Donnelly Rhodes

Career Philosophy and Later Ambitions

By 1984, a Canadian television critic aptly described the 47-year-old Rhodes as "somehow well-known, yet anonymous." Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Rhodes became one of Canada's most recognizable character actors over a career spanning more than five decades.

Early Life and Training

Rhodes was born Donnelly Rhodes Henry on December 4, 1937, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Ann Henry. His mother later became a celebrated journalist and playwright, but after her husband left her with three small children to raise, she struggled to keep a roof over their heads. Ann Henry later recounted to entertainment columnist Frank Morriss: He was the brother of actor Tim Henry and sister Loa Henry.

Early Adventures and Work Experience

The family's constant moving during Rhodes' youngest years contributed to his developing a sense of wanderlust at an early age. In his teens, he worked as a cowboy in California where the family lived for a time, a stevedore in Vancouver, and was an oil rig worker and a Parks Canada ranger trainee in rural Manitoba. He later joked that he set out to see the world "but only got as far as Vancouver Island."

In the late 1950s, Rhodes returned to Winnipeg and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as an airman-mechanic at RCAF Station Winnipeg. He was asked to help behind the scenes with the base's newly established drama group, a mix of civilians and RCAF personnel that performed for the public. Rhodes appeared in the group's second production, The Cuckoo's Nest, in February 1957.

The theater quickly provided Rhodes with something he had never experienced before. As he explained in 1963:

Professional Training and Early Career

After leaving the Royal Canadian Air Force, Rhodes studied at the Manitoba Theatre Centre under the guidance of renowned director John Hirsch, who recognized his potential and gave him a job as assistant stage manager with his Theatre 77 despite Rhodes' lack of experience. Hirsch's influence on Rhodes' career was profound and something Rhodes never forgot. In a 1963 interview during his time at the Stratford Festival, Rhodes acknowledged: Nearly four decades later, in his 2006 Earle Grey Award acceptance speech, Rhodes thanked

Rhodes' first professional stage appearance was in Theatre 77's March 1958 production of Death of a Salesman, where he played Stanley the bartender alongside Gordon Pinsent. When John Hirsch took on additional duties as artistic director of Rainbow Stage in 1959, Rhodes was brought along and spent two summers in what he described as

National Theatre School and Early Television Work

When the Manitoba Theatre Centre was formally created in the fall of 1959 through the merger of Hirsch's Theatre 77 and Tom Hendry's Winnipeg Little Theatre, Rhodes became the company's first stage apprentice, appearing in early productions including Solid Gold Cadillac (1959) and Tea and Sympathy (1959). Despite his busy theater schedule, Rhodes found time to travel to Los Angeles in fall 1960, where he appeared on television shows such as Maverick, Cheyenne, and two episodes of Bonanza. These would be his final acting credits under the name Donnelly Henry, as he soon opted to drop his last name professionally.

At Hirsch's urging, Rhodes auditioned for the newly founded National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal and was the only Manitoban accepted into the school's inaugural year in 1960. To help offset the $700 tuition, Rhodes received a $350 scholarship from the Manitoba Theatre Centre. He left Winnipeg on November 2, 1960, to begin three years of intensive theater study, dividing his time between school, summers at the Stratford Festival, and part of the winter theater season back at MTC. After making his professional debut as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire at the Stratford Festival, Rhodes became a contract player for Universal Pictures in Hollywood.

Career Highlights

Film and Early Television Work

Rhodes made his film debut in Gunfight in Abilene (1967), followed by a memorable supporting role as Macon the saloon owner in the classic western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). He also appeared in the science fiction film Change of Mind (1969). Rhodes' American film career stalled in the 1970s, though he appeared in notable Canadian productions, most significantly earning critical acclaim for his lead performance in The Hard Part Begins (1973), in which he played a down-and-out country and western singer. Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, he appeared in numerous television series including Mission: Impossible, Bonanza, Wagon Train, and Maverick.

