Brian Tyree Henry has carved out a remarkable career, showcasing his talent across television, film, theatre, and animation. His performances consistently deliver depth, raw emotion, and magnetic presence. From his breakout role as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles in Donald Glover’s Atlanta to his recent lead in Dope Thief, Henry has proven his versatility and commitment to portraying complex characters. In recent years, Henry has not only taken on diverse roles but has also undergone a significant personal transformation, marked by weight loss and a deeper understanding of himself.
Embracing Change and Confronting Grief
Henry's journey toward better health began around the third or fourth season of Atlanta. This transformation included a weight loss of almost 40kg (approximately 85 pounds). The decision to prioritize his health was spurred by grief and a growing awareness of his public profile. "One day, I’m a regular person having a fry up and the next day, everybody knows where I’m having a fry up. You have to be aware and know that people are watching you," he explained.
The loss of his mother in 2016, around the time Atlanta was gaining momentum, deeply affected him. He acknowledged that his weight had become "a reflection of grief." In addition to changing his eating habits to a high-protein, plant-based diet and running six miles almost every other day, Henry emphasized the importance of mental and emotional well-being. "I've done so much work to love myself and care about myself," he stated. This internal work, including meditation and therapy, has been crucial to his overall transformation.
Henry's father passed away just before filming began on Dope Thief, adding another layer of emotional complexity to his work. He channeled his grief into his portrayal of Ray, an addict grappling with addiction and difficult family relationships. "I had no clue that my father was gonna die. I had no clue that the emotions and feelings would [take] root the way they did, but that’s a part of the job," Henry reflected. He emphasized the importance of honesty and vulnerability in his acting, using his personal experiences to inform his characters.
The Weight of Representation and Redefining Heroism
A pivotal moment in Henry's journey occurred when he was cast as Phastos in Marvel's Eternals. Initially, he assumed he needed to undergo a drastic physical transformation to fit the superhero mold. However, director Chloé Zhao surprised him by saying, "I didn't cast you for that. I want you the way you are." This acceptance was transformative for Henry, who recalled crying during his costume fitting. "I cried, because I was like, I am in this costume as myself. This is who I am. We all deserve to feel like we can be heroes, but it took a minute for me to really believe that I deserved to be in that suit," he shared.
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Phastos's character is a significant step forward in representation as the first openly gay hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Henry emphasized the importance of portraying diverse families and redefining what it means to be a hero. "This is what families look like. This is what they are," Henry said. "If not, this is what they should be… I think that that's what 'Eternals' really brings to the surface is that this is a family."
Diving into Darkness: Dope Thief and the Exploration of Flawed Characters
In Dope Thief, Henry takes on the role of Ray Driscoll, an ex-con who poses as a DEA agent to rob drug dealers. The series, created by Peter Craig and executive produced by Ridley Scott, delves into the fractured psyches of Ray and his partner, Manny, played by Wagner Moura. Henry describes Ray as "a product of a system that told him he wouldn’t be anything and he’s just trying to survive. He sucks at what he’s doing and that’s what’s so humbling and childlike. He’s really terrible, but he’s doing everything he can to take care of everyone around him. I believe he believes he’s doing the right thing."
The relationship between Ray and his father, Bart, played by Ving Rhames, is a central theme in Dope Thief. Henry drew upon his own complicated relationship with his father to inform his performance. "Some of the stuff that Ray is saying to Bart is what I desperately needed to say to my father. I was so desperate to really get that out.” He intentionally kept his distance from Rhames during filming to enhance the authenticity of their on-screen animosity.
Henry also appreciated the opportunity to work with Ridley Scott, who encouraged him to bring a unique perspective to the role. Scott's advice, "Brian, I've been doing this for a long time, and all I'm looking for is for an actor to make me go, I never thought of it that way," resonated deeply with Henry.
From Atlanta to Philadelphia: Embracing New Challenges and Leadership
Brian Tyree Henry's career took off with his role in Atlanta, where he played Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles. The show's success opened doors to numerous opportunities, including roles in Widows, Eternals, and Causeway. Henry has consistently sought out roles that challenge him and allow him to explore the complexities of human experience.
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After Atlanta, Henry initially thought he was done with television, but the opportunity to be an executive producer on Dope Thief drew him back. "I felt like I had been giving myself an opportunity to contribute in a way that an executive producer would on a lot of my other projects, I just wasn’t credited that way," he explained. Peter Craig recognized Henry's talent and vision, making him a key collaborator in the creative process.
Henry immersed himself in the city, living there for over a year and developing a deep appreciation for its culture and people. "There’s no way I was gonna be in Philly and not represent it, because Philly is going to tell you, without a doubt, if it feels like you’re giving it the pride and respect it deserves," he stated. His experiences in Philadelphia informed his portrayal of Ray and his approach to the show's production.
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