This actor was quiet on the surface, but you always felt there was a depth of feeling beneath his calm exterior. Most of his roles were good, moral men with a do-good attitude, and he commanded respect whether in western films such as "Once Upon a Time in the West" or military films such as "Mister Roberts." He held his own in comedy roles such as in "The Lady Eve" and powerhouse films such as "12 Angry Men" and "Fail-Safe."

Henry Fonda had the ability to come across as shy and tremulous such as his role in "The Lady Eve" playing opposite Barbara Stanwyck, but he was also the tough as nails jurist that persisted in proving the innocence of a young boy in "12 Angry Men." He was a very likeable and versatile actor and was equally at home in current pieces as well as period films such as "Jezebel" with Bette Davis and "Young Mr. Lincoln." He has two famous actor children, Jane and Peter who have carried on the acting tradition of their father, but without the same success or level of respect their father enjoyed.

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