The Straw cast features Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Tyler Perry’s 2025 Netflix movie. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

Straw centers on a single mother named Janiyah Wiltkinson. After the protagonist loses her job, she ends up in legal trouble while seeking money for her daughter. The narrative follows the main protagonist as she experiences an unfortunate epiphany. Here’s every actor and character in Straw.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘A Widow’s Game’

Straw Cast: Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah Wiltkinson

Character Profile: A 42-year-old single mother. She gets involved in various crimes while looking after her sick daughter. Janiyah bonds with a bank manager before learning the truth about her predicament.

Henson’s Resume: Shug in Hustle & Flow (2005), Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Sherry Parker in The Karate Kid (2010), Cookie Lyon in Empire (2015-20), Katherine G. Johnson in Hidden Figures (2016)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘K.O.’

Straw Cast: Sherri Shepherd as Nicole

Character Profile: A branch manager for Benevolent Bank & Trust. She is a married woman with two kids. Nicole comforts Janiyah after learning about what she experienced during the previous 24 hours.

Shepherd’s Resume: Ramona Platt in Less Than Perfect (2002-06), Angie Jordan in 30 Rock (2007-12), Cornrows in Precious (2009), Lula in One for the Money (2012), Principal Paula Madison in Mr. Iglesias (2019-20)

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Straw Cast: Teyana Taylor as
Detective Kay Raymond

Character Profile: A detective and single mother. She is a U.S. Army veteran who previously worked as a negotiation specialist. Detective Raymond confronts a male colleague about a road interaction with Janiyah.

Taylor’s Resume: A Popular Recording Artist — Also, Bopoto in Coming 2 America (2021), Boxing Instructor in Boxing Instructor (2022), Imani in White Men Can’t Jump (2023)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Exterritorial’

Straw Cast: Sinbad as Benny

Character Profile: Janiyah’s paraplegic friend. He is a homeless man who hangs out near her apartment building. Benny offers public support for Janiyah during a television interview.

Sinbad’s Resume: A Popular Comedian — Also, Otto in Coneheads (1993), Myron Larabee in Jingle All the Way (1996), Sam Simms in First Kid (1996), Mr. Wheat in Good Burger (1997)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Havoc’

The Straw cast also includes:

• Rockmond Dunbar as Chief Wilson
• Ashley Versher as Tessa George
• Mike Merrill as Detective Grimes
• Glynn Turman as Richard
• Shalèt Monique as Rayah Dunnam
• Diva Tyler as Isabella
• Fracaswell Hyman as Marvin
• Doris Woodruff as Dorothy
• Jeremy J. Anderson as Justin
• Derek Phillips as Agent Bryce

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.