Henry A. Polic

Veteran character actor Henry Polic II died Sunday night after a long battle with cancer. He was 68.

Polic was best known for his TV roles as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Mel Brooks’ 1975 show “When Things Were Rotten,” Dracula in the 1976 series “Monster Squad,” and Uncle Jerry Silver in the ‘80s hit “Webster.” He also found cult fame in the ‘90s as the voice of Scarecrow in “Batman: The Animated Series.”

Aside from his acting gigs, Polic was also on TV screens as a game show player and host. He appeared on “The $25,000 Pyramid” and its later incarnation “The $100,000 Pyramid,” and hosted 1986’s “Celebrity Double Talk.”

Polic also worked in theater during his prolific career. He appeared in over 70 regional and local productions, including the world premiere of “Sister Act: The Musical,” in which he originated the role of Monsignor Howard. Meanwhile, his stage directing credits include Neil Simon’s “Fools,” a box office record-breaking production of “Dracula,” and the world premieres of Jim Geoghan’s “Two Gentlemen of Corona” and “Nebraska, Brine County Wedding.”

As celebrity auctioneer and event host, Polic helped raise over $2 million for numerous charities. He taught courses in acting at the Emerson College Los Angeles Center and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in L.A.

A memorial scholarship fund has been established in Polic’s name at his alma mater — Florida State U.’s School of Theater. To contribute, contact Fred Salancy at fsalancy@admin.fsu.edu.