HENDERSON, JOHN English actor, of Scot tish descent, was born in London. He made his first appearance on the stage at Bath on Oct. 6, 1772 as Hamlet. His success in this and other Shakespearian parts led to his being called the "Bath Roscius." He appeared at the Haymarket, London, in as Shylock. Sheridan then engaged him to play at Drury Lane, where he remained for two years. When the companies joined forces he went to Covent Garden, appearing as Richard III. in 1778, and creating original parts in many of the plays of Cum berland, Shirley, Jephson and others. His last appearance was in 1785 as Horatius in The Roman Father, and he died on Nov. 25 of that year and was buried in Westminster abbey. Henderson was a close friend of Gainsborough, who painted his portrait, as did also Stewart and Romney.