Notable Television Roles

Rhodes achieved significant recognition for his role as the suave Phillip Chancellor Sr. on the American soap opera The Young and the Restless from 1974 to 1975, though he deliberately left the show to avoid becoming typecast in a single role. Reflecting on that period, Rhodes later noted: Perhaps his most beloved American television role was as the dim-witted escaped convict Dutch Leitner on the satirical series Soap from 1978 to 1981.

Career Philosophy and Later Success

By 1984, a Canadian television critic aptly described the 47-year-old Rhodes as "somehow well-known, yet anonymous." If this characterization bothered Rhodes, he didn't let on publicly. In interviews throughout the 1980s, he expressed contentment with his approach to acting, elaborating further in a 1989 interview for the Rogers TV show Conversations:

Rhodes found himself back in Vancouver in 1985, this time not working on the docks as he had in his youth, but taking on that elusive leading dramatic role as Dr. Grant Roberts in Danger Bay. The CBC/Disney Channel co-production ran for six seasons and marked a significant achievement in his career.

It was in Vancouver that Rhodes found some of his greatest later success, taking advantage of the city's burgeoning film and television industry. He appeared in numerous U.S. productions shot there, such as Battlestar Galactica and The X-Files, as well as Canadian shows such as The Romeo Section and Da Vinci's Inquest, for which he won a Gemini Award for best actor in 2002.

Relationship with Stage Work

One notable aspect of Rhodes' later career was his absence from the stage. In his 1989 Conversations interview, Rhodes revealed his feelings about returning to theater: This candid admission reflected both his growth as an actor and his honest assessment of his own abilities and comfort zones as he matured in his craft. His most acclaimed Canadian television role was Detective Leo Shannon in the critically praised CBC crime drama Da Vinci's Inquest from 1998 to 2005. His portrayal of Shannon evolved throughout the series' seven seasons, developing from a grizzled veteran detective into a more complex character dealing with personal challenges, including his wife's struggle with dementia. Co-star Nicholas Campbell praised Rhodes as "a consummate pro" and noted that his presence was "a huge enhancement" to the show.

Battlestar Galactica

Rhodes joined the cast of the Re-imagined Battlestar Galactica as Dr. Sherman Cottle, the chain-smoking Chief Medical Officer aboard the battlestar Galactica. Notably, Rhodes was originally one of three finalists for the role of Colonel Saul Tigh, but when that role went to Michael Hogan, the impressed producers created the recurring role of Dr. Cottle specifically for Rhodes.

The role of Dr. Cottle was, as Rhodes described it, "one of those happy accidents that happen every so often in a journeyman actor's life." Originally, he was slated to appear in only a single episode in the series' first season as Galactica's replacement chief medical officer. However, the U.S. producers liked what they saw, and Rhodes found himself being written into more scripts as Dr. Cottle took on a life of his own.

Dr. Cottle's Defining Characteristics

Dr. Cottle's most memorable trait—his constant cigarette smoking—evolved through Rhodes' creative interpretation of minimal character direction. In the original script, Rhodes recalled, the character was sketchily drawn with just one notation: "He smokes." Rhodes decided to take Dr. Cottle's smoking to an extreme level, lighting up during his every waking moment, including while performing surgery. This choice became one of Dr. Cottle's defining characteristics, creating a memorable and distinctive character that provided both medical authority and sardonic commentary throughout the series' run from 2004 to 2009.

