Actor. Born to Richard and Ada Ainley in Morley, West Yorkshire, England. He made his professional stage debut for F.R. Benson’s company of actors and later joined Herbert Beerbohm Tree’s company. His first stage role was as a messenger in “Macbeth”. He also appeared as Glo’ster in “Henry V” at the Lyceum in London and returned to Leeds to play at the Grand Theatre. Henry was married three times first to Suzanne Sheldon, his second wife was Elaine Fearon, and his final wife was Bettina Riddle. His known children are Anthony, Richard, Sam, Henrietta, Timothy, Henry T. Anthony, Richard and Henry T are all known actors. None of his other children pursued acting. In 1911 he had Shakespearean screen credits include “Henry VIII” and “As You Like It”. By 1912 he played Malvolio and Leontes under the direction of Granville Barker and he also portrayed Hamlet several times, including a 1930 production that was chosen for a Royal Command Performance. In 1921, Henry became a member of the council of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and served as its president from 1931 to 1933. He was active in acting from 1900 to 1936. Henry died at the age of 66. (bio by: Shock)  Family links:  Children:  Richard Ainley (1910 – 1967)*  Anthony Ainley (1932 – 2004)* *Calculated relationship