Biff Henderson
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Biff Henderson | |
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 Biff Henderson in New York City. | |
| Born | James Jackson Henderson Jr October 3, 1946 |
| Occupation | Stage manager for Late Show with David Letterman. |
James Jackson Henderson Jr. (born October 3, 1946 in Durham, North Carolina, U.S.) is an American comedian and television personality best known for his work on The Late Show with David Letterman. He is the show's stage manager and appears in occasional humorous segments, often involving interviewing people he meets in public places or at well-attended public events. He acquired the nickname "Biff" from his mother when her friend had a dream involving a boy named "Biff".
Early life and education
Henderson graduated from Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina, and earned a degree in business administration from Hampton Institute. He also served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. As a youth, he played a tennis tournament against Randy Newman. He also worked as a stage manager on the 1969 version of To Tell the Truth then began his most famous work with David Letterman on The David Letterman Show, Late Night with David Letterman then the current Late Show with David Letterman. Henderson frequently participates in the on-screen antics and sometimes is the star of short segments recounting his humorous adventures in New York. Henderson's "theme" on the show is "Milestones" by Miles Davis.
Late Show with David Letterman
One of Henderson's most notable roles has been his appearance during the CBS Mailbag segments. David Letterman would read the sender's name and hometown for each of the viewers' letters. Henderson would then find the hometown on a large map and stick a colorful pushpin in its location. Henderson's appearance during this segment became so popular that it led to the creation of the Late Show CBS Mailbag 2002 Biff Henderson's Map Across America Summer Tour. Henderson and his map traveled across the country and appeared via satellite from such locations as Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. One segment Henderson performed in was a take-off of the MTV show Punk'd called "Biff'd". The segment resembled Candid Camera. In the segment Henderson would come out of nowhere, either startle or scare the person, and say the catchphrase "you just got Biff'd." In one of Henderson's more memorable segments, Letterman sends Henderson to Camp Towanda, a sleepaway camp and films his stay.
In addition to his appearances on the Late Show, Henderson has appeared on To Tell The Truth and guest-starred on CSI: Miami and Cosby.