Overview

Henry Polic II was an American actor whose career spanned stage, television, film and voice work. He is best remembered for playing Jerry Silver on the sitcom Webster and for voicing the villainous Scarecrow on Batman: The Animated Series. Colleagues and fans noted his ease with both broad sitcom characters and more sinister animated roles.

Early life and education

Polic was born in Pittsburgh, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. He pursued formal training in performance and later attended Florida State University, where he studied theater arts. This foundation helped him move between stage productions and screen opportunities throughout his career.

Career and notable roles

Polic worked across multiple media. On television he made a lasting impression in sitcom roles and as a guest performer on a variety of series. In animation he brought distinct voices to life, combining timing and vocal characterization to create memorable antagonists and supporting characters.

  • Webster — Portrayed Jerry Silver, a recurring character on the family-oriented sitcom; the role introduced him to a broad television audience. (Webster)
  • Batman: The Animated Series — Voiced the Scarecrow, contributing to the show's more dramatic and psychologically complex take on classic comic-book villains. (Batman: The Animated Series)
  • Stage and regional theatre — Performed in live productions that showcased his range beyond screen comedy and animation.

Later life and death

In his later years Polic continued to work in performance and voice projects, maintaining a steady presence in entertainment circles. He lived in Los Angeles, California, where he died in 2013 after a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.

Legacy and recognition

While not a household name to every viewer, Henry Polic II earned respect for his adaptability and professionalism. Fans of 1980s television remember his sitcom appearances, and animation audiences continue to appreciate his vocal work in genre-defining series. His career illustrates how character actors contribute depth and continuity across stage, screen, and voice acting sectors.

For further reading about the shows and institutions associated with Polic, see entries on Webster, Batman: The Animated Series, and theatrical training programs like Florida State University.