He was shocked to see his longtime mentor!
Recently, actor Brian Tyree Henry visited the Drew Barrymore show to discuss his new Apple TV+ series, “Dope Thief,” and reflect on his rising star in Hollywood. While Henry recalled his early beginnings and even how Barrymore’s work played a part in his upbringing, the highlight of the moment came when Barrymore surprised Henry with a visit from his mentor, former Morehouse professor and founding director of NYU Tisch School of the Arts Department of Drama’s New Studio on Broadway, Kent Gash.
Henry was floored when Gash walked out, embracing his old teacher as he wiped away tears.
“I owe him pretty much everything… He’s the one who made me write my mission statement. He’s the one who gave me my first opportunity,” Henry revealed.
Gash is a respected professor at Morehouse and fondly remembers Henry’s early days. He said he knew immediately that he was a star, initially mistaking Henry for a professional actor and not a student, and encouraged him to take his career as far as it could go. Gash said he wanted to make sure Henry knew of his greatness, explaining that it was also part of their divine connection.
“You know two or three lines in when you’re in the presence of greatness,” said Gash.
“In that moment, I absolutely knew. And I also knew that he might not know that he was great. He might not know that there was a preternatural gift. And so in that moment you realize ‘oh well part of the reason [I’m] in this moment is to make sure that he knows how gifted he genuinely is’…There are some things I’m wrong about, about this kind of thing, I’m never wrong,” Gash continued.
From Morehouse, Henry attended Yale at Gash’s urging. It changed the course of his career, and Henry thanked Gash profusely for never allowing him to shrink or make himself small.
“He wouldn’t let up on me. He would not let me shrink; he would not let me hide. He would not let me,” Henry said.
The two continued to get emotional as they exchanged words, still taken aback after not seeing each other for years. Henry said it was only because of people like Gash that he is where he is today, and was literally speechless at the reunion.
“You are only soaring higher and higher,” Barrymore affirmed.
Check out the heartwarming moment below!