Actors Center in New York, and the Alliance for Inclusion of the Arts.
"Although acting is one of my passions, I would much sooner give it up for the teaching," Henderson said. "With acting, you give it up every time you are out of a job. Teaching is a different story; no one can really stop being a teacher. There is always someone in need of advice."
Henderson found a way to entwine his two passions at LAByrinth Theater Company in New York City, which was instituted by Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Ortiz. Henderson taught workshops there and starred in "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot," which Hoffman directed, according to the Fox Web site. Being part of the company had reawakened Henderson's love of acting.
"My advice to anyone wishing to be a part of the arts is to definitely learn your craft on the stage," Henderson said. "See as many plays as you see movies and make sure you are fulfilled simply by being an artist, even without the fame and fortune."
UB remains an important part of Henderson's identity whether he is on set in NYC or in the classroom, he said.
"No matter where I happen to end up, I always say that I am from UB."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
