Straw cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the Tyler Perry film?

Tyler Perry's Netflix film Straw has a brilliant cast including Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, Glynn Turman, Sinbad and Rockmond Dunbar, among many others.

The film addresses systemic prejudice and injustice as we witness the journey of Janiyah, a single mother who is at the bank wanting to acquire money for her daughter. When the bank officials do not help her, Janiyah is compelled to take urgent, unlawful action.

Let us find out more details about the cast and the characters that they portray in Straw.

Who plays whom in the Tyler Perry film Straw?

1) Rockmond Dunbar as Chief Wilson

In Straw, actor Rockmond Dunbar essays the role of Chief Wilson. He is a strict police official who takes care of the particular case. He does not support the actions of Janiyah.

Other than this film, Rockmond Dunbar is seen in films and series including Soul Food (2000-2005), All About You(2001), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), Prison Break (2005-2017), Alien Raiders (2008), Terriers (2010), The Mentalist(2013-2015), The Path (2016-2017), City of Lies (2018), etc.

2) Sinbad as Benny

Actor and comedian Sinbad a.k.a. David Adkins portrays the role of Benny, the compassionate and helpful neighbor of Janiyah. He is a geriatric man who helps her irrespective of the challenges he is facing. Janiyah helps him too.

Apart from Sinbad's role in this film, he has been seen in films and series, including The Sinbad Show (1993-1994), Houseguest (1995), Crazy as Hell (2002), Rel (2018-2019). He has also lent his voicework for Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996), Hansel and Gretel (2002), Planes (2013), Slacker Cats (2007-2009), to name a few.

3) Glynn Turman plays Richard

A still from 'Straw' | Image via @Youtube/Netflix

Veteran actor Glynn Turman portrays the role of Richard, the inconsiderate and difficult boss at Janiyah's workplace. It is his actions that act as a catalyst for the rest of the events to follow, as he lays off Janiyah from the job.

Along with this role in Straw, Turman is known for his work in films and series, including Peyton Place (1968-1969), Carter's Army (1970), Cooley High (1975), Gremlins (1984), Men of Honor (2000), Big Apple (2001), House of Lies (2012-2016), Women of the Movement (2022), to name a few.

4) Teyana Taylor as Detective Kay Raymond

The multifaceted artiste Teyana Taylor essays the role of Detective Kay Raymond in the film. She reads the case in between the lines as she showcases empathy towards Janiyah and understands what compelled her to take such a step. Like Janiyah, Kay Raymond is a single mother as well.

Other than Teyana Taylor's role in this film, her acting stints include Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family (2001), Hit The Floor (2018), Coming 2 America (2021), The Book of Clarence (2023), One Battle After Another (2025), and many more.

5) Sherri Shepherd as Nicole Parker

Actor Sherri Shepherd portrays the role of the bank teller, Nicole Parker. She wholeheartedly supports Janiyah and helps her throughout.

Apart from Sherri Shepherd's role in this film, she is known for her work in films and series including Cleghorne! (1995), Holding the Baby (1998-1999), Suddenly Susan (1999-2000), Emeril (2001), My Adventures in Television (2002), Less Than Perfect (2002-2006), Beauty Shop (2005), Transformers (2007), Sherri (2009), Think Like a Man (2012), Trial & Error (2017-2018), Mr. Iglesias (2019-2020), and many more.

6) Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah Wiltkinson

The role of Janiyah Wiltkinson is embodied by Taraji P. Henson. The film explores the journey of Janiyah who wants some money for her daughter Aria. When she does not receive cooperation from the bank officials, she takes up arms and attempts to rob the bank.

Apart from Taraji P. Henson's role in this film, the Golden Globe-winning actor is recognized for her work in Streetwise(1998), Hustle & Flow (2005), Boston Legal (2007-2008), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), The Karate Kid (2010), The Good Doctor (2011), Larry Crowne (2011), From the Rough (2011), Person of Interest (2011-2015),Think Like a Man (2012), Empire (2015-2020), Hidden Figures (2016), Proud Mary (2018), The Color Purple (2023), and many more.