Henry Darrow (Photo: Luis Reyes archives)
Veteran actor Henry Darrow, who was catapulted to international stardom with his role as Manolito Montoya, the son of a wealthy Mexican land baron on the Classic TV western The High Chaparral (1967-1971) will be honored by the Autry Museum of Western Heritage on Sept 15th in Los Angeles. The following day, Sept 16th, the NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will bestow on Darrow, the Ricardo Montalban Lifetime Achievement Award at the ALMA Awards ceremony in Pasadena, California.
It is fitting that Darrow receives the Ricardo Montalban award for he was one of the co-founders along with Montalban of the Latino actor’s organization NOSOTROS. Jerry Velasco, President Emeritus of NOSOTROS remarks, “During the height of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement, Henry and Ricardo risked a lot professionally and personally in order to better opportunities for Latinos in the Industry, paving the way for today’s successes.”
Darrow later co-starred opposite David Janssen in the San Diego set Detective series Harry-O. which is now available on DVD when you order On Demand from the Warner Archive collection. Darrow on the series portrayed Police Lt. Manny Quinlan. Unfortunately, The High Chaparral is not out on DVD due to unresolved legal issues but the series will be broadcast on INSP cable Networks beginning September 15th. This will give a new generation an opportunity to discover the show and enjoy the stories and characters. Darrow went on to win a Daytime Emmy Award for the television drama Santa Barbara and was the first Hispanic actor to portray the fictional character ZORRO in three different television series.
Born Enrique Delgado in New York of Puerto Rican Parents, the actor is a graduate of the Pasadena Playhouse. He was discovered by High Chaparral producer David Dortort when Darrow appeared in Ray Bradbury’s play The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit.
Darrow will be greeting fans, signing copies of his Biography Lightning in a Bottle at the Autry Museum from 1-3 P.M. on Saturday the 15th of September. The museum and all events are open to the public. The ALMA Awards presentation is by invitation only.
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