Brian Tyree Henry has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating actors, delivering standout performances across a wide range of films and television shows. From Alfred “Paper Boi” Davis in Atlanta to his powerful portrayal of Jason Crutchfield in the upcoming The Fire Inside, Henry consistently brings depth and nuance to his roles. His talent shines through, making him a formidable presence on screen.
Here’s a closer look at some of his most iconic performances.
Causeway
In “Causeway,” Henry plays James Aucoin, an amputee grappling with the emotional and physical aftermath of a traumatic car accident. He forms a deep bond with a soldier recovering from a brain injury, played by Jennifer Lawrence, as both characters navigate their personal struggles. Directed by Henry’s friend and fellow Yale School of Drama alumna Lila Neugebauer, the film is a powerful exploration of grief, trauma and healing. Henry’s moving portrayal of James earned him his first Oscar nomination in 2022.
Atlanta
Henry plays one of the most significant characters in the series, Alfred Davis, a.k.a. “Paper Boi.” Paper Boi is an emerging rapper navigating the differences between his rising fame and street life. Despite his success, he feels disconnected from his celebrity status and indifferent toward social media, often making him vulnerable to obsessive fans and opportunistic thieves. Alongside his cousin Earn (Donald Glover), Paper Boi captivates audiences with humor and sympathy on one of the most popular television series of the late 2010s.
Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse
In the massively successful Spiderverse franchise, Henry lends depth and emotion to his portrayal of Officer Jefferson “Jeff” Morales, a loving yet overprotective father. As a Brooklyn police officer, Jeff is initially critical of Spider-Man’s vigilantism, unaware that his son, Miles, has taken up the mantle. Over time, Jeff gains a newfound respect for Spider-Man’s efforts to save the city, though he humorously maintains a stance of “agreeing to disagree” on the hero’s methods. Henry’s voice performance brings warmth and complexity to Jefferson’s role as a father determined to ensure his son has better opportunities than he did.
Bullet Train
Henry plays Lemon, a British assassin with a quirky obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine, adding a unique charm to his ruthless demeanor. Paired with Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the two form a deadly but hilarious duo known as “The Twins,” despite their vastly different appearances. Henry’s performance brings humor and heart to the film, as Lemon’s banter with Tangerine showcases their undeniable brotherly bond. Henry and Taylor-Johnson’s on-screen chemistry extends off-screen as well, with Henry describing their friendship as one rooted in genuine admiration, likening it to the unexpected bond between their Bullet Train characters.
If Beale Street Could Talk
Even though Henry is featured for less than 15 minutes in the 2018 film adaptation of James Baldwin’s renowned novel, his character, Daniel Carty, is one of the most impactful characters in the story. Fresh out of jail, Carty reunites with his friend Fonny (Stephan James) in New York, leading to a deeply emotional scene where the two share a vulnerable conversation about Daniel’s experience being incarcerated. This scene spotlights the violent oppression Black men face in the criminal justice system. This moment almost acts as a short film within If Beale Street Could Talk, serving as a powerful commentary on America’s sociopolitical landscape and marking a standout performance for Henry.
Transformers One
Brian Tyree Henry lends his voice to D-16, the young version of Megatron, in “Transformers One,” a film that delves into the origins of the legendary rivalry between Megatron and Optimus Prime. Once close friends, their bond is central to the fate of their home planet, Cybertron. Henry, who has expressed a love for complex villains, brings depth to the role, showing that there’s more to Megatron than meets the eye. Currently in theaters, “Transformers One” is one of several high-profile projects for Henry this year.
The Fire Inside
There’s already Oscar buzz for Henry’s role as Jason Crutchfield in The Fire Inside, which is coming to theaters this December. Based on a true story, the film follows Claressa Shields (Ryan Destiny), an athlete from Flint, Michigan, who aims to be the first American woman to win a gold medal in boxing. Henry delivers a powerful, nuanced performance as coach Jason Crutchfield. His introspective portrayal earned multiple rounds of applause at the Toronto International Film Festival, positioning him as a strong contender for another Oscar nomination in this year’s supporting actor race.
