Mike Henson (born Kenneth John Seymour; October 4, 1963 â September 6, 2002) was an American adult film actor and model who rose to prominence during the "Golden Age" of gay adult cinema in the late 1980s and 1990s. He was best known for his clean-cut, boyish looks and his dramatic physical transformation, which established him as a premier star of the era.
Born in Salinas, California, Henson served in the United States Army before settling in Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Henson initially answered an advertisement by producer John Summers for Falcon Studios but was rejected for being "too skinny". Henson reportedly told Summers he would work on his body and returned six months later with a significantly more muscular physique. Impressed by the rapid transformation, Summers hired him immediately.
Following his initial retirement in 1991, Henson focused on his health after being diagnosed as HIV-positive. Henson attended the UCLA School of Computer Sciences, graduating in 1994. He subsequently worked in the technology sector, managing computer operations for various businesses.
Henson began his career through David Forest's Brad's Buddies service. He debuted in the 1986 film Two Handfuls; his final scene in that film with Brian Maxon is considered one of the best and most iconic moments in the history of the industry. He quickly became a top-tier performer, often noted for his youthful good looks and athletic body.
In 1987, Henson won the Best Actor award from the X-Rated Critics Organization (XRCO) for his role in the William Higgins classic Big Guns. In 1990, he co-starred with Joey Stefano in More of a Man: The Safe Sex Video, the first gay adult video to emphasize condom use. Stefano, known for his vast industry knowledge, reportedly specifically requested Henson as his co-star. Throughout his peak years, Henson was a fixture in the nightlife scenes of both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Henson first departed the industry in 1991 due to drug addiction, an HIV-positive diagnosis, and a desire to pursue higher education. However, he made intermittent returns over the following five years, appearing in titles such as Score 10 and Powertool 2: Breaking Out. While his physique remained in peak condition during these later appearances, his drug use had taken a visible toll on his youthful looks. This change led some fans to reject his return, as he no longer possessed the specific "boyish" charm that defined his early stardom. While his physique remained in good shape, his long-term drug use had taken a visible toll on his youthful looks, which had been the hallmark of his early appeal.
Henson was in a long-term relationship with a former Army buddy named Dennis. He eventually settled with his partner in Pennsylvania.
Henson died on September 6, 2002, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 38. His boyfriend, Dennis, discovered his body upon returning from work. The cause of death was an accidental heroin overdose. His brother, Bobby Seymour, stated that the family had his body flown back to Sacramento, where he was laid to rest in the Roseville Public Cemetery District.