Mike Henson (actor)

Born in Salinas, California, Henson served in the United States Army before settling in Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.^[4]

Henson initially answered an advertisement by producer John Summers for Falcon Studios but was rejected for being "too skinny".^[4] Henson reportedly told Summers he would work on his body and returned six months later with a significantly more muscular physique.^[4] Impressed by the rapid transformation, Summers hired him immediately.^[4]

Following his initial retirement in 1991, Henson focused on his health after being diagnosed as HIV-positive.^[4] Henson attended the UCLA School of Computer Sciences, graduating in 1994.^[4] He subsequently worked in the technology sector, managing computer operations for various businesses.^[4]

Henson began his career through David Forest's Brad's Buddies service.^[4] He debuted in the 1986 film Two Handfuls; his final scene in that film with Brian Maxon is considered one of the best and most iconic moments in the history of the industry.^[4] He quickly became a top-tier performer, often noted for his youthful good looks and athletic body.^[4]

In 1987, Henson won the Best Actor award from the X-Rated Critics Organization (XRCO) for his role in the William Higgins classic Big Guns.^[5] In 1990, he co-starred with Joey Stefano in More of a Man: The Safe Sex Video, the first gay adult video to emphasize condom use.^[4] Stefano, known for his vast industry knowledge, reportedly specifically requested Henson as his co-star.^[6] Throughout his peak years, Henson was a fixture in the nightlife scenes of both Los Angeles and San Francisco.^[4][7]

Henson first departed the industry in 1991 due to drug addiction, an HIV-positive diagnosis, and a desire to pursue higher education.^[4] However, he made intermittent returns over the following five years, appearing in titles such as Score 10 and Powertool 2: Breaking Out.^[4] While his physique remained in peak condition during these later appearances, his drug use had taken a visible toll on his youthful looks.^[8][4] This change led some fans to reject his return, as he no longer possessed the specific "boyish" charm that defined his early stardom.^[9] While his physique remained in good shape, his long-term drug use had taken a visible toll on his youthful looks, which had been the hallmark of his early appeal.^[10]

Henson was in a long-term relationship with a former Army buddy named Dennis.^[4] He eventually settled with his partner in Pennsylvania.^[11]

Henson died on September 6, 2002, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 38.^[12] His boyfriend, Dennis, discovered his body upon returning from work. The cause of death was an accidental heroin overdose.^[13] His brother, Bobby Seymour, stated that the family had his body flown back to Sacramento, where he was laid to rest in the Roseville Public Cemetery District.^[13]