In a rare and emotional interview this week, actress Taraji P. Henson opened up about the role that pushed her to the emotional edge — her latest performance in Tyler Perry’s upcoming film Straw.
Known for her powerhouse portrayals in films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Hidden Figures, Henson admitted that Straw left a mark unlike anything she’s experienced before.
“I couldn’t sleep after filming,” she revealed in an exclusive sit-down with Essence. “That scene… it wasn’t just acting. I felt like I lived through it. And I’m still not over it.”
Tyler Perry’s Straw — still largely under wraps — is rumored to be one of his most raw and unfiltered stories yet, dealing with trauma, sacrifice, and the silent suffering that can tear families apart. Sources close to the production describe Henson’s character as a “mother at the end of her rope,” forced to make an unimaginable decision in a single, haunting scene.
Henson didn’t elaborate on the exact moment that broke her, but she admitted she had to pause filming for a full day afterward.
“I’ve cried on set before,” she said. “But this time, the crew cried with me. The room was silent for 10 minutes after we cut. That’s how real it got.”
Fans have already begun speculating online, with hashtags like #TarajiInStraw and #TooRealToAct trending within hours of the interview. Many say they’re bracing for another Oscar-worthy performance from Henson — and perhaps Perry’s most powerful story yet.
“I think people will see a different side of me in this,” Henson added. “And maybe a side of themselves they didn’t want to confront.”