Growing up in poverty within New York City's bustling Harlem neighborhood, Hank Garrett, the son of Russian immigrants, found himself on a collision course with trouble. His mother, running a fruit stand, noticed the dangerous path her son was heading down and reached out to a local politician for help. This influential figure, a regular customer at her stand, intervened, setting off a chain reaction that would change Hank’s life forever.
The politician introduced young Hank to the legendary Sammy Davis Jr., who took the time to mentor the troubled teen. “He took me to the Apollo Theater, straight to Sammy Davis Jr.’s dressing room. Sammy looked me in the eyes and said, ‘So you’re a tough guy? Well, you’re either going to end up in prison or you’re going to die,’” Hank, now 89, shares with Closer Weekly, available on newsstands now. With Sammy’s encouragement, Hank landed a job setting up stages for big bands, which eventually led him to a career as a comedian and character actor. Despite being best known for his role as Officer Ed Nicholson in Car 54, Where Are You?, Hank’s impressive resume also includes iconic films like Serpico, Death Wish, and The Amityville Horror. Along the way, he collected unforgettable stories about celebrities such as Robert Redford, Elvis Presley, and Audrey Hepburn, which he recounts in his new memoir, From Harlem Hoodlum to Hollywood Heavyweight.
Sammy Davis Jr.: The Angel Who Changed Everything
How old were you when Sammy Davis Jr. stepped in to guide you?
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I was just twelve years old. Sammy said he saw something special in me, though I have no idea what that was. Maybe he felt a kinship because he too was from Harlem. Looking back, I believe God sent me an angel that day, and that angel was Sammy Davis Jr.
Did you ever get the chance to thank Sammy for changing your life?
Absolutely. About two decades later, I was performing stand-up comedy at the Sands, opening for the legendary Tony Bennett. Seated ringside were some of the biggest names in entertainment: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Sammy Davis Jr. During a break, Sammy approached me and said, “You’re a funny cat, man. But where do I know you from? You look so familiar.” We embraced, and both of us cried. It was a surreal moment, seeing two grown men sobbing together as people walked by.
From Street to Screen: The Journey to Fame
Of course, you became famous playing Officer Nicholson on Car 54. Did you ever consider becoming a real-life police officer?
Growing up, I harbored a lot of resentment towards cops because of the way we were treated on the streets. The assumption was that if you were on the street, you were automatically a hoodlum. And if you’re a hoodlum, you must be breaking the law. I thought I could make a difference by joining the force. I even enrolled in the police academy, but I soon realized I was fighting a system too powerful to change, no matter how hard I tried.
How did you land the role on Car 54?
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A friend connected me with an audition. The interview was with the unassuming producer, Nat Hiken. He simply said, “Sit down,” and then fell silent. I waited for him to speak, but nothing. Finally, he broke the silence with, “You’re Ed Nicholson.” I replied, “No, I’m Hank Garrett.” He chuckled and said, “Just the dummy I’m looking for. Ed Nicholson is the character!”
Did you enjoy working on the show?
I kept thinking, “When am I going to wake up from this dream?” It was surreal. Everywhere I went, people recognized me. Even today, Car 54 continues to air, keeping my legacy alive.
Funny Moments and Unforgettable Encounters
Did anything amusing happen while filming Car 54?
One time, during a break in the Bronx, Al Lewis, my on-screen partner, and I walked into an Italian deli in our uniforms. The owner made us sandwiches, and when we went to pay, he insisted, “I like to give my food away.” We thanked him and were about to leave when he shouted, “Merry Christmas, officers!” It was June, but his kindness left a lasting impression.
Did you really break Robert Redford’s nose while filming Three Days of the Condor?
Yes, during a fight scene, Robert slipped and came at me headfirst. My elbow caught him square in the face. I thought my career was over. That night, he called me and said, “Hank, wait till you see the fight scene. It’s the best ever. By the way, you broke my nose.” But he reassured me, “Don’t worry about it. My nose has been broken many times. It’s no big deal.”
And you once sparred with Elvis Presley! How did that happen?
When I was performing at the Sands, Elvis’ team heard I was a martial artist and arranged for us to spar. He rented a hall at the Sands and asked me not to hit him in the face because he had a show that night. Despite his celebrity status, he was incredibly humble and respectful. We sparred, and it marked the beginning of a friendship.
Were there any celebrities you were especially excited to meet?
Once, my manager asked if I’d like to earn some extra money as a bodyguard for a star. A limo arrived, and inside was Audrey Hepburn. We attended a fundraiser at the Beverly Hills Hotel. When we arrived, she said, “Hank, you’re my date.” We had lunch, and they raised $25,000 for a children’s hospital. Afterward, the chauffeur remarked, “You haven’t stopped smiling since you got in the car and saw Audrey.” My face was frozen in a big smile.
Legacy and Life Lessons
Why do you think you’ve had such a long and successful career in Hollywood?
I truly believe it’s all God’s doing. I try my best and help anyone in need. We’ve started a program called Hank’s Kids, aiming to get youngsters off the streets and onto a
