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

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

The film was released on June 6, 2025, on the streaming platform Netflix. 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 of hurdles line up in her life one day, the film explores how Janiyah faces it all for her daughter's sake.

The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, Sinbad, and more.

Exploring the cast of Tyler Perry's Straw

Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah Wiltkinson

American actress Taraji P. Henson plays the lead character of Janiyah Wiltkinson 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 more revelations about her character till the end.

Taraji P. Henson has made a mark with her acting performances across films and series. She has several accolades to her name, such as the Golden Globe Awards, Critics' Choice Awards, and nominations in the Academy Awards, Screen 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.

Sherri Shepherd as Nicole Parker

Sherri Shepherd has portrayed the character of 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 holds several feathers in her cap owing to her diverse projects in the entertainment industry. Sherri is popularly known for her wide-ranging works, such as The View (2007-2014), Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008), Precious (2009), 30 Rock (2007-2012), Best Ever Trivia Show (2019), and more.

Her performances were appreciated through several nominations and accolades in awards such as the Daytime Emmy Awards, Critics' Choice Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and more.

Teyana Taylor as Detective Raymond

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 like 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 nominations.

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

Rockmond Dunbar as Chief Wilson

The character of Chief Wilson is enacted in the film by Rockmond Dunbar. In the film, the Chief carries a negative opinion of Janiyah. He leaves no scope for understanding why Janiyah must be doing it all.

Rockmund 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.

Glynn Turman as Richard

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

Glynn Turman is popular for his role as a child actor in the 1959 Broadway production, A Raisin in the Sun. The actor 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 nominations and awards such as the Primetime Emmy Award, NAACP Image Award, Critics' Choice Television Award, and more.

Sinbad as Benny

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

David Adkins, taking the 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 few cast members featuring in the film is given below: