Stephen McKinley Henderson is an American actor known for his prolific stage career and his roles as a character actor in film and television. He is considered one of the foremost interpreters of the works of playwright August Wilson; for his performance in the Broadway revival of *Fences*, he received a Tony Award nomination, and his work in theater has earned him prestigious accolades, including a lifetime achievement Obie Award. He reprised his role in the acclaimed film adaptation of *Fences* (2016), directed by Denzel Washington. His filmography includes notable titles such as Steven Spielberg's *Lincoln* (2012), *Lady Bird* (2017), *Dune* (2021), and *Civil War* (2024). In television, he is noted for his role in the miniseries *Devs* (2020). His acting, characterized by an authoritative calm and depth, has earned him critical acclaim and several Screen Actors Guild Award nominations as part of ensemble casts.