Henry Darrow, one of the most prolific TV actors, and who was best known for his role as Manolito Montoya on NBC’s Western The High Chaparral, passed away on Sunday at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina at the age of 87. No cause of death was specified by his publicist, who made the announcement via a Facebook post
However, soap fans know Darrow best for his Daytime Emmy-winning role on Santa Barbara as Rafael Castillo, the father of Cruz Castillo (A Martinez). Henry played the role from 1989-1992.
In 1990, Darrow took home the gold for the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Later in his career, he appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful as Dr. Carlos Nunez, as well as roles on One Life to Live and General Hospital.
Throughout his primetime career, he also appeared on Harry O, Quincy M.E., Benson, Hart to Hart, T.J. Hooker, Dallas, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, The Golden Girls, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager and One Tree Hill to name a few.

Photo: SBBlog/NBC
A Martinez posted this remembrance of his former on-screen dad via Facebook expressing, “The actor Henry Darrow crossed over yesterday. (Thanks to my friend Candy Gregorat for letting me know.) The strength of his work as “Manolito” on High Chaparral captured the hearts of so many around the world. I was among the millions who fell in love with the dude –– irresistible as a role model –– and later, when we met and became friends, Henry mentored me. We worked together in six projects over the years, including three where I played his son. (He was only 15 years older, but with his worldly chops, it always worked.) I won my Emmy in 1990 largely on the strength of an episode of Santa Barbara where the two of us confronted one another –– a father seeking to save his edge of suicidal son –– with mesmerizing rage and tenderness in scenes set in the desert. It’s my recollection that Henry also won that year.
Couple of takeaways from our friendship: (1) Don’t be an asshole on the set. His scalding stories of actors who had crossed him were legend. (2) He was as generous to me as any good father would be. He came to me one day in Texas as we prepped to play dad and son on “Seguin,” for American Playhouse. “I have a gift for you, but you have to give it back when we’re done,” he said, and then placed a gorgeous, exquisitely finished , formal leather jacket in my hands. It fit me like a glove, and was a great asset in defining my character’s upwardly trending possibilities (Juan Seguin would eventually become the mayor of San Antonio.) Mr. Darrow was a pro’s pro –– a credit to the profession –– and he was also a wonderful man. A career like this one does not happen by accident.”
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