Coby Bell
Coby Bell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Coby Scott Bell May 11, 1975 |
| Other names | Colby Bell, Cobins Robins Rue |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, producer |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Spouse | Aviss Pinkney-Bell |
Coby Scott Bell (born May 11, 1975) is an American actor and producer. He is best known for his roles as NYPD officer Tyrone Davis, Jr. on the NBC drama Third Watch, and professional football player Jason Pitts on the CW/BET comedy-drama The Game. He currently stars as Jesse Porter on the USA Network original series Burn Notice, and appears on The Game on a recurring basis.
Early life and career
Born in Orange County, California, Bell is the son of Broadway actor Michel Bell. Before he began acting, Bell attended San Jose State University, where he graduated with honors.[1] He began his career with a few minor roles in various shows including The Parent 'Hood, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ER and Smart Guy, before landing a thirteen episode stint as Patrick Owen in L.A. Doctors.
In 1999, Bell landed the role of Officer Ty Davis, Jr. on the NBC drama Third Watch. He was one of only five original cast members to remain on the show throughout its entire six-season run on NBC. During the series' run, he co-starred in Safe, a critically acclaimed play co-written by Third Watch co-star Anthony Ruivivar. The play also starred Third Watch regular Jason Wiles and Third Watch recurring guest star Yvonne Jung. Bell also appeared in a Third Watch edition of the American version of The Weakest Link.[2]
In 2005, just months after Third Watch ended its run, Bell landed a recurring role on the UPN comedy series Half & Half as Glen Stallworth, a San Francisco firefighter who is originally set up on a date with main character Mona, but winds up falling for her mother, Phyllis (played by actress Telma Hopkins). Despite appearing in only three episodes, Bell's character was mentioned and referenced throughout the show's fourth and final season.
In 2006, Bell starred in and co-produced an independent film called Drifting Elegant. The project marked his debut as a producer. That same year, Bell guest-starred in an episode of the UPN comedy series Girlfriends in an episode entitled "The Game", which served as the pilot episode for the CW comedy-drama series of the same name. Bell stars as Jason Pitts, the captain of the fictional San Diego Sabers football team. He will be returning as Jason Pitts, but in a recurring role when The Game, which was cancelled in 2009, returns on BET in January 2011. He recently joined the cast of the USA Network series Burn Notice as former counter-intelligence agent Jesse Porter.[3]
Bell supported Barack Obama for president in 2008.[4]
Personal life
Bell is married to Aviss Pinkney-Bell and has four children; two sets of twins: girls (Serrae and Jaena) and girl/boy (Quinn and Eli).[5][6][7]
In addition to acting, Bell is also a musician and songwriter in a reggae band. He also serves as a mentor to underprivileged youths in the Big Brothers of America.[8]
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 2005 | Dream Street | Credited as Colby Bell | |
| 2006 | Drifting Elegant | Renny Lyles | Producer |
| 2007 | Showdown at Area 51 | Jude | |
| 2008 | Ball Don't Lie | Dreadlock Man | |
| Flowers and Weeds | Tyler | Voice | |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1997 | The Parent 'Hood | Devigian | Episode: Father Wendell" |
| Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Young Man | Episode: "Reptile Boy" | |
| ER | Brett Nicholson | Episode: "Good Touch, Bad Touch" | |
| 1997–1998 | Smart Guy | Garret Anthony Williams |
Episodes: "The Dating Game" "Most Hated Man on Campus" |
| 1998–1999 | L.A. Doctors | Patrick Owen | 13 episodes |
| 1999 | A.T.F. | Agent Dinko Bates | Television movie |
| 1999–2005 | Third Watch | Officer Tyrone "Ty" Davis, Jr. | 130 episodes |
| 2005 | Half & Half | Glen | 3 episodes |
| 2006 | Girlfriends | Jason | Episode: "The Game" |
| 2006–Present | The Game | Jason Pitts | 64 episodes; Starring seasons 1-3, Recurring season 4-present |
| 2007 | CSI: Miami | Tony Decker | Episode: "Kill Switch" |
| 2010 | Archer | Conway Stern | Episode: "Diversity Hire" |
| 2010–Present | Burn Notice[9] | Jesse Porter[10] | Season 4 - Present: Main cast |
References
- ^ "Coby Bell--Third Watch". ctv.ca. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ "The Joy of Sets: Third Watch, Learn and Listen!". tvguide.com. 2008-02-06. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ Madden Toby, Mekeisha (2007-11-07). "These stars know how to win the 'Game'". The Ventura County Star. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3Ic9I3BJqU
- ^ "Coby Bell: On-air Personalities". cw27.com. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ Robertson, Regina. "A Father's Love - Celebrity Dads". essence.com. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ Karu F. Daniels (17 April 2009). "Coby Bell: Welcoming Twins For The Second Time Around". Blackvoices Newswire. AOL, LLC. Retrieved 21 April 2009.
- ^ "Coby Bell as Jason Pitts". cwtv.com. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ "Hollywood Reporter". Retrieved 04-01-2010.
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