For over a decade, fans have followed the Reagan family on Blue Bloods, revolving around NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) and his children—Officer Jamie (Will Estes), Detective Danny (Donnie Wahlberg), and ADA Erin (Bridget Moynahan)—as they navigate their careers in law enforcement and justice. While Selleck is a well-known face, another standout in the cast is Len Cariou, who plays the Reagan patriarch, Henry.
Many viewers may recognize Cariou but may not pinpoint where they’ve seen him before. His extensive career spans decades, making him a familiar figure in entertainment.
A Long and Diverse Acting Career
Len Cariou’s acting journey began in the 1960s, and he has amassed an impressive 86 credits, according to IMDb. He made his film debut in 1977 with One Man, portraying investigative reporter Jason Brady, whose life becomes complicated while investigating a crime. Throughout the 1980s, Cariou appeared in several made-for-TV movies but is perhaps best remembered for his recurring role on Murder, She Wrote as British secret agent Michael Hagarty.
Since then, Cariou has been a regular presence on television, featuring in shows like The Outer Limits, The West Wing, Law & Order, and Damages. Movie fans might recall his role alongside Jack Nicholson in the acclaimed film About Schmidt (2002).
More recently, Cariou appeared in the Netflix series When They See Us, portraying a fictional version of the real-life DA Robert Morgenthau, and played Uncle Hank in the Transformers spin-off Bumblebee.
With such a varied and accomplished list of roles, Cariou continues to captivate audiences, and his portrayal of the beloved Henry Reagan adds to the warmth of Sunday dinners with the Reagan family on Blue Bloods.
