Henry J. Deutschendorf II Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Death, Movies & TV Shows
Henry John Deutschendorf II, professionally known as Henry J. Deutschendorf II or Hank Deutschendorf, was an American former child actor and martial artist who became internationally recognized for portraying Baby Oscar in the supernatural comedy film Ghostbusters II.
He shared the role with his identical twin brother, William T. Deutschendorf, with the brothers alternating appearances during production.
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Although his acting career lasted only briefly, the role became part of the legacy of the Ghostbusters franchise. As he grew older, Deutschendorf moved away from acting and devoted himself to martial arts, eventually co-owning a martial arts academy with his twin brother in San Diego, California. He died in 2017 at the age of 29.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Henry John Deutschendorf II |
| Stage Name: | Henry J. Deutschendorf II, Hank Deutschendorf |
| Born: | April 29, 1988 |
| Died: | June 14, 2017 (age 29 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| State Of Origin: | California |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | Caucasian |
| Height: | 175 cm |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Ron Deutschendorf (father) |
| Siblings: | William T. Deutschendorf |
| Relationship: | In a relationship at the time of death |
| Occupation: | Actor, Martial Artist |
| Net Worth: | $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Henry John Deutschendorf II was born on April 29, 1988, and lived to the age of 29 years old.
He grew up in California alongside his identical twin brother, William T. Deutschendorf, in a family connected to the entertainment industry. His father is Ron Deutschendorf. The twins were nephews of legendary singer and songwriter John Denver, whose birth name was also Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.
Deutschendorf developed an interest in physical fitness and martial arts while growing up. He eventually trained extensively in martial arts, developing the discipline and technical skills that later became central to his adult career.
Rather than pursuing a long-term career in Hollywood after his childhood acting experience, he focused his attention on martial arts and professional instruction.
He completed his secondary education before continuing his studies and martial arts training. His dedication to the discipline eventually helped him attain advanced black-belt status and develop the experience required to teach martial arts professionally.
Personal Life
Henry J. Deutschendorf II was not married when he died, but he was in a committed relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Keemia Ranjbaran. His twin brother William later described her as an important part of Henry’s life, reflecting the close relationship they shared before his death.
Deutschendorf did not have any children of his own. Much of his adult life centered on his family, his relationship, his twin brother, and the students he taught through martial arts.
He and William also maintained a close personal and professional partnership, eventually running their martial arts business together.
Career
Henry John Deutschendorf II entered the entertainment industry as an infant when he and his twin brother were selected to portray Baby Oscar in Ghostbusters II in 1989.
The brothers alternated in the role, a common practice for very young performers, and appeared alongside stars including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Sigourney Weaver.
Ghostbusters II became his only major acting role during childhood, and Deutschendorf did not continue pursuing a conventional Hollywood career. Instead, he turned his attention toward martial arts and eventually became a professional instructor.
Alongside William, he became involved with West Coast Martial Arts Academy in San Diego, where he taught martial arts and self-defense.
Deutschendorf dedicated much of his adult life to teaching and community work through martial arts. He and his brother organized self-defense seminars and participated in charitable activities, including fundraising events for children’s healthcare.
His work ultimately made him better known within the martial arts community than for his brief childhood acting career.
He also appeared alongside his twin brother in the documentary Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters, which revisited the making and legacy of the original Ghostbusters films.
The documentary provided an opportunity for the brothers to reflect on their unusual experience as the children who shared the role of Baby Oscar.
Net Worth
Henry J. Deutschendorf II had an estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of his death. His adult income was primarily connected to his work as a martial arts instructor and his involvement in operating a martial arts academy with his brother.
Death
Henry John Deutschendorf II died on June 14, 2017, in Escondido, California, at the age of 29. His death was ruled a suicide, and his family later revealed that he had struggled for years with schizoaffective disorder.
His twin brother William publicly discussed Henry‘s experience after his death and used the tragedy to raise awareness about serious mental illness and the need for better support and treatment.
His death attracted renewed public attention because of his childhood connection to Ghostbusters II, but his family and friends also remembered him for his work as a martial arts instructor, his kindness toward his students, and the close bond he shared with his twin brother.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, know that support is available — please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a crisis helpline in your area.
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Filmography
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters (2019)
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