He is best known for his role as Wink, Hushpuppy's father, in the film Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012).

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Henry moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, when he was a young child.

Having lived there through adulthood, he founded Henry's Bakery and Deli near his home in the historic Tremé neighborhood.

Though he had no professional training or experience as an actor, the filmmakers of Beasts of the Southern Wild cast him in the film, while allowing him to operate his bakery regularly during shooting.

[3] He continued his acting career and appeared in Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave (2013).