Top 10 Coolest Things About Bryan Tyree Henry

Bryan Tyree Henry is an actor who’s successfully moved between high-quality television, large-scale movies, smaller independent films, and impressive stage productions. He’s worked with some of the best directors in the industry and consistently received praise for his performances. Here are ten examples of his best work, showcasing his incredible talent and versatility.

‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022) – Breakout role as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles with major awards recognition

Henry’s portrayal of rapper Paper Boi was central to the show’s blend of humor and insightful social observations, and it received recognition from several prestigious television award organizations. He realistically depicted the challenges of navigating fame, family, and the music industry, which became a defining characteristic of the series. This role also significantly raised his international profile, leading to opportunities in both film and voice acting.

‘Causeway’ (2022) – First Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor

You know, I was really blown away by Henry’s performance in that film. He played this mechanic, and it wasn’t about big, flashy moments, but a really subtle, moving connection with the soldier who came back home, played by Jennifer Lawrence. It was all in the little things, honestly – the way he acted felt so real and empathetic. Everyone in the industry noticed, and he rightly got an Oscar nomination for it. It just cemented what I already thought – he’s fantastic at picking roles that let him show a lot of depth and emotional intelligence.

‘Eternals’ (2021) – Introduced Phastos, the MCU’s first openly gay superhero

Henry plays Phastos, a gifted inventor in the film, whose creations have significantly impacted human history. This role marks an important step for representation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and focuses on a touching family story that’s key to the movie’s overall message. His performance shows both the grand scope of saving the world and the simple beauty of family life.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023) – Voice of Jefferson Davis across the animated franchise

Henry voices Miles Morales’s father, a police officer who plays a key role in Miles’s development as a hero. His performance brought humor, strength, and emotional depth to their relationship, enriching the story across both ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and the sequel. He originally portrayed the character in the first film, ensuring a consistent portrayal throughout the series.

‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ (2021) – Scene-driven turn as conspiracy podcaster Bernie Hayes continued in a franchise sequel

Bernie Hayes, played by Henry, is an insider at a tech company who uncovers important secrets and provides both humor and crucial plot details throughout the action. This role led him back to the Monsterverse for ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.’ A unique aspect of his character is that he delivers information and background details to the audience through a podcast format, which also expands on the established fan lore.

‘Bullet Train’ (2022) – Memorable “Lemon” partnership with Aaron Taylor-Johnson

As a movie fan, I was really struck by Henry’s performance as one half of this assassin team. He brought such a unique energy to the role, adding these little quirks – like being obsessed with characters from ‘Thomas & Friends’ – that somehow worked perfectly within the fast-paced, heist-style plot. The dynamic between the two assassins really drove the movie forward, connecting all the different storylines. And their chemistry? It was fantastic, especially during the big action sequences, like that intense fight on the train and the larger group confrontations. It really made those scenes pop!

‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018) – Key supporting role in Barry Jenkins’s acclaimed adaptation

Playing Daniel Carty, Henry gives a powerful performance in a key scene that highlights the human cost of the justice system. This scene is a turning point in the film, increasing the emotional impact for the main characters. Critics widely praised the entire cast, demonstrating Henry’s skill at bringing stories to life on screen.

‘Widows’ (2018) – Turn as Jamal Manning in Steve McQueen’s crime-political thriller

Henry’s character is caught between the worlds of politics and crime, creating dramatic tension in scenes with the other main actors. His performance aligns with McQueen’s style of detailed, character-focused action. He proved he can command attention alongside a highly talented cast within a complicated and layered story.

‘The Outside Story’ (2020) – Low-key lead in a character-driven indie

Henry, played by Charles Young, tells a simple, heartwarming story about everyday life. The film focuses on a small, personal narrative – a video editor locked out of his apartment – and showcases Young’s talent for subtle humor and relatable characters, without needing big action or special effects. Critics at film festivals praised his ability to create engaging stories from ordinary moments.

‘Lobby Hero’ (2018) – Tony-nominated performance on Broadway

In addition to his work in film and television, Henry received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in this Kenneth Lonergan play. He brought depth and nuance to the story, which explores themes of power, faithfulness, and honesty set in a Manhattan building. This nomination confirmed his talent as an actor who excels in both theater and film.

2025-10-15 16:48