Taraji P. Henson filmed Tyler Perry’s Straw in just 4 days while juggling another project, embracing the challenge of a powerful and emotional lead role.
Taraji P. Henson is no stranger to balancing multiple demanding roles, and her latest project is proof of her unwavering dedication and talent.
The 54-year-old actress recently revealed that she completed filming her lead role in Tyler Perry’s upcoming Netflix drama Straw in just four days—while also shooting her Peacock true-crime limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the special New York screening of Straw on June 3, Henson shared that despite her packed schedule, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with Perry again.
The two previously collaborated on the 2018 thriller Acrimony, and Henson said Perry’s ability to consistently challenge her as an actress is one of the main reasons she signed on.
“I went and shot this for four days and went right back to Fight Night,” Henson said. “They worked it out with my schedule.” Perry confirmed this tight timeline, explaining that the team worked together seamlessly to make it happen.
“Taraji only had four days, so we figured it out in those four days,” he told PEOPLE. “It’s a great team that we all know what to do.”
In Straw, Henson plays Janiyah, a single mother whose already difficult life spirals out of control as she struggles to care for her ill daughter.
The story follows her descent through a day that goes from bad to worse, forcing her to confront devastating choices in a society that offers her no safety net. The role is raw and emotionally intense—something Henson is known to embrace.
“Janiyah did scare me a lot,” Henson admitted. “I was drawn to this character because I love giving a voice to the voiceless. I want anybody out there who identifies with Janiyah to know that they’re not alone and you are seen—and I see you.”
Henson says she gravitates toward characters that scare her, as they push her boundaries and help her grow as an actress. For her, portraying Janiyah was more than just another role—it was a chance to shed light on the struggles many marginalized individuals face every day.
Straw also stars Teyana Taylor, Sherri Shepherd, Glynn Turman, Sinbad, and Rockmond Dunbar. With a compelling story and a powerhouse cast, the film is set to make a strong impact when it premieres globally on Netflix on June 6.
For Henson, the whirlwind filming schedule was worth it. The experience of working with Perry once again and tackling such a meaningful role reaffirmed her passion for challenging, transformative work.
Source PEOPLE
