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A Conversation with Stage Manager Biff Henderson

On December 3 following the Eastern Diversity Steering Committee (EDSC) meeting, the EDSC and the AD/SM/PA Council East hosted a special conversation with Stage Manager Biff Henderson. Held in the Guild’s New York boardroom, the evening was a look back on the career of the longtime Stage Manager on Late Show with David Letterman who has been a DGA member for nearly forty years.

Following a welcome from AD/SM/PA Council East Chair/ EDSC Co-Chair Joyce Thomas, Henderson sat down with Director Jerry Foley for an entertaining discussion about Henderson’s career and their roles on the long-running program, Late Night with David Letterman, a show he had stage managed for its entire run. The conversation was illustrated by clips of the many memorable on-screen appearances he made on Letterman during his tenure of over thirty years. Afterwards he took questions from the audience.

In addition to Late Show with David Letterman, Henderson’s resume includes working as a Stage Manager on its precursor The David Letterman Show; as well as the Today Show, Sunrise, NBC Nightly News, NBC Sports, Saturday Night Live, and Later with Bob Costas.

Henderson has been a DGA member since 1977.


About the Committee:

The Eastern Diversity Steering Committee (EDSC) represents the concerns of Guild members of African, Asian, Native American, Arab-Middle Eastern or Latino descent residing in the East. Committed to improving the employment opportunities, working conditions and the skills of ethnically diverse Guild members, the EDSC sponsors workshops, seminars, round-table discussions and networking events to showcase the talents of its members, recognize their contributions, and increase their visibility in the industry.

About the Council:

The AD/SM/PA Council East is the elected body that represents the Guild members who reside in the Eastern region and work in television as Associate Directors, Stage Managers or Production Associates.


Pictures & Video

event photos by Marcie Revens
Watch Highlight
FULL TALK (56:29): Biff Henderson reflects on his career as Stage Manager for Late Show with David Letterman with Director Jerry Foley.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: Henderson shares a story in which he helped Jimmy Fallon calm his nerves before an interview on Late Show with David Letterman.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: Henderson talks about being approached to do on-air comedy bits from the writers of Letterman.
Watch Highlight
HIGHLIGHT: Stage Manager Biff Henderson offers insight into the role of the stage manager and tells how honesty has been his best tool in working as an intermediary between directors and talent.
Stage Manager Biff Henderson
AD/SM/PA Council East Chair/EDSC Co-Chair Joyce Thomas welcomed everyone to the event.
Stage Manager Biff Henderson discusses his career in a conversation moderated by Director Jerry Foley.
An image from a clip of Stage Manager Biff Henderson in one of the many memorable on-screen appearances he made on Late Night with David Letterman.
Director Jerry Foley (moderator) asks Stage Manager Biff Henderson a question about his career.
An image from a clip of Stage Manager Biff Henderson in one of the many memorable on-screen appearances he made on Late Night with David Letterman.
DGA members hear about the career of Stage Manager Biff Henderson during the event in New York.
DGA members hear about the career of Stage Manager Biff Henderson during the event in New York.
A DGA member asks Stage Manager Biff Henderson a question during the event in New York.
Stage Manager Biff Henderson (right) chats with a fellow DGA member following the Eastern Diversity Steering Committee and AD/SM/PA Council East event in New York.
Stage Manager Biff Henderson poses for a photo with Director Jerry Foley (moderator) following the event in New York.
EDSC member Candy Martinez, EDSC Co-Chairs Joyce Thomas and Jason Medina, EDSC member Gaye Watkins, Stage Manager Biff Henderson, and EDSC members Julia Morgan and Ana Cuadra.

Calendar

5/21/2025 - 5/27/2025