Henry Bederski
Actor
About Henry Bederski
Henry Bederski was an American actor who appeared briefly in the early 1950s, most notably in Ed Wood's controversial 1953 film 'Glen or Glenda.' His career appears to have been extremely limited, with his only documented film role being in this exploitation film that explored themes of transvestism and gender identity. Like many actors who worked in low-budget productions during this era, Bederski was likely a bit player or extra who may have been hired for a single day's work. The film itself has become a cult classic, though little is known about the supporting cast members who contributed to its production. His involvement in cinema appears to have been confined to this single project, making him one of the many obscure figures from Hollywood's fringe film industry of the 1950s.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Ed Wood's 'Glen or Glenda' (1953)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Henry Bederski's cultural impact is primarily tied to his participation in 'Glen or Glenda,' a film that has gained significant cult status over the decades. Though his role was minor, he contributed to a work that has become an important artifact in the study of exploitation cinema and LGBTQ+ representation in early American film. The film's notoriety has ensured that even the smallest contributors to its production are remembered in film history circles.
Lasting Legacy
Henry Bederski's legacy is that of a typical Hollywood bit player from the 1950s whose brief appearance in a now-cult classic has preserved his name in film history. While he never achieved fame or recognition during his lifetime, his association with Ed Wood's work has ensured that he remains part of cinema history, however tangentially. His story represents the countless anonymous actors who contributed to Hollywood's output during the studio system era.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor with only one known film credit, Henry Bederski had no discernible influence on other actors or directors. His contribution to cinema remains limited to his brief appearance in a film that would later become famous for entirely different reasons than the performances contained within it.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Henry Bederski's personal life, as he appears to have been a minor actor with only one known film credit. Like many bit players in low-budget films of the era, his life outside of his brief film appearance remains largely undocumented.
Did You Know?
- Henry Bederski's only known film credit is in Ed Wood's 'Glen or Glenda' (1953)
- The film he appeared in was originally titled 'I Changed My Sex!' before being retitled
- Glen or Glenda was produced for approximately $27,000, a very low budget even for 1953
- The film was inspired by Christine Jorgensen, one of the first widely known transgender women in America
- Ed Wood himself starred in the film under the pseudonym Daniel Davis
- The film was considered highly controversial for its time due to its subject matter
- Despite its initial poor reception, the film is now considered a cult classic
- Henry Bederski is listed among the cast but his specific role is not well documented
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Henry Bederski?
Henry Bederski was an American actor who appeared in only one known film, Ed Wood's 'Glen or Glenda' (1953). He was a minor performer in what would later become a cult classic exploitation film.
What films is Henry Bederski best known for?
Henry Bederski is known exclusively for his appearance in 'Glen or Glenda' (1953), which remains his only documented film credit. This Ed Wood-directed film has gained cult status over the years.
When was Henry Bederski born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, Henry Bederski's birth and death dates are not documented in available film records, reflecting his status as a minor bit player with limited filmography.
What awards did Henry Bederski win?
Henry Bederski did not receive any known awards or nominations for his brief acting career, which consisted of a single film appearance.
What was Henry Bederski's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the fact that only one film appearance is known, Henry Bederski's acting style cannot be adequately assessed from available sources.
How is Henry Bederski connected to Ed Wood?
Henry Bederski worked with Ed Wood as a cast member in 'Glen or Glenda' (1953), one of Wood's earliest and most notorious films. This appears to be their only professional collaboration.
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Films
1 film
