Brian Tyree Henry discusses reclaiming identity through Dope Thief in the Apple TV+ limited series, where he not only stars as Ray Driscoll but also serves as executive producer. After years of being closely associated with his Atlanta character “Paper Boi,” Henry finds the new project a pivotal moment in becoming himself again, marking a significant chapter in his career journey.
Stepping Into a New Role and Shedding Old Labels
Henry leads the cast as Ray Driscoll, a con artist who, alongside his lifelong friend Manny Carvalho, impersonates DEA agents to rob drug dealers. Describing the experience, Henry shares,
“Dope Thief allowed me to reclaim my name,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond being recognized solely for his past role, saying,
“I was just Paper Boi [from Atlanta] to people for quite a few years. And so with this one, I think that I became Brian again, and that is very special to me.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. The series, based on Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 novel and adapted by Peter Craig, is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Dynamic Partnerships and On-Set Bonds
Henry’s chemistry with co-star Wagner Moura is at the heart of the show.
“Wagner Moura is truly one of the best that’s ever done it,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He expresses deep gratitude for working alongside Moura, stating,
“Being able to do this show with him was the greatest gift I’ve ever been given, honestly.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. Their partnership began with vulnerability, as Moura confided his nervousness and Henry reassured him they would face everything together:
“‘Regardless of what goes on, I promise you I won’t leave your side. We’ve got each other.’ And from then on, we were just connected and locked in.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer.
Redefining Bonds Through Storytelling
Henry sees Dope Thief as more than a crime drama, describing the relationship at its core:
“love story between these two friends who are more than friends. I don’t even think the word ‘friend’ is appropriate. They’ve been through so much together. It’s very easy to see series where it’s a Black and Brown man paired together — violence, drugs, all the yahooey — but you never really get to the core of who they are. But these two men are afraid and vulnerable, and there is grief, there is regret.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. This nuanced portrayal sets the show apart from traditional depictions of such partnerships, especially regarding characters like Manny Carvalho and Ray Driscoll.
The Dual Role of Star and Executive Producer
Balancing leadership behind the scenes and in front of the camera, Henry reflects on the influence one person can have on a production:
“What I realized by being the star of the show and also the EP, is that there’s this phrase that floats around on sets that says, ‘It starts from the top.’ Whoever is considered the top of the show, their tone dictates the rest of how the show goes and is felt. And so, in this particular project, I felt like being No. 1 on the call sheet meant that I set the tone, and I didn’t want anything but joy.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. The supportive dynamic extended beyond the script, impacting the overall environment during the shoot.
Balancing Intense Drama With Joyful Moments
The atmosphere on set oscillated between drama and lightheartedness, according to Henry.
“Everything that happens is absolutely terrible, but in the end, it’s a fun ride,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He shares the importance of keeping spirits high:
“Even if I’m on the ground covered in blood with a hole in my leg, in between takes, we’re going to get up, I’m going to play music, we’re going to talk,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. Henry’s appreciation for improvisation also shines:
“Peter would let us improv all the time, which is my juice. I love it. I just always want to be truthful in where the characters are.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer.
Expanding the Range as an Actor
Dope Thief has provided Henry with an opportunity to showcase sides of himself rarely seen.
“to show people my range and that I’m not just one thing.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. His work on the series has already earned a nomination at the Gotham TV Awards, and he awaits news of the Emmy nominations. Despite uncertainty, he remains grounded:
“It’s cool, but I’m always so wrong about what I think people will recognize. Let me tell you something: I’m honored.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer.
Personal Loss and Emotional Resonance in Performance
The experience of filming Dope Thief was especially poignant following a major personal loss:
“of a major loss in my life, when my father died.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. The show‘s sixth episode, where Ray copes with a gunshot wound while grappling with memories of his father, became a powerful and therapeutic project for Henry.
“This episode also dealt with Ray and his father [played by Ving Rhames] and all these different things, and I was like, you have got to be kidding. There is no way that you can make this up. It was incredibly cathartic. It is an episode that I truly, truly, truly love. It was incredibly hard to make, but at the end of the day, it was so rewarding.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer.
Gratitude for Creative Freedom
Henry acknowledges the contribution of Peter Craig and values the trust placed in him as an actor:
“I tell Peter all the time, thank you for putting dialogue like this in my mouth,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He also appreciates the opportunity to explore complex emotions on screen, noting the rarity of such roles:
“and for allowing space for me to actually show all these different emotions that they normally just don’t let us as Black actors play.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. Craig’s writing and creative vision have allowed Henry to stretch his talents as both performer and storyteller.
Imagining the Future for Ray Driscoll
When contemplating his character’s journey beyond the series, Henry envisions a tranquil and liberated life for Ray:
“I hope that Ray is on a farm in a garden that he has procured somewhere in New Hope, Pa.,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He continues his hopes for Ray’s happiness:
“I hope that he makes candles, is in love with his mother [played by Kate Mulgrew], that they’re running a shop. I really want him to wear cardigans, but I want him to really feel like he’s free,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. For Henry,
“I think that freedom is the thing that he needs.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer.
What Dope Thief Means for Brian Tyree Henry and Viewers
For Henry, Dope Thief represents a reclamation of self-identity, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a chance to redefine how Black and Brown men are portrayed on screen. The series navigates the complex interplay of vulnerability, grief, loyalty, and hope, propelled by the talents of Henry, Wagner Moura, and the creative team of Peter Craig and Dennis Tafoya. With the show now streaming, viewers have an opportunity to witness this passionate narrative unfold and see a celebrated actor step fully into his own story, pushing the boundaries of his craft and identity along the way.
