When you watch a mystery series like Longmire, it’s easy to focus on the main character, Sheriff Walt Longmire, as he solves crimes in Absaroka County, Wyoming.
But fans also love the supporting cast, especially Lou Diamond Phillips, who plays Henry Standing Bear. Henry’s role in the show is one of his most memorable and interesting performances.
While Walt is the main character, many people find Henry to be the most fascinating. In old Westerns, Native American characters were often portrayed as silent sidekicks to the main cowboy hero, like Tonto in Lone Ranger.
But in Longmire, author Craig Johnson changes this. Henry Standing Bear isn’t just a sidekick to Sheriff Walt Longmire; they’re more like partners.
In the TV series, actor Lou Diamond Phillips portrays Henry as strong character. He’s always ready to help others. Henry’s unique way of speaking adds charm.
From the very start, he’s shown as more than just a sidekick; he’s a fully developed character. The books also gets deeper into Henry’s life, including his family and Cheyenne heritage.
While Sheriff Walt Longmire is the main character and hero of the show, Henry Standing Bear plays an important role too. Without Henry, Walt wouldn’t have accomplished much.
As the series progresses, Henry starts having his own adventures, especially on the reservation. By the fourth season, he’s often doing things independently from Walt.
Even though we enjoy seeing Walt and Henry together, it’s Henry’s solo moments that truly highlight the depth of his character brought to life by Lou Diamond Phillips.
Henry is Longmire’s Most Intriguing Character
Henry Standing Bear is important in connecting Sheriff Walt Longmire with the people of the reservation. Unlike other characters like Jacob Nighthorse, Henry has deep relationships with the Cheyenne community.
He genuinely cares about them and is always ready to help with events and causes, as well as support families in need. Sometimes, Henry even disagrees with Walt and Vic.
Especially when it comes to supporting his people, like during a protest against an energy company. While Walt helps, he’s often caught up in official duties.
Henry, however, is free from those responsibilities. He’s like a role model for helping his community.
People on the reservation trust Henry Standing Bear a lot because he’s reliable and keeps things private. In Season 3’s Miss Cheyenne, it’s shown that Henry’s name, Standing Bear, is respected because he lives up to it.
Henry doesn’t back down from danger and is always ready to help others, even if it means risking himself. His reputation comes into play again in Season 4 when he helps a mother and her son escape a bad situation.
This gets him into some trouble, but Henry manages to handle it and does what’s right, even when it’s tough. Henry’s story in Longmire is important because it goes against common stereotypes of Native Americans in the media.
He’s not portrayed as the typical character often seen. He runs a bar but doesn’t drink, deals with relationship issues but doesn’t mistreat anyone, and doesn’t blame others for his problems.
Instead, he takes responsibility for his actions. Henry is honorable, realistic, and spiritual. He finds meaning in everyday things and knows how to interpret them.
He keeps a cool head in tough situations, which is why he and Walt make a great team. It’s no surprise Walt often makes him a temporary deputy.
