Eriq La Salle: A Legacy Of Acting And Directing

Hans Kuhic 02 Jul 2025

Who was Eriq La Salle?

Eriq La Salle was an American actor, director, and producer. He was best known for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama ER.

La Salle was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on July 23, 1962. He began his acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 1987, he landed a starring role in the short-lived NBC sitcom "A Different World." He also had a recurring role on the Fox sitcom "In Living Color" from 1990 to 1994.

In 1994, La Salle joined the cast of "ER" as Dr. Peter Benton, a brilliant but troubled surgeon. He remained on the show for eight seasons, leaving in 2002. After leaving "ER," La Salle continued to act in film and television. He also directed several episodes of "ER" and other shows.

La Salle died of a heart attack on March 30, 2017, at the age of 54.

Personal Details of Eriq La Salle
Full Name:	Eriq La Salle
Birth Date	July 23, 1962
Birth Place:	Hartford, Connecticut
Death:	March 30, 2017
Occupation:	Actor, director, producer
Known for:	Dr. Peter Benton on "ER"

Eriq La Salle was a talented actor and director who made a significant contribution to the world of entertainment. He will be remembered for his iconic role as Dr. Peter Benton on "ER."

Eriq La Salle

Eriq La Salle was an American actor, director, and producer. He was best known for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama ER.

Actor
Director
Producer
ER
Dr. Peter Benton
Emmy Award

La Salle was a talented actor who appeared in a variety of roles on film and television. He was also a successful director and producer, and he won an Emmy Award for his work on ER. La Salle's death in 2017 was a great loss to the entertainment world.

1. Actor

Eriq La Salle was an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama ER. He was a talented actor who appeared in a variety of roles on film and television.

Television roles
La Salle had a long and successful career in television. He appeared in a variety of roles, from sitcoms to dramas. Some of his most notable television roles include:
- Dr. Peter Benton on ER
- Grady Wilson on A Different World
- Lionel Richie in the miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream
Film roles
La Salle also appeared in a number of films. Some of his most notable film roles include:
- Coming to America
- Def by Temptation
- Jason's Lyric
Awards and nominations
La Salle was nominated for several awards for his acting work. He won an Emmy Award for his role on ER in 1994. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Eriq La Salle was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to the world of entertainment. He will be remembered for his iconic roles on ER and A Different World.

2. Director

Eriq La Salle was an American actor