Lance Henriksen, a seasoned actor with a career spanning over five decades and encompassing approximately 150 movies, has collaborated with a plethora of esteemed directors. Notable among these are James Cameron, with whom he worked on the iconic “Aliens,” and Kathryn Bigelow, who directed him in the cult classic “Near Dark.” Despite his extensive filmography, Henriksen candidly admits to having had a less-than-ideal experience with only one director throughout his illustrious career.
Henriksen’s early ventures into cinema include notable works like Sidney Lumet’s gripping “Dog Day Afternoon,” Steven Spielberg’s awe-inspiring “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and Philip Kaufman’s riveting “The Right Stuff.” These projects laid the groundwork for his later collaborations with luminaries like James Cameron and Stan Winston, the latter directing him in “Pumpkinhead.”
Reflecting on his time working with acclaimed directors in the realms of horror and science fiction, Henriksen reserves praise for Kathryn Bigelow, lauding her bravery and Stan Winston’s directorial prowess. However, when pressed about his experiences with James Cameron, whom he’s worked with on multiple occasions, Henriksen remains evasive, hinting at a less favorable encounter without divulging specifics.
While Cameron’s reputation for being demanding precedes him, numerous actors, including Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, and Kate Winslet, have spoken highly of their collaborations with him, suggesting that despite any challenges, his directorial vision yields exceptional results.
Henriksen’s portrayal of Bishop, the android character in the “Alien” franchise, has left an indelible mark on cinema, inspiring subsequent iterations such as Michael Fassbender’s David in “Prometheus” and “Alien Covenant.” Bishop’s enduring legacy solidifies his status as one of the most memorable robot characters in film history, alongside Cameron’s own Terminator and the replicants featured in Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” series.