Battlestar Galactica co-star Nicki Clyne, who played Cally Henderson Tyrol, fondly remembered working with Rhodes: Aaron Douglas, another Battlestar Galactica colleague, paid tribute to Rhodes' storytelling ability and his iconic character trait:

Awards and Recognition

Rhodes received numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career. In 2002, he won the Gemini Award for Best Actor in a Leading Dramatic Role for his performance as Detective Leo Shannon in Da Vinci's Inquest. In 2006, he was honored with the prestigious Gemini Earle Grey Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 21st annual Gemini Awards ceremony in Vancouver, recognizing his 50 years of film and television work. In his acceptance speech, Rhodes gratefully acknowledged

In February 2009, the Union of British Columbia Performers honored Rhodes with the Sam Payne Award for Lifetime Achievement, which he received alongside fellow actor Babz Chula. Rhodes was characteristically humble about sharing the recognition, reflecting his lifelong philosophy about collaboration in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life

Throughout his life, Rhodes maintained diverse interests beyond acting. While he enjoyed music and horses, his true passion was boats, and he often said that if he hadn't succeeded as an actor, he would have pursued a career as a naval architect. Rhodes was married four times and had two children, including daughter Seana Henry and son Westerly Henry. His final marriage was to Sarah Wilson in 2011, and they remained together until his death.

Rhodes felt fortunate to have earned a living working close to home in his later years, particularly after his experience with Danger Bay enabled him to return to Vancouver permanently. Near the end of his career, he maintained his characteristic optimism and work ethic:

Rhodes also provided voice work for the CBC Radio One space opera/comedy series Canadia: 2056, lending his distinctive voice to the role of the US president at the start of each episode.

Final Years and Death

In his later career, Rhodes continued working steadily, making guest appearances on series such as The X-Files (appearing in two different roles), Smallville, Psych, Supernatural, and the CW's Arrowverse shows including The Flash and DC's Legends of Tomorrow.

Donnelly Rhodes died of cancer on January 8, 2018, at the Baillie House Hospice in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, at the age of 80. His death prompted tributes from colleagues and fans, with Battlestar Galactica co-star Tricia Helfer writing:

Rhodes made guest appearances on more than 100 television series throughout his career, establishing himself as one of Canada's most prolific and respected character actors. His legacy encompasses not only his memorable performances but also his dedication to his craft and his generous mentorship of younger actors throughout his distinguished career.

Acting Philosophy and Approach

Throughout his career, Rhodes maintained a distinctive philosophy about his craft and the entertainment industry. In a 1988 interview with Vancouver Magazine, he explained his approach to acting: This preference for versatility over stardom defined much of his career choices, allowing him to develop a remarkable range across genres and mediums.

Rhodes consistently emphasized the collaborative nature of his profession. As he explained in a 2009 interview with the Vancouver Sun: He elaborated on this philosophy:

In a 2009 interview with The Province of British Columbia, Rhodes described himself as a "journeyman actor" and shared his philosophy about the collaborative nature of acting: This collaborative spirit was evident throughout his career, as colleagues consistently praised his professionalism and mentorship of younger actors.

Views on the Industry and Recognition

Rhodes maintained a pragmatic view of the entertainment industry and awards culture. In his 2009 Vancouver Sun interview, he offered a candid perspective on acting recognition: He also reflected on the challenges facing Canadian actors:

Ocean Hellman, who played his daughter for six seasons on Danger Bay, recalled: This paternal approach extended beyond his on-screen roles, as Rhodes was known for taking younger actors "under his wing" and sharing both acting techniques and life lessons.

Professional Work Ethic and Mentorship

Rhodes was consistently praised by colleagues for his unwavering professionalism and dedication to his craft. John Cassini, who portrayed Const. Dino Rosario alongside Rhodes in Da Vinci's Inquest, emphasized his colleague's commitment:

Ian Tracey, who worked with Rhodes on Da Vinci's Inquest for nearly a decade, highlighted both his professional qualities and personal character: Tracey fondly remembered spending time on the beach with Rhodes and his children, emphasizing the actor's role as a devoted family man.

Writer and producer Chris Haddock, who worked with Rhodes on Da Vinci's Inquest, Intelligence, and The Romeo Section, praised his versatility and reliability: Haddock also noted Rhodes' gratitude for being an actor, which represented his third career following his time with Parks Canada and as an aircraft mechanic in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

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