Brian Tyree Henry Spills ‘Dope Thief’ Tea in London

Actor Brian Tyree Henry recently took a break from filming Dope Thief’s latest episodes on London’s storied streets to sit down with The Face magazine, a publication known for its fearless blend of culture, fashion and music coverage. Over a hot cup of tea—an apt prop, given the caption teased “Here’s the tea!”—the Atlanta standout, fresh off an Academy Award nod for Causeway, delivered candid takes on his craft, confessed why he’d be “the absolute worst criminal alive,” and offered a mini style tutorial courtesy of The Face reporter Sik’s sharp questions and even sharper wardrobe.

Career Spotlight

Henry’s rise has been anything but ordinary. After honing his skills at Yale School of Drama and the Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble in Chicago, he shot to fame as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles on FX’s Atlanta in 2016. That breakout role showcased his comedic timing and dramatic depth, paving the way for film credits in If Beale Street Could Talk, Marvel’s Eternals, Joker and Widows. In 2023, his performance in the family drama Causeway earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his place among Hollywood’s most versatile talents. Last fall, he received the Performer Tribute at the Gotham Awards—a moment he called “rocking me and that entire room” on Instagram. Today, he wears both star and executive-producer hats on Apple TV+’s Dope Thief, guiding the series from behind as well as in front of the camera.

Style On Set

The Instagram carousel announcing his Face interview (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK-jLCbxnOO/) doubles as a style guide for on-location shoots. Henry layers vibrant pea coats over graphic hoodies, teams distressed denim with designer sneakers and tops off looks with cozy beanies or classic fedoras, nodding to London’s streetwear scene. Some shots even capture him stepping out of a classic London black cab, blending cinematic drama with everyday charm. In his caption, he thanked reporter Sik “for pulling up with sharp questions and sharper fits,” reinforcing that his off-duty looks are almost as anticipated as his on-screen performances. He peppered the post with the hashtag #DopeThief, reminding followers that style and storytelling go hand in hand.

Interview Highlights

In conversation, Henry let loose some of his trademark humor. When asked about plotting the perfect crime, he quipped, “I’d be the absolute worst criminal alive because I’d probably spill the tea on myself.” The Face feature probed his top Dope Thief moments, spurring tales of last-minute stunts and improvised lines that made it into the final cut. He reflected on the moral questions driving Ray’s journey, describing the character’s flawed decisions as a mirror for contemporary ethical dilemmas—something he’s eager to evolve as the show progresses. He also gave props to co-stars and crew, praising how the tight-knit production team handled on-location challenges with professionalism and grit.

Dope Thief Deep Dive

Henry balanced the laughs with thoughtful insights on the series. In a recent Rolling Stone feature (https://www.instagram.com/p/DIz2YlrTRPa/), he wrote, “This show took me places I didn’t expect—made me face some real-life demons, dig deep, and find the heart in Ray’s story.” He also praised directing legend Ridley Scott in an Instagram clip (https://www.instagram.com/p/DIjZCR2My3V/), calling him “a walking masterclass, especially for an actor because he films with no less than six cameras.” Fans were also teased with an Instagram story naming episode 5’s relationship status between Ray and Manny as “#ItsComplicated,” hinting at emotional twists ahead (https://www.instagram.com/p/DICeB8xSju_/).

Looking Ahead

As Dope Thief nears its season finale—dropping this Friday on Apple TV+—Henry is already eyeing new creative ventures. Though details remain under wraps, he teased upcoming film roles and expressed interest in returning to his comedic roots. In the meantime, fans can catch the latest episode, admire his on-set style posts on Instagram and sip whatever tea he’s serving next.

Trivia

Brian Tyree Henry attended Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre.

Reporter

Reshmi Das

 

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.

Read full bio of Reshmi Das