Chief Byron Hadley is the second antagonist in Shawshank Redemption behind Warden Norton. He was played by Clancy Brown who is best known for voicing Mr. Krabs in the hit Nickelodeon TV show SpongeBob SquarePants.
History
Byron Hadley has been working in the state prison for a presumably long time. By late 1940's he is the chief prison guard, next to Warden Norton in authority. Hadley is a cruel and wicked guard who frequently abuses his authority. He is first seen in 1947 when Andy arrives at Shawshank. He beats up one of the new arrivals when he asks 'When do we eat?' Later that night he beats up a new inmate named 'Fat Ass' for crying in sorrow. Fat Ass dies due to his wounds the next day.
Hadley continues his violent rule of terror. In 1950, his estranged brother dies, leaving him $35,000 in his will. Hadley is seen complaining about this to his fellow guards, saying that he will be charged heavy taxes on the inheritance.
Trivia
- When cast for the role, Brown declined the offer to study real-life prison guards as preparation for his role, because he did not want to base it on any one person.
- In the movie, Hadley was the lead guard until the end, whereas, in the novel, lead guards come and go. Also in the movie, Hadley was arrested, whereas, in the novel, he retired after a heart attack.
- According to Red, "he cried like a girl" when he was getting arrested.