Sinbad Returns to Acting 5 Years After Stroke in Tyler Perry’s ‘Straw’

Sinbad is back to work!

Nearly five years after the 68-year-old actor and comedian suffered a stroke, he makes his return to Hollywood in Tyler Perry‘s Straw.

Sinbad (real name David Adkins) plays Benny in the thriller that’s led by Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah, a single mother who will do anything to help her ill daughter.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight at a Straw screening in New York City on Tuesday, June 3, Perry reflected on having Sinbad as a part of the cast.

“It’s so important to me, as a man, that men want to support and take care of their families,” said the acclaimed writer-director, 55. “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.”

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Sinbad suffered a stroke in October 2020, his family confirmed a few weeks later. In November 2022, his family shared an update on Instagram and his website, explaining that the stroke was triggered after a blood clot traveled from his heart to his brain.

“The family believes, without exception, Sinbad is here because of the multitude of prayers from all who know and love him,” that statement read. “We are eternally grateful. Every outpouring of love and the memories of how he has touched all of you have not gone unheard, unseen, or unfelt. Thank you. You have lifted his spirits along the way and inspired the entire family.”

Sinbad — known for comedy-movie roles in Coneheads (1993), Jingle All the Way (1996), First Kid (1996) and Good Burger (1997), as well as the TV series A Different World and others — made his first public appearance since the stroke in February 2024, joining other Different World cast members via Zoom for the first stop on a 10-city tour of historically Black colleges and universities in Atlanta.

Reflecting on the overwhelmingly positive response to his appearance, Sinbad wrote in part at the time alongside his first Instagram post since 2022, “Thank you for your prayers, support, and positive thoughts. They’ve carried me this far and will see me through to the finish line.”

Before ending his accompanying video message, the actor shared a promise with those who have kept supporting him going through tough times.

“Expect to see more of me soon, and don’t freak out if you turn around and I’m standing right behind you. ‘Sinbad, I can’t believe you’re here!’ You can’t believe it? You better believe it. Miracles happen,” he concluded.

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A synopsis for his new movie Straw reads, “A single mother’s world unravels in chaos as her day goes from bad to worse to catastrophic as she struggles to care for her ill daughter.”

“Pushed to the brink by a world that seems indifferent to her existence, she’s forced to confront impossible choices in a society that offers her no safety net,” adds the official description of the film, which also stars Teyana Taylor, Glynn Turman and Rockmond Dunbar.

During the N.Y.C. screening on Tuesday, Turman, 78, told PEOPLE that Sinbad was his “buddy” on the movie, raving about getting the chance to collaborate with the acting and comedy legend.

“I had the opportunity to work with — well, be in the same motion picture with, Sinbad. That has been very special for me,” he said.

Straw is streaming on Netflix on Friday, June 6.