John Henshaw

Biography

John Henshaw is a distinguished British actor, best known for his memorable performances as Ken the landlord in the series *Early Doors*, Wilf Bradshaw in *Born and Bred*, and PC Roy Bramwell in *The Cops*.

Born into a large family as one of twelve siblings, Henshaw spent his formative years in the Ancoats area of Manchester, often referred to as "Little Italy." Before embarking on his acting journey at the age of 40, he worked as a refuse collector for a decade, showcasing his resilience and determination to pursue his passion later in life.

Henshaw's breakthrough role came when he portrayed a minder to Robert Lindsay's Michael Murray in the critically acclaimed Channel 4 drama *G.B.H.*. His extensive television portfolio also includes appearances in *The Royle Family*, *The Visit*, and *Life on Mars*. In film, he has lent his talent to notable projects such as the Steve Coogan comedy *The Parole Officer*, the biopic *The Keeper* about footballer Bert Trautmann, and Ken Loach’s films *Looking For Eric* and *The Angels' Share*.

In addition to his acting career, Henshaw serves as the chairman of the 24:7 Theatre Festival, an annual celebration of new theatrical works based in Manchester, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the arts within his community.