An acting career as dynamic and diverse as that of Brian Tyree Henry is a matter of envy for many in the industry. From television to film, theater to voiceovers in animation, his performances are renowned for their realistic, magnetic appeal. His roles, such as the Emmy nominated ‘Paper Boi’ Miles in Donald Glover’s critically acclaimed FX series, and the troubled parolee in Barry Jenkins’ interpretation of James Baldwin’s work, demonstrate an easy balance of vulnerability and charisma. He not only lent his voice to Spider-Man’s father but also played one of his most complex roles in his recent TV venture, ‘Dope Thief’. As Ray, a Philadelphia based drug addict who disguises as a DEA agent along with his friend to confiscate dealers’ supplies, the 43-year-old North Carolina native provides an unparalleled humane touch to a character that could easily lean towards cliche?.
Currently residing in the UK, Henry is engaged in the shooting of ‘Panic Carefully’, a thriller starring Julia Roberts, Elizabeth Olsen and Eddie Redmayne, in addition to himself. Having shed nearly 40 kilograms of his weight recently, he was asked if his health transformation has influenced his approach towards interpreting a character’s physical state. His journey towards fitness began around the third or fourth season of ‘Atlanta’ and notably progressed to his role in ‘Dope Thief’, where he portrayed a meth user and addressed several addiction issues.
Henry’s portrayal of Ray in ‘Dope Thief’ challenges viewers to sympathize with a character that is largely flawed and seemingly unlikeable. Ray represents those trapped in a societal framework that casts them aside, leaving them to grapple with survival. His failures in his illicit ventures come across as endearing and juvenile. Despite his glaring shortcomings, Ray strives to offer support to those around him.
When asked about his acting inspirations, he admits the need for actors to experience difficult situations. This gives them a depth of understanding to draw upon and convey through their characters.
In his current project, ‘Panic Carefully’, Henry tackles the role of a federal agent tasked with saving the world. To energize and imbue himself with his character’s vibes, he turns to music like the tracks ‘Knuck If You Buck’ by Crime Mob and songs from Cardi B. His love for music is not just personal, he aims to set a mood on the set – hoping his soundtrack precedes his physical presence.
His passion for the theatre continues to burn brightly. London holds a particular allure for him with dreams of performing in its illustrious theatres. He views theatre as a unique and immersive experience that sets it apart from movies. The opening of the curtain to a crowd of hundreds to a thousand spectators creates an atmosphere that is electrically alive. Theatre doesn’t just breed better actors according to Henry, but also better people.
Brian’s path from a business student in Atlanta to a drama enthusiast at Yale wasn’t an immediate realization but rather a gradual march. He never saw himself as a business major, but that appeared to be the norm at the time. It wasn’t so much about finding the right path as it was about identifying the wrong one.
When asked about his insights into ‘Dope Thief’, he feels no compulsion for it to deliver a deeper message or lessons. It’s an action-charged series providing suspense and laughter in equal measures. It’s about living life at full throttle, making all the wrong choices, and realizing your own choices maybe aren’t as dire. His desire is for audiences to emotionally connect with these characters.
Looking ahead, he hopes for a break and the chance to appear in a romantic role. He expresses a deep desire to explore love in all its facets on screen.