Being the eldest son, Lonnie got no slack from his mother, Yvonne, a proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business. She encouraged him to exercise his mind academically as well as creatively. “You have to use your head for more than a hat rack, son,” Yvonne preached. In consequence, while performing with the Richmond Ballet Company, he studied business at VCU and a theatre intensive at UVA. After his formal schooling, he performed aboard the M/S Norway cruise ship. Lonnie returned to Richmond only to pack his new Ford Festiva and head for the Big Apple to beat the pavement of Broadway. He became a part of the Broadway community and spent six seasons performing with the world-famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Lonnie was always in competition with himself. He studied physiology, kinesiology, and anatomy to become a certified aerobics instructor and exclusive personal trainer. Sponsored by Equinox Fitness Club, Lonnie formulated a winning team consisting of nutritionists, personal trainers, massage therapists, and a brilliant choreographer to capture the gold medal at the United States National Aerobics Championship. He then toured the world with the Aerobic Federation, presenting and giving lectures at various health and fitness conventions. What better way for a kid from a lower middle-class family in Virginia to see and experience countries like Japan, Spain, Italy, Canada, France, Mexico, and Korea. The search for paradise led Lonnie Henderson to the fantasy world of Broadway, television, and film, where surreal magic exists. Performing in The Lion King , Miss Saigon , American Dreams , Miss Congeniality 2 , The Longest Yard , and the film version of Dreamgirls nurtured his imagination and produced a pregnant writer. He has written a juicy romantic screenplay, a children’s Christmas animation, and a hilariously unnerving sitcom, among others. Lonnie lives in Los Angeles, where he continues working as an actor and writer. He is currently completing the next book in the Neva~eh trilogy. Learn more about the author at www.LonnieHenderson.com , www.IMDB.com |
A true skinny Southern boy with big lips and lots of dreams, Lonnie is originally from Richmond, Virginia, where he grew up doing plié et tendue at the School of the Richmond Ballet. He loved singing in church and school choirs and tumbling on the Boys Club Gymnastics Team. Lonnie’s passion for the performing arts led him to working in regional theatre and at Paramount Pictures theme park. At the age of seventeen, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) while training and performing with the professional company of the Richmond Ballet.