The plot twists and turns in Tyler Perry’s new Netflix thriller, “Straw,” starring Taraji P. Henson as a struggling single mother who is pushed to her breaking point are meant to leave you on the edge of your seat. But fans who watch the film, set to premiere June 6, might find themselves moved to tears at the sight of a beloved actor who is making an amazing comeback. Actor-comedian Sinbad makes an appearance in the film, marking his first on-screen role after suffering a stroke nearly five years ago.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight during a New York City screening of the film, Perry said he was happy to have an opportunity to support the “A Different World” alum’s return to acting.
“It’s so important to me as a man that men want to support and take care of their families, and I know that it’s been really difficult for him, so to give him this opportunity made me feel amazing. I’m really excited for him. And he delivered,” Perry said.
As The Root previously reported, Sinbad spent time in a medically-induced coma after experiencing a stroke in October of 2020 due to a blood clot that traveled from his heart to his brain. He went through months of surgeries, physical occupational and speech therapy on the road to recovery as fans prayed for his healthy return.
Four years later, Sinbad, born David Adkins, surprised fans when he spoke virtually to a crowd at the Atlanta University Center, joining his “A Different World” castmates, including Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, and Cree Summer on a stop along their tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) around the country.
“Expect to see more of me soon. And don’t freak out if you turn around and I’m standing right behind you,” he said in a March 2024 Instagram post about the event. “Miracles happen.”
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