Brian Tyree Henry reclaims identity with Dope Thief through his starring role as Ray Driscoll in the Apple TV+ series, finding new recognition beyond his previous work. The acclaimed actor, also serving as executive producer, shares how this project brings him personal fulfillment as it allows audiences to see him in a new light.
Finding a New Sense of Self in Dope Thief
For several years, Brian Tyree Henry carried the weight of being recognized as Paper Boi, his character from Atlanta. With his involvement in Dope Thief, however, Henry expresses a deep sense of reclaiming his own name and identity. As he shares,
“Dope Thief allowed me to reclaim my name,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He notes that this experience enabled him to become “Brian again,” a transformation he finds deeply meaningful.
Starring alongside Wagner Moura as Manny Carvalho, Henry assumes the role of Ray Driscoll, a con artist who, together with his lifelong friend, impersonates DEA agents to rob drug dealers. Their criminal endeavors take a dangerous turn when they cross paths with the wrong adversaries. The Apple TV+ limited series is adapted by Peter Craig from Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 novel, giving Henry a complex and layered character to explore.
A Dynamic Partnership on Screen
Henry highlights the rewarding experience of sharing the screen with Wagner Moura, offering high praise for his co-star.
“Wagner Moura is truly one of the best that’s ever done it,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He further describes working with Moura as
“the greatest gift I’ve ever been given, honestly.”
Their partnership was forged quickly, with Moura admitting his nerves on set, and Henry offering reassurance and support, stating,
“Regardless of what goes on, I promise you I won’t leave your side. We’ve got each other.”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. This bond helped strengthen their dynamic for the duration of the series.
Exploring Deeper Bonds Through Friendship
As the relationship between Ray and Manny unfolds on screen, Henry describes it as much more than a simple friendship.
“It’s a 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 depth sets Dope Thief apart from other crime dramas, as it centers vulnerable and emotional experiences between the main characters.
Shaping the Series as Lead and Executive Producer
Taking on the dual responsibilities of lead actor and executive producer, Henry reflects on the significance of setting the tone for the 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. His goal was to cultivate an environment filled with positivity and mutual respect, which carried over into the day-to-day atmosphere on set.
Balancing Drama and Humor Behind the Scenes
The shifting tone of Dope Thief is a hallmark of the series, blending intense drama with moments of levity. Henry reveals his dedication to maintaining a sense of fun and connection, even in the most demanding circumstances.
“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. He credits Peter Craig for allowing improvisation:
“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.
Recognition and Reflections on Awards
The opportunity Dope Thief afforded Henry to showcase his versatility and range is something he values, irrespective of awards outcomes.
“To show people my range and that I’m not just one thing,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer, is a key achievement for him. His performance has already attracted recognition, including a Gotham TV Awards nomination and anticipation for the upcoming Emmy nominations. He modestly comments,
“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.
Channeling Personal Loss Into Performance
The emotional core of the series is evident in the sixth episode, where Ray Driscoll grapples with trauma and loss, reflecting Henry’s own life experiences. He shares that filming this episode closely followed the passing of his father, deepening his connection to the role.
“Of a major loss in my life, when my father died,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He notes the cathartic process of working on material that so closely mirrored his personal grief:
“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.
Collaboration and Creative Freedom
Henry expresses admiration and gratitude for Peter Craig, the series’ writer, for giving actors the opportunity to fully inhabit their roles and display a wide range of emotions.
“I tell Peter all the time, thank you for putting dialogue like this in my mouth,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer. He appreciates the rare chance to express complexity as a Black actor:
“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.
Imagining Ray Driscoll’s Future
As for the fate of his character, Henry envisions peace and fulfillment for Ray. He hopes Ray
“is on a farm in a garden that he has procured somewhere in New Hope, Pa.,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer, living a quiet life, making candles, and sharing joy with his mother, portrayed by Kate Mulgrew. He muses on the importance of freedom for his character:
“I think that freedom is the thing that he needs,”
—Brian Tyree Henry, star and executive producer.
The Continuing Journey of Brian Tyree Henry
Dope Thief is currently available on Apple TV+, inviting audiences to witness Brian Tyree Henry’s journey as he steps forward from his previous roles and redefines his identity on screen. Through his performance and leadership, Henry sets a vibrant tone for cast and crew, while exploring profound bonds, vulnerability, and the complexities of identity. His work with creative collaborators like Wagner Moura, Peter Craig, and the rest of the Dope Thief team demonstrates the impact and emotional resonance of authentic storytelling in contemporary television.
