A Final Farewell to Henry Darrow

“I love the challenge of show business. It keeps me on my toes.” - Henry Darrow 

On Sunday, March 14, 2021, the world lost another great light, Henry Darrow.  The Puerto Rican actor, most known for his work on The High Chaparral,  passed away from natural causes at the age of eighty-seven. Darrow was at his home in Wilmington, NC, and surrounded by family in his final moments.  We here at INSP mourn the loss of such an inspiring star.  

Big Break  

Henry Darrow’s role as Manolito Montoya in The High Chaparral kick-started his stardom and revolutionized television. The show was the first in history to hire Hispanic actors for prominent roles, and it wasn’t long until Darrow’s charm won over audiences everywhere, and he became a household name.  With more than one hundred and forty credits on IMDb, Darrow stayed busy throughout his entire career, and he continued acting until his late seventies. 

An Impressive Start  

Born Enrique Tomás Delgado Jr. in 1933, Darrow resided in New York City until he was a teenager, and his Puerto Rican Native parents moved the family back to the tropical island. After graduating high school, he worked as an English-language interpreter while studying political science and acting at the University of Puerto Rico. Eventually, Darrow won a scholarship for acting school, packed his things, and moved to California to attend the Pasadena  Playhouse and pursue his dreams of becoming a famous actor. 

Hello Hollywood  

In the late 1950s, Darrow began landing minor roles in movies and television,  but his performance in the play The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit is responsible for making Hollywood take notice. While attending the play, Bonanza producer David Dortort was so impressed with his performance that he decided to cast him in his next endeavor, The High Chaparral.  

The success of the show led to new opportunities for the actor. A fan favorite,  the Latin heartthrob, went on to star in series like The New Dick Van Dyck Show, three different Zorro series, Harry O, and the daytime drama Santa Barbara, in which he won a Daytime Emmy for his performance. Between his notable roles, Darrow guest-starred in countless popular series throughout the decades, including Wonder Woman, Knight Rider, T.J. Hooker, Magnum P.I., and The Golden Girls. 

Throughout his career, Darrow experienced a lot of firsts for a Hispanic man in Hollywood. The High Chaparral made Darrow the first Puerto Rican actor to star in a major role on a television show, the first Hispanic to win a Daytime  Emmy for Best Supporting Actor, and he was the first Hispanic to bring the legendary character, Zorro, to life. He always believed that if he wanted to have an acting career as a Latino, good wouldn’t cut it; he had to be great.  This no-quit attitude, combined with his immense talent, earned him respect from his peers. A trailblazer for the Hispanic community, Darrow opened doors and created opportunities for the generations to follow.  

A Star Lost but Not Forgotten  

Off the screen, Darrow was an energetic, bright spirit who was a joy to work alongside. Passionate, determined, and easygoing, he was a man who was hard not to like. With his passing, the world might be a bit dimmer, but his legacy shines bright and will live on forever.