Straw (2025): Full list of cast and characters explored

Straw is a new suspense thriller film written and directed by Tyler Perry. The movie centers on a mother's desperation amidst an unfortunate turn of events, unfolding with emotional twists and turns until the end.

In Straw, Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson) is a single mother who is very attached to her daughter, Aria. Her daughter's poor health and their deteriorating financial status make Janiyah's life hectic. As the toughest hurdles line up in her life one day, the film explores how Janiyah faces it all for her daughter's sake.

The film released on June 6, 2025, on Netflix, and stars Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, Sinbad, and more.

Exploring the cast of Tyler Perry's Straw

1) Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah

Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah in Straw (Image via Netflix)

American actress Taraji P. Henson plays the lead character, Janiyah in Straw. Having too much on her plate, Janiyah pushes herself beyond her limits just for her beloved daughter, Aria. The film revolves around her and brings several revelations about her character to light.

Taraji P. Henson has made a mark with her performances across films and series. She has earned several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and Critics' Choice Award, and nominations at the Academy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and more.

Her popular works include Hustle & Flow (2005), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), The Karate Kid (2010), The Color Purple (2023), and more.

2) Sherri Shepherd as Nicole Parker

Sherri Shepherd as Nicole Parker (Image via Netflix)

Sherri Shepherd has portrayed Nicole Parker in Straw. Nicole, a bank teller by profession, becomes one of the only supporters of Janiyah during her tough day. It is Nicole's aid that helps Janiyah navigate through the day's hardships and gain a sense of what is happening around her.

Sherri Shepherd has been part of diverse projects in the entertainment industry. She is popularly known for her involvement in The View (2007-2014), Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008), Precious (2009), 30 Rock (2007-2012), Best Ever Trivia Show (2019), and more.

Her performances have led to her winning Daytime Emmy Awards and being nominated for Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and more.

3) Teyana Taylor as Detective Raymond

Teyana Taylor as Detective Raymond in Straw (Image via Netflix)

Singer, songwriter, actress, choreographer, and music video director Teyana Taylor plays the role of Detective Raymond in the new film. Her empathetic character in the movie is one of the few who try to understand Janiyah and her actions.

Teyana Taylor has made a big impact in both music and acting. She’s won awards including the BET Award, MTV Video Music Award, and Soul Train Music Award for her music. Her role in A Thousand and One (2023) also earned her praise and several award nominations.

Some of her popular movies include Coming 2 America (2021), Madea's Big Happy Family (2011), and Stomp the Yard: Homecoming (2010).

4) Rockmond Dunbar as Chief Wilson

Rockmond Dunbar as Chief Wilson in Straw (Image via Netflix)

Rockmond Dunbar plays Chief Wilson in the film. In the title, the Chief has a negative opinion of Janiyah and fails to understand the reasons behind her actions.

Dunbar is a renowned American actor who has portrayed varied characters across films and series. His popular works include Earth 2 (1994-1995), Soul Food (2000-2004), Prison Break (2005-2017), The Family That Preys (2008), Sons of Anarchy (2011-2013), and more.

5) Glynn Turman as Richard

Glynn Turman as Richard in Straw (Image via Netflix)

American actor Glynn Turman plays the role of Richard in the new Netflix film. Richard is a strict boss who doesn’t understand Janiyah’s problems. He gives her a tough time, adding more troubles to her tough day.

Glynn Turman is popular for his role as a child actor in the 1959 Broadway production, A Raisin in the Sun. He has acted in films and series of various genres, such as Peyton Place (1968-1969), In Treatment (2008-2009), Super 8 (2011), John Dies at the End (2012), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020), and more.

Glynn Turman's performances won him a Primetime Emmy Award, NAACP Image Award, and more.

6) Sinbad as Benny

Sinbad as Benny in Straw (Image via Netflix)

Actor and comedian Sinbad features in the film as Benny. He appears in Straw as a neighbor of Janiyah, who is old and in a wheelchair. Janiyah gives him some change out of kindness while being short on money herself.

David Adkins, known by his stage name Sinbad, began his career as a comedian on the show Star Search. His acting and comedy performances range from his successful HBO specials, The Sinbad Show (1993-1994), to varied films and series such as A Different World (1987-1991), First Kid (1996), Good Burger (1997), Crazy as Hell (2002), Planes (2013), and more.

Other actors featuring in the new Tyler Perry film

The film includes more actors who add to the chaos and challenges that knock on Janiyah's door one unfortunate day. The list of the other cast members in the film is given below: