Elden Henson, born Elden Ryan Ratliff on August 30, 1977, is an American actor who has carved out a distinctive and enduring career in Hollywood, transitioning seamlessly from beloved child star to a respected character actor in major franchises. He is best known for his portrayal of the lovable, hard-shooting defenseman Fulton Reed in the beloved The Mighty Ducks trilogy, a role that endeared him to a generation of 1990s audiences. Henson’s early career began as a child actor, with his first credited role coming in the 1991 film The Man in the Moon, where he appeared alongside Reese Witherspoon. This was quickly followed by his iconic turn as Fulton Reed in The Mighty Ducks (1992), a role he reprised in its two sequels, D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994) and D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996). During this period, he also appeared in the The X-Files and had a notable role in the 1998 independent film The Mighty, showcasing his range beyond sports comedies.
Following his childhood success, Henson continued to build a steady career in film and television throughout the 2000s. He appeared in a string of popular movies, including the cult classic Idle Hands (1999), the romantic comedy She's All That, and the critically acclaimed drama The Butterfly Effect (2004) alongside Ashton Kutcher. He also took on a role in the 2006 film Deja Vu directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington, and later appeared in the 2008 film The Poker House. Henson’s television work during this era included guest spots on series such as ER, The Practice, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, demonstrating his versatility across dramatic genres.
Henson’s career reached a new zenith in the 2010s when he joined two of the biggest franchises in entertainment. He was cast as Pollux, a quiet and resilient rebel, in the blockbuster adaptations of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014) and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015), working alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Julianne Moore. That same year, he landed the career-defining role of Franklin "Foggy" Nelson, the loyal and witty best friend and law partner of Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Daredevil series on Netflix. Henson’s portrayal of Foggy brought warmth, humor, and a grounding presence to the dark series, earning him a dedicated fanbase. He reprised the role in subsequent Marvel series, including The Defenders, Daredevil: Born Again (2025-2026), and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, solidifying his place as a key figure in the MCU. With a career spanning over three decades, Elden Henson remains a beloved and respected figure, known for his reliable performances and his ability to bring heart to every role he undertakes.