Sinbad returns to acting 5 years after stroke: ‘it’s been really difficult’

MoviesSinbad returns to acting 5 years after stroke: ‘It’s been really difficult’By Whitney VasquezPublishedJune 4, 2025, 10:04 p.m. ET

He’s back!

Sinbad has returned to the spotlight, starring in Tyler Perry’s upcoming thriller, “Straw.” The role marks the first time the 68-year-old comedian has been back on the screen since suffering

a stroke that left him hospitalized for months five years ago.

Sinbad — whose real name is David Adkins — plays Benny in the upcoming about a single mother willing to do anything to help her ill daughter.

Netflix

The comedian stars alongside lead actress Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor.

In the first look of Sinbad’s character, the usually cheery comedian looks down on his luck, sporting pale skin, a white shirt with a checkered jacket and a black beaning.

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Perry, 55, addressed Sinbad’s comeback during a screening of the film in New York on Tuesday, June 3.

“It’s so important to me, as a man, that men want to support and take care of their families,” the flick’s director told Entertainment Tonight.

“I know it’s been really difficult for him, so to give him this opportunity made me feel amazing,” Perry continued. “I’m really excited for him. And he delivered.”

also includes Glynn Turman, Teyana Taylor, Sherri Shepherd, Taraji P. Henson. Jackie Brown / SplashNews.com7Sinbad suffered a stroke in 2020 and was hospitalized for 9 months. Getty Images

Sinbad suffered a stroke in October 2020 and was confined to the hospital for nine months.

“It is out of sincere love that we share Sinbad, our beloved husband and father, is recovering from a recent stroke,” his loved ones posted to his Instagram at the time.

“Sinbad is a light source of love and joy for many generations. While he is beginning his road to recovery, we are faithful and optimistic that he will bring laughter into our hearts soon,”

the statement continued.

In November 2022, “The Sinbad Show” star gave his followers a glimpse at his recovery, with his family revealing he was still learning to walk again after his stroke.

“Survival odds from this type of event are approximately 30 percent,” they shared, adding that Sinbad’s limbs were slowly regaining mobility. “Sinbad has already beaten the odds and has made

significant progress beyond what anyone expected, but there are still miles to go.”

Sharing a photo of the actor using a walker to move, his team wrote, “Sinbad appreciates all the love and support you have shown him over the last two years.”

role for the star since his health crisis. Getty Images

The family then revealed that his stroke was brought on by a blood clot, which traveled from his heart to his brain.

Less than two years later, Sinbad reemerged when he joined his cast from “A Different World” via Zoom on February 29, 2024, for a tour of historically Black colleges and universities.

After getting positive feedback about the appearance, he took to social media for the first time since 2022 to express his appreciation and personally address his supporters.

promised his fans in 2022, “Expect to see more of me soon.” FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

“Thank you for your prayers, support, and positive thoughts. They’ve carried me this far and will see me through to the finish line. It really is a different world out here!” he wrote, along

with a video message.

Before ending the video, Sinbad made a promise to his loyal fans.

“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 shared.

“Straw” is available to stream on Netflix starting Friday, June 6.

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