Lyriq Bent

**Lyriq Bent**, born **Martin Lyriq Bent** on *15 July 1979* in Kingston, Jamaica, is a **Jamaican‑born Canadian actor** whose career spans more than two decades across film, television, and interactive media. He moved to Toronto at the age of six, where the multicultural milieu of the city helped shape his artistic sensibilities. After completing his secondary education, Bent entered the acting world in the late 1990s, quickly gaining attention with guest spots on series such as *Kevin Hill* and *Kojak*. Playback Magazine highlighted him as one of Canada’s top rising stars, a prediction that proved accurate as he soon secured co‑starring roles in *Angela’s Eyes* and the critically acclaimed horror franchise *Saw*, portraying Officer Daniel Rigg in *Saw II*, *Saw III* and *Saw IV*. His performance as a steadfast police officer in the Canadian series *Rookie Blue* (2010‑2014) solidified his reputation for delivering intense, nuanced characters.

Beyond genre work, Bent’s dramatic range shines in historical drama; his portrayal of Chekura Tiano in the television miniseries *The Book of Negroes* earned him the **Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor in a Television Film or Miniseries** in 2016. He later ventured into digital storytelling, receiving a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Lead Performance in a Web Program or Series for *For the Record* (2022). Bent continues to diversify his portfolio, lending his voice and likeness to video game titles such as *Mafia III*. With a consistent presence on both North American and streaming platforms—including a starring role as Jamie Overstreet in Netflix’s *She’s Gotta Have It*—Bent exemplifies the versatility and longevity of a modern actor who bridges cultural backgrounds while delivering compelling performances.