Henton is an avid Cleveland Browns fan, as noted on the television series, Living Single. Henton never entertained the thought of a career in comedy. In 1982, while working during the day and studying computer science at night, Henton was urged by a co-worker to try his jokes at a local comedy club’s amateur night. By his second night, Henton won the amateur night contest and began stand-up part-time. Henton made the move to Los Angeles in 1985 and by 1988, started his stand-up career full-time.