ACTOR · BORN 1961
Henry Rollins
- Born
- 13 February 1961
19 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (19)
- #001
Henry Rollins has built a multifaceted career across music, literature and media. In addition to singing and acting, he is known as an author of books and poetry and also performs spoken word. Beyond running his own record label and book publishing house, he has worked actively as a television film critic and radio DJ. This layered career has made him a significant figure in contemporary culture.
- #002
Shortly after joining Black Flag, Henry Rollins adopted 'Rollins' as his stage name. The name came from notes he exchanged with his friend Ian MacKaye during their youth. Those notes generally contained fake threats signed by a mysterious character named 'Rollins'. This humorous and creative origin stands out as a reflection of Rollins's personality and art.
- #003
While he was an underclassman at Bullis School, Henry Rollins began exercising on the suggestion of a history teacher who was a Vietnam veteran. He bought his first exercise equipment at Sears and was told not to look in the mirror. When he looked in the mirror months later, it was a 'great enlightenment' for him, because until then he had been a skinny teenager who was often bullied and could not defend himself. In tenth grade he defended himself and ended up sending a senior student to the hospital. Although he felt other students still saw him as a freak, he was no longer mocked; this experience was an important turning point in developing his self-confidence and physical strength.
- #004
In December 1991, at the house they shared in Venice, California, Henry Rollins's best friend Joe Cole (son of actor Dennis Cole) was shot and killed during an attempted robbery. This tragic event left deep marks on Rollins's life. The crime remains unsolved and was featured on the television program 'Unsolved Mysteries' (1987). This loss has been a significant factor influencing Rollins's art and worldview.
- #005
Henry Rollins served as vocalist for Black Flag, one of the important groups of the early hardcore punk scene. The band's energetic and aggressive music played a decisive role in the development of the punk movement. Rollins's stage performance and vocal style were among the elements that shaped the aesthetic of hardcore punk. His period with Black Flag forms one of the cornerstones of his music career.
- #006
Henry Rollins collaborated with William Shatner on the song 'I Can't Get Behind That' from Shatner's album 'Has Been'. The collaboration stands out as an unexpected meeting of two different artists. Rollins's vocals and Shatner's distinctive delivery gave the song an interesting dynamic. The track was received with interest by fans of both artists.
- #007
In December 2004, Henry Rollins traveled to Afghanistan as part of his fourth USO Tour. The USO (United Service Organizations) is an organization that holds events to provide morale support to American soldiers. Through these tours, Rollins aimed to support the troops and draw attention to the difficulties they face. This experience also influenced his views on soldiers and on opposition to war.
- #008
In 1994, Henry Rollins won a Grammy in the Best Spoken Word Album category for his work 'Get in the Van: On the Road with Black Flag'. The same year, he was also nominated in the Best Heavy Metal Performance category for his song 'Liar'. These achievements demonstrated Rollins's talent not only as a musician but also in spoken word and literature. The Grammy award was an important turning point in his career.
- #009
In 2010, Henry Rollins undertook extensive travels to different parts of the world. These travels included countries such as Senegal, Mali, Ireland, China, North Korea, Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda and South Sudan. During these trips, Rollins had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and gain awareness of global issues. These experiences were also reflected in his writing and spoken word performances.
- #010
Henry Rollins is known for his outspokenness about his musical taste. Among the artists he admires least, he names Depeche Mode, Bruce Springsteen and U2. Of U2 in particular, he has used the phrase 'has the worst rhythm section I've ever heard'. These criticisms show how sharp and uncompromising Rollins's understanding of music is. His views are frequently cited in music discussions.
- #011
Henry Rollins lives on the outskirts of Hollywood, California, near Hollywood Boulevard. This area is one of Los Angeles's cultural and artistic centers. Rollins's living there strengthens his connection to the city and to the art world. Hollywood's lively atmosphere may also be a source of inspiration for his creative work.
- #012
As an active entrepreneur in the music industry, Henry Rollins has founded several record labels. These include InfiniteZero and 213CD, and more recently he founded a new record label called 'District Line'. This label aims to focus on rare and unreleased music by artists from the Washington DC area. Rollins's venture reflects his desire to contribute to the local music scene and to bring undiscovered talent to light.
- #013
Henry Rollins took on a cameo role in the video game 'Def Jam: Fight for NY', released in 2004. In the game he appears as the owner of the gym and the character approached to learn new moves. This cameo shows Rollins's broad influence in popular culture. The game drew attention for its structure combining fighting and hip-hop culture, and Rollins's participation added a distinct flavor to it.
- #014
Henry Rollins is the founder of the record label and publishing house 2.13.61. The numbers in the company's name represent Henry's birth date, February 13, 1961. This naming symbolizes Rollins's personal touch and his commitment to his art. 2.13.61 has been home to important works in both music and literature.
- #015
In October 2002, Henry Rollins took on hosting duties for 'Full Metal Challenge', a production and competition program broadcast on The Learning Channel. On the program, contestants competed in various metalworking and construction tasks. Rollins's hosting gave the show an energetic and tough atmosphere. This experience demonstrated his versatility in the television world.
- #016
Henry Rollins has openly stated that he does not like the music of electronic-based artists such as Nine Inch Nails and Moby. In general, he displays a negative attitude toward electronic music. These views are consistent with his music sensibility rooted in rock and punk. Rollins's criticisms have sparked debate in the music world and reveal his sharp taste.
- #017
In May 2004, Henry Rollins began hosting a weekly radio program called 'Harmony in My Head' on Indie 103.1 FM in Los Angeles. On the program, he played tracks from the independent music scene and interacted with listeners. Rollins's radio program demonstrated his musical knowledge and his strong bond with listeners. The program gained popularity among independent music enthusiasts.
- #018
At midnight on Saturday, December 4, 2004, Henry Rollins's monthly film program 'Henry's Film Corner' premiered on the IFC Channel. On the program, Rollins shared his views and criticisms about the world of cinema with viewers. The program reflected his passion for cinema and his analytical perspective. 'Henry's Film Corner' quickly drew the interest of film lovers.
- #019
Henry Rollins was born on February 13, 1961, the exact same date as actor Richard Tyson, known for the films 'Kindergarten Cop' and 'Three O'Clock High'. This coincidence creates an interesting connection between the lives of the two artists. Although Rollins and Tyson work in different fields, they are sometimes mentioned together for sharing the same birthday. This detail is a curiosity-arousing fact among fans.
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