Jerrie Johnson
Biography
Johnson began her performing-arts journey in Philadelphia and earned a bachelor's degree in theatre from Pennsylvania State University before receiving an MFA from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Her education and professional career have connected her to major creative centers including San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles.
Her screen credits include Good Trouble (2020), Mother's Milk (2021), Harlem (2021–2025), and Survival of the Thickest (2025). She portrayed Tye Reynolds on Harlem, a Black queer woman whose story encompasses relationships, friendship, career, and family.
Johnson is also a poet and arts activist. Her creative work extends beyond acting into writing and advocacy, with a focus on Black identity, queer experience, representation, and the arts.
BQW Impact
Jerrie Johnson contributes to BQW visibility through her work as a Black queer actress, poet, writer, and arts activist. Her portrayal of Tye Reynolds in Harlem brought a multidimensional Black queer woman into a mainstream television series, contributing to broader representation of Black queer lives on screen.
Her work across television, poetry, and the arts also reflects the growing presence of Black queer women as creators and cultural workers.
Notable Works
Good Trouble (2020)
Television series in which Johnson appeared as Tye.
Mother's Milk (2021)
Film featuring Johnson as Sweetbird.
Harlem (2021)
Comedy series in which Johnson portrayed Tye Reynolds, a central member of the ensemble.
Survival of the Thickest (2025)
Netflix comedy series in which Johnson portrayed Daphne.
Learn More
Biography, creative work, and professional information.
Official social account.
Education, career, poetry, and early professional background.
Interview documenting Johnson's queer identity and creative work.