If you haven't seen it yet, the cast of Fighting to be Me: The Dwen Curry Story isn't just a list of names; it's a powerhouse group that manages to capture one of the wildest, most complex life stories to ever hit BET+. Honestly, when people talk about biopics, they usually expect a standard "rags to riches" tale. But Dwen Curry’s life? It’s more like "Detroit to Oakland to styling Mariah Carey to running a multi-million dollar fraud ring called the Gay Gangsters."
Yeah. It’s a lot.
The film, which premiered in February 2025, dives deep into how Curry navigated addiction, her transition as a transgender woman, and the high-stakes world of celebrity styling and street crime. The casting had to be spot on because Dwen is a massive personality. You couldn't just throw any actor into this and hope for the best.
The Faces Behind the "Gay Gangsters" and the Glamour
Leading the pack is Dyllón Burnside. You probably know him as Ricky from Pose, but here he takes on the title role of Dwen Curry. Burnside doesn't just "play" Dwen; he seemingly absorbs her. He covers the spectrum from the early 90s Detroit struggle to the flashy Oakland heights.
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Dyllón Burnside as Dwen Curry
Burnside had a huge task. He had to portray Dwen as both a vulnerable addict and a fierce criminal mastermind. Dwen herself was an executive producer on the film, and she’s mentioned in interviews that she spent a ton of time with Dyllón to make sure he got the "soul" of her story right. It wasn't just about the clothes or the hair—though let's be real, the styling in this movie is incredible—it was about that specific grit you only get from surviving the Oakland streets while being your authentic self.
D.B. Woodside as Uncle Leon
We need to talk about D.B. Woodside. Most of us know him from 9-1-1: Lone Star or Lucifer, but in this film, he plays Uncle Leon. He’s the anchor. When Dwen is forced to move to Oakland to escape drug addiction, Leon is the one who sets the ground rules. He’s a former addict himself turned counselor, which gives the relationship a layer of tough love that feels incredibly real. He’s basically the moral compass in a world that’s spinning out of control.
A.J. Johnson as Cynthia Curry
Then there’s A.J. Akua Johnson playing Dwen's mother, Cynthia. Their relationship is... complicated. It starts with heavy strain because of Dwen's addiction and sexuality, but it evolves. Johnson brings that "loving but firm" Black mother energy that feels so familiar but specifically heartbreaking in the context of Dwen's legal troubles.
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The Supporting Cast You’ll Definitely Recognize
The cast of Fighting to be Me: The Dwen Curry Story also features some surprising cameos and deep-cut roles that flesh out the 90s and 2000s vibes.
- Greg Mathis Jr. as DJ: He plays Dwen’s best friend. Initially, there’s a hint of romance, but they realize they’re better as friends. DJ is the conservative "straight man" to Dwen’s flamboyance, and he’s the one who tries to help her go legit with real businesses.
- Erika Norrell as LisaRaye McCoy: This is a fun one. Dwen actually styled the real LisaRaye, and in the movie, LisaRaye becomes one of her biggest supporters.
- Mike Rob as Jihad: He’s an "original GG" (Gay Gangster). He’s the street connection. Even when things get messy—like him having an affair with the love of Dwen’s life—the bond remains because, in their world, they were family first.
- Maurice Alpharicio as Zaire: Zaire is a devout Muslim rapper and producer. He’s Dwen’s true love, but his faith and her lifestyle create this constant, painful friction.
Why the Casting Works So Well
Usually, biopics feel a bit stiff. But because the real Dwen Curry was so involved, the actors had a living blueprint. Dyllón Burnside even mentioned that on the day they filmed the scene where Dwen goes to the doctor for hormone therapy, he insisted she be on set. He didn't want to just act it; he wanted to honor it.
The film was directed by Joe Carroll and written by La Jill Hunt. They didn't shy away from the "True Crime" element. While it’s a story of self-acceptance, it’s also a story about how Dwen led a network that allegedly moved millions through credit card fraud. You see the glitz—styling names like Missy Elliott and DMX—but you also see the prison cell.
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Key Players in Dwen's Life (The Breakdown)
| Actor | Character | Role in Dwen's Life |
|---|---|---|
| Dyllón Burnside | Dwen Curry | The protagonist, stylist, and mastermind |
| D.B. Woodside | Uncle Leon | The mentor and counselor |
| A.J. Johnson | Cynthia Curry | The mother fighting for her child |
| Rodrick Covington | Butchie | Dwen's first real friend in Oakland |
| Chantal Maurice | YoYo | The hip-hop star who kickstarts Dwen's career |
What People Get Wrong About the Story
Some people go into this thinking it’s just another "trans story" or just another "crime story." It's actually a hybrid. The most interesting part of the cast of Fighting to be Me: The Dwen Curry Story is how they portray the "Gay Gangsters." This wasn't just a random group; it was a chosen family that used fraud to fund their transitions and their lifestyles when the rest of the world shut them out.
It’s easy to judge the crime, but the movie asks you to look at the "why." Why did these people feel they had to break the law to be themselves?
Actionable Takeaways for Viewers
If you're planning to watch or have just finished it, here is how to get the most out of the experience:
- Watch the Interviews: Look up the "behind the scenes" talks with Dwen Curry and Dyllón Burnside. Their chemistry explains why the performance feels so grounded.
- Research the History: The "Gay Gangsters" era in Oakland is a fascinating piece of underground history. Knowing the real-world stakes makes the film hit harder.
- Support Trans Creators: Since this film highlights the struggle for identity, follow the real Dwen Curry on social media to see where she is now—she’s still a force in the industry.
The cast of Fighting to be Me: The Dwen Curry Story managed to turn a complex, often dark life into a story of resilience. It's not always pretty, but it's definitely real. Whether you’re there for the 90s fashion or the true crime drama, the performances are what stay with you long after the credits roll.