What role does Sinbad play in Netflix’s Straw? Character explored
Sinbad, also known as David Adkins, is making a proper comeback to acting after almost five years with Tyler Perry's latest Netflix project, Straw. In the movie released on the platform on June 6, 2026, the actor portrays the role of Benny, a neighbor of Janiyah Wiltkinson.
Benny is a kind and compassionate man who understands Janiyah despite not being related to her in any way. He helps her out when necessary, especially in times of trouble, which occur frequently, given the film's premise.
Adkins has had an exciting career since he started in 1986. He is a multifaceted individual with a background in both acting and comedy. He is also a renowned voice actor, having lent his voice to several projects.
Some of the projects included in his filmography are The Sinbad Show (1993–1994), Jingle All the Way (1996), and Hansel and Gretel (2002). While these are some of the projects from the earlier stages of his career, he has several other credits to his name.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.
Sinbad plays Janiyah's elderly neighbor in Netflix's Straw
Netflix's Straw centers on Janiyah's character, a single mother, played by actress Taraji P. Henson. She gets embroiled in a series of unfortunate events that threaten her very existence. Sinbad plays her neighbor. The two share a cordial relationship and support one another.
In the film, even when Detective Raymond is trying to gather intel on Janiyah and reaches out to Benny for the same, he only says good things about her. Raymond later develops a more toned-down perspective on her, one that is based on understanding.
That said, Straw is Adkins' first significant project since suffering an ischemic stroke in October 2020. Sharing his excitement about having Sindbad back after such a long break, writer and director Tyler Perry, during an interview with Entertainment Weekly on June 4, 2025, said:
"It's so important to me, as a man, that men want to support and take care of their families. I know 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."
Also read: What role does Sherri Shepherd play in Netflix's Straw? Character explored.
Sinbad has been working in the industry for almost thirty years
Sinbad was born on November 10, 1956, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to parents Louise and Dr. Donald Beckley Adkins Sr. He grew up with 5 siblings: Donald Jr., Donna, Dorothea, Mark, and Michael.
He began his acting career in 1986. His first project, that year, was the TV film Club Med, in which he appeared as himself. The same year, he also appeared in the show The Redd Foxx Show in the role of Bryon Lightfoot.
For featuring as Davis Sarrette in The Cosby Show in 1987, Adkins received considerable acclaim, cementing his career in the industry. Over the years, he played various roles in films like Necessary Roughness (1991), Coneheads (1993), Good Burger (1997), and Crazy as Hell (2002).
He also appeared in shows such as A Different World (1987-1991), Cosby (1998-1999), Are We There Yet? (2011), and Rel (2018-2019). Additionally, he has done voice acting in projects such as Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996), Planes (2013), Family Guy (2008), and American Dad (2013-2015).
In the 5-year career gap he took following his stroke, two of his projects were released: Good Burger 2 (2023) and Atlanta (2022). In the former, Sinbad had a voiceover cameo, while in the latter, he appeared as himself in an episode.
Also read: Straw (2025): Full list of cast and characters explored.
Straw is currently streaming on Netflix.
