Brian Tyree Henry is a highly underrated, world-class actor Hollywood hasn’t recognized or appreciated yet. While the world knows him for his standout, impactful role as Miles Morales’s father Jefferson Davis, we first knew him as the humorous, beloved Paper Boi from Donald Glover’s hit show, Atlanta. Atlanta was a spectacular series interwoven with social commentary about the Black community and the destructive forces behind the music industry, with epic surrealist, existentialist episodes that let viewers see into the minds of its characters.
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Henry’s character Paper Boi navigated the unfortunate trauma of being a rapper facing appalling levels of anti-Blackness in the music industry, and the complications of working with family while doing business. It’s a breakout role to proudly recall, especially from the Black community, as he continues to shine unapologetically in his newer projects.
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In recent queer news, Henry was recognized for his awesome part in Marvel’s Eternals as Phastos, an openly gay superhero. This role was groundbreaking and highly sort after as the MCU hasn’t reached the stage of demonstrating authentic queer characters or relationships.
Brian Tyree Henry also went on to star in Bullet Train (2022) and The Fire Inside (2024), to name a few performances that showcase his in-depth versatility as a profound, award-winning actor.
Not to mention, Henry silently demolished the Met Gala Carpet in 2023’s Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty theme and, recently, for the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style 2025 theme. For upcoming Met Gala seasons, we need to be watching for Colman Domingo and Brian Tyree Henry as two fashion icons who always show up in style, on theme, and never in boring suits.
Henry’s masterful resumé and his presence in the acting industry is even more impactful as a Black, dark-skinned, gay man, because he allows his work to speak for him. Henry’s career proves we can live in our queerness (private or not) and pursue our dreams without letting negativity catch us.
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