Henriksen was born in Manhattan. His father, James Henriksen, was a Norwegian merchant sailor and boxer nicknamed "Icewater" who spent most of his life at sea. His mother, Margueritte Werner, struggled to find work as a dance instructor, waitress, and model. His parents divorced when he was two years old, and only his mother raised him and his brother.\n', 'As he grew up, Henriksen developed a reputation for getting into trouble at various schools, and even spent time in a children\'s home. His last completed grade in school was first grade. He served in the United States Navy from 1955–58 and attained the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.\n', 'Henriksen found work as a muralist and as a laborer on ships. For a time, he worked in Europe. His first job in the theater world was as a designer of theatrical sets; in fact, he received his first role because he built the set for a production. It was around this time that Henriksen taught himself to read, as he was illiterate up to age 30. For his first role, he put the entire script to tape with the help of a friend, learning everyone\'s part in addition to his own. In his early 30s, Henriksen graduated from the Actors Studio and began acting in New York City.\n', '

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