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Brian Tyree Henry is an American actor whose career has been defined by versatility, authenticity, and a commitment to storytelling that reflects the complexities of human experience. Born on March 31, 1982, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and raised in Washington, D.C., Henry was the youngest of five children. His mother, an educator, and his father, a Vietnam War veteran, fostered a home rich in music and creativity. Henry's early exposure to performance came through his mother's classroom, where he would help decorate and later imitate the adults around him, laying the foundation for his future in acting. Initially enrolling at Morehouse College in Atlanta to pursue a business degree, Henry's path shifted when he auditioned for a play on a whim. This experience ignited his passion for acting, leading him to change his major and eventually earn a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama. At Yale, he trained under esteemed mentors and collaborated with peers like playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, who would become a significant artistic ally. Henry's professional journey began in theater, with notable performances in productions such as Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare in the Park and the original Broadway cast of The Book of Mormon. His transition to television and film was marked by roles in Boardwalk Empire and The Knick, but it was his portrayal of Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles in Donald Glover's Atlanta that brought him widespread acclaim. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination and solidified his reputation as a nuanced and compelling actor. Beyond his work in Atlanta, Henry's filmography includes standout roles in If Beale Street Could Talk, Widows, and Causeway, the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He has also appeared in major franchises such as Godzilla vs. Kong, Eternals, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. In 2025, he took on his first leading role in the Apple TV+ series Dope Thief, a project he also executive produced, marking a significant step in his creative evolution. Off-screen, Henry is known for his advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the arts. He has established the Brian Tyree Henry Scholarship Fund to support students of color pursuing an MFA in acting at Yale, reflecting his commitment to fostering new voices in theater and film. Through his work and philanthropy, Henry continues to challenge expectations and inspire future generations of artists.