Henry Darrow (born Enrique Tomás Delgado Jiménez;[note 1] September 15, 1933 – March 14, 2021) was an American character actor of stage and film known for his role as Manolito "Mano" Montoya on the 1960s television series The High Chaparral. In film, Darrow played the corrupt and vengeful Trooper Hancock in The Hitcher. During the 1970s and 1980s, he was seen in numerous guest starring television roles. Darrow replaced Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as Zorro's father Don Alejandro de la Vega in the 1990s television series Zorro.
Early years
Darrow's parents had moved from Puerto Rico to New York in the early 1930s. At the age of eight, he played a woodcutter in a school play, an experience which convinced him that his destiny was as an actor.[1]
In 1946, when Darrow was 13, his family returned to Puerto Rico, where he discovered his roots and grew to love the island he had not known. He graduated from Academia del Perpetuo Socorro high school in Miramar, Puerto Rico, as class president before enrolling in the University of Puerto Rico. There he studied political science and acting, and worked as a part-time English-language interpreter. During his third year at the university, he was awarded a scholarship (the first of its kind) to attend acting school. Thereupon Darrow moved to Los Angeles, where he enrolled in the Pasadena Playhouse. He met and married his first wife, Louise whom he referred to as Lucy, they went on to have two children, Denise and Tom. Darrow graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts.[1]
Darrow had already landed small parts in 12 movies and 75 television series when he won the role in a 1965 stage production of The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit. This brought him to the attention of television producer David Dortort, who immediately recruited him for his television western series The High Chaparral, casting him as Manolito Montoya. Making its debut on American television in September 1967 (NBC), it lasted four seasons and was screened around the world. While on the show, both he and series' lead Cameron Mitchell became household names as the breakout stars of the show.
In 1974-75, Darrow portrayed police detective Manny Quinlan in the first season of Harry O starring David Janssen. The character was killed off at the end of the first season in a retooling of the series.
In 1986, he appeared in the horror film The Hitcher as Trooper Hancock, a ruthless and vengeful policeman who would go above the law to kill the main protagonist (who was framed for the crimes by the main antagonist).
Later years
Darrow was a member of the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and a member of SAG's Ethnic Minorities Committee. He was also a founder of Nosotros, an organization helping Latino actors land non-stereotyped parts. Darrow served on the Advisory Committee of Bilingual Children's Television.[1] In his later years, Darrow had cut back on his public appearances.[4]
Darrow died of natural causes on March 14, 2021, at the age of 87.[5]
In 1982, Darrow appeared as the prize wheel spinner in the music video for Santana's "Hold On", which was released as the lead single from their album Shangó. It was directed by John Mark Robinson.[6]
Awards
A Bambi Award, Germany's equivalent of the Emmys, for The High Chaparral.
An Emmy for his role in the soap opera Santa Barbara.
The Ricardo Montalbán/Nosotros Award. Darrow was the inaugural winner of the award for his contributions in improving Latinos image.
The ALMA AwardsRicardo Montalbán Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.[7]
The Miller Brewing Company honored Darrow by portraying him in its 2000 Hispanic-American Calendar.
