“She's very brilliant”: Tyler Perry applauds Teyana Taylor’s performance skills

On June 6, 2025, Tyler Perry attended a special screening in New York City for his new Netflix film, Straw. During the event, he spoke about working again with Teyana Taylor, who plays Detective Kay Raymond in the movie. Reflecting on her growth since their first collaboration in 2011, Tyler Perry said:

“She’s very brilliant.”

Noting that Taylor requires little direction because she understands her characters so clearly. His comments highlighted the ease with which she steps into a role and responds to the scenes around her in a natural way.

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Teyana Taylor’s role as Detective Kay Raymond in Straw

In Straw, Taraji P. Henson stars as Janiyah Wiltkinson, a single mother caught up in a tense bank standoff. Teyana Taylor’s character, Detective Raymond, arrives partway through the film to manage negotiations and gather key information.

Her calm approach and clear delivery help guide the audience through the procedural aspects of the story. Though not the central focus, her presence adds balance, showing how law enforcement works alongside people in crises.

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Growth from her first role with Tyler Perry in 2011

Teyana Taylor first worked with Tyler Perry in Madea’s Big Happy Family, where she played a supporting role and delivered the memorable line “Byron.” At that time, she was just starting in acting after making her name as a musician and choreographer.

Tyler Perry recalled giving her basic guidance on set but allowing her room to find the character herself. Over the past 14 years, she has built on that early experience, taking on more complex parts and building confidence in front of the camera.

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Collaborative environment on the Straw set

On set, Taylor shared scenes with veteran actors such as Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd, who plays a bank manager. In interviews, Taylor described the atmosphere as focused and encouraging. She said she valued observing Shepherd’s timing and Henson’s ability to improvise when it felt right. Henson also spoke positively about Taylor, joking that they needed “more scenes together” in future projects.

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How the film addresses wider social issues

Straw uses its story of a bank standoff to explore themes such as financial stress, mental health, and community pressures. Taylor’s Detective Raymond represents a human side of law enforcement, someone balancing duty with empathy.

Her interactions with Henson’s character show both procedural detail and personal concern. The film’s narrative aims to spark conversation about why everyday people reach breaking points and how systems respond when crises occur.

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Though Taylor has not confirmed specific upcoming roles, her filmography shows projects already in post-production, including One Battle After Another and the 2026 title The Rip. She continues to work across music, choreography, television, and film, expanding her portfolio steadily.

Tyler Perry's acknowledgement of her talents at the June screening may lead to more significant parts in his future productions. As viewers discover her performance in Straw, Taylor’s growing range and professional evolution point toward a variety of creative opportunities ahead.

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