Taylor, Shepherd dish on sisterhood, social struggles in ‘Straw’

EARLIER this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Teyana Taylor and Sherri Shepherd, who are part of the principal cast of Tyler Perry’s thriller, Straw.

- DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

Now these phenomenal women are legends in the industry — and not just for acting.

Taylor is a respected singer, songwriter, model, dancer, choreographer and music video director, while Shepherd is also a daytime talk show host as well as podcaster and comedian.

Engaging with them, even briefly, was mind-blowing. Especially with it being about a project that undeniably carries Perry’s signature ability to portray poignant stories of socioeconomic hardship.

He’s proven his Midas touch in his popular Madea franchise and Good Deeds.

Straw dropped on Netflix yesterday. It centres on Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson), a single mother with a sick little girl, who is having the worst day.

Her landlord is threatening to throw her out if she doesn’t pay her overdue rent. Her manager at the local grocery store where she works as a cashier fired her for taking longer than she promised, as she had to rush to her daughter’s school while on duty.