Early Career Highlights
Cheryl Ivy Sweeney first graced the silver screen in the early 1980s, appearing in two cult classics that still draw reruns today. At age 22 in 1983, she took on a supporting role in Smokey and the Bandit Part 3; the following year, in 1984, she appeared in the John Hughes–penned teen comedy Sixteen Candles at age 23. Despite limited screen time—her total credited on‑screen minutes across both films tally less than 10 minutes—her presence remains a footnote in cinematic history.
| Year | Film Title | Role Type | Age at Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 | Supporting | 22 |
| 1984 | Sixteen Candles | Bit part | 23 |
Her brief stint in Hollywood spanned just 2 years, but it cemented her status as a recognizable “face in the crowd” during the era of muscle cars and teen angst.
Marriage to Mike Henry
On November 17, 1984, just months after her last credited film appearance, Cheryl Sweeney exchanged vows with actor and former NFL player Mike Henry. At the time, she was 23; he was 48. Their age difference of 25 years raised more than a few eyebrows in tabloid columns, but the couple remained devoted until Mike’s passing at age 84 on January 8, 2021.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Marriage Date | November 17, 1984 |
| Cheryl’s Age | 23 |
| Mike’s Age | 48 |
| Age Difference | 25 years |
| Mike’s Death Date | January 8, 2021 |
| Mike’s Age at Passing | 84 |
Despite Mike’s prominent roles—from his NFL days in the 1960s to his recurring “Junior” in Smokey and the Bandit films—Cheryl preferred to stay out of the limelight following their union, trading red carpets for quiet family gatherings.
Family Life and Background
Cheryl and Mike Henry welcomed one child during their 36-year marriage. Details about their son or daughter have never been publicly disclosed; the family has kept personal milestones—birthdays, graduations and first steps—under wraps. Cheryl’s in‑laws included Peter Gerard Henry (born 1909, died 2002) and Stella Henry, whose birth year remains unreported.
| Family Member | Relation | Birth–Death |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Gerard Henry | Father‑in‑law | 1909–2002 |
| Stella Henry | Mother‑in‑law | Not publicly known |
| Child (name not public) | Son or daughter | Born mid‑1980s |
Cheryl intentionally has a small visible family tree with one direct descendent. Her brothers, cousins, and extended relations are not listed in mainstream biographies or genealogy databases.
Financial Footprint and Net Worth Mysteries
Despite their prominent status, Cheryl Sweeney Henry and her late husband Mike defy net-worth estimations. Mike’s earnings from his NFL (1960-1962) and three-decade acting career remain unreported. Personal finances for Cheryl are also unknown.
| Individual | Estimated Net Worth | Verified Data Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Henry | Unknown | No |
| Cheryl Sweeney Henry | Unknown | No |
Analysts speculate Mike’s lifetime earnings could exceed US$5 million, adjusting for his early NFL contracts and residuals from over 15 feature films and TV appearances. Cheryl, by contrast, has no recorded acting credits beyond 1984 to generate royalties or speaking‑fee income.
Public Presence in the Digital Age
In an era when every hour of life is Instagram‑worthy, Cheryl Sweeney Henry stands out for her absence. She launched an Instagram account under the handle @cpshenry in 2018, but has posted zero photographs, stories, or reels through June 2025—a five‑year digital blackout.
| Platform | Handle | Joined | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| @cpshenry | 2018 | 0 | |
| Not public | N/A | N/A | |
| Not public | N/A | N/A |
Her decision to forgo social updates suggests a deliberate retreat from the public sphere. No speaking engagements, no interviews, and no public appearances have been recorded since 2021, underscoring her preference for privacy over publicity.
Recent News and Legacy
Since Mike Henry’s death on January 8, 2021, Cheryl has been mentioned only in the context of memorials and tributes to her husband. Press coverage peaked in the first 30 days following his passing, with 12 major outlets noting her as “survived by wife, Cheryl.” After that, mentions dropped to zero.
| Period | Number of Mentions |
|---|---|
| January 8–February 7, 2021 (30 days) | 12 |
| February 8, 2021–June 20, 2025 | 0 |
Her legacy is linked to two iconic films and Mike Henry’s massive career. Searching for new ventures, philanthropic endeavours, or public declarations post-2021 returns nothing.
Notable Clarifications
Despite sharing a name, Cheryl Sweeney Henry is not:
- Cracker Barrel board member Cheryl Henry.
- Cheryl Henry appeared in true-crime documentaries.
- Podcaster or social media influencer.
She is best known for her early 1980s work and her marriage into a Hollywood character-actor dynasty.
FAQ
Who is Cheryl Sweeney Henry?
Cheryl Sweeney Henry is an American actress known for small roles in Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983) and Sixteen Candles (1984), and as the wife of actor/NFL player Mike Henry.
What films did she act in?
She appeared in exactly two films—Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 in 1983 and Sixteen Candles in 1984.
When did she marry Mike Henry?
When she was 23, Mike Henry was 48 when they married on November 17, 1984.
Does she have children?
Cheryl and Mike Henry had a kid in the mid-1980s, but the facts are confidential.
What is her net worth?
Nobody knows her financial worth, and no reputable estimates exist.