Lyriq Bent

Lyriq Bent’s career soared with his lead role in the acclaimed horror film Saw IV (2007), which debuted at number one at the box office and grossed over $100 million worldwide. This breakthrough performance followed significant appearances in feature films such as Four Brothers (2005), starring alongside Mark Wahlberg and Andrè 3000, and Take the Lead (2006) opposite Antonio Banderas and Alfre Woodard. Bent also garnered attention for his co-starring roles in Saw II (2005) and Saw III (2006). His early television work included guest spots on CSI: Miami with David Caruso, Kevin Hill alongside Taye Diggs, and USA Network’s Kojak opposite Ving Rhames, in addition to recurring roles in Platinum and Playmakers.

A key turning point in Bent’s career was his award-winning portrayal of Chekura Tiano in the BET/CBC mini-series The Book of Negroes (2015), based on Lawrence Hill’s best-selling novel. For this compelling performance, he earned a Best Actor award at the 2016 4th Canadian Screen Awards. He further diversified his portfolio with a co-starring role in Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, appearing across its 2017-2019 run. Bent also co-starred in Tyler Perry’s feature film Acrimony (2018) opposite Taraji P.

His television appearances continued with a role in the OWN series Delilah (2021), showcasing his consistent presence across various network platforms. He also co-starred in the acclaimed series Mary Kills People and featured in Angela’s Eyes. Most recently, Lyriq Bent completed filming for the BET+ drama series Long Slow Exhale (2022), where he played a pivotal role, further cementing his reputation for impactful character work in television. Throughout his career, Bent has consistently delivered powerful performances that resonate with audiences and critics alike, making him a distinguished and marketable talent in both the Canadian and American entertainment industries.