Henry Murdoch facts for kids

Henry Murdoch (born George Henry Murdock, 17 September 1920 – 24 April 1987) was an Aboriginal Australian actor. He also worked as a stockman, which is like a cowboy who looks after cattle. Henry starred in Australian movies during the 1940s and 1950s.

He was discovered while working as a stockman near Rockhampton. This happened when filmmakers were making a movie called The Overlanders in 1946. The director, Harry Watt, was very impressed with Henry and another Aboriginal actor, Clyde Combo. Watt said they were "first-class actors" and "very quick-witted and intelligent." He felt they proved wrong the old idea that Aboriginal Australians were not smart.

A film magazine called Filmink noted that Henry Murdoch often played a specific type of character. He was usually an Aboriginal stockman who worked as a friend or tracker for the main white hero.

Henry thought his acting career was over after The Overlanders. But he was asked to act in more movies by film companies visiting Australia. In 1949, he said, "I'd like to be a full-time actor and a part-time stockman." He added, "Film work's good—if there's enough of it." He later made two films with director Lee Robinson.

Another famous Australian actor, Chips Rafferty, once said that Henry Murdoch carried a book of Shakespeare's plays with him.

Movies and TV Shows

Henry Murdoch appeared in several films and a TV series. Here are some of his roles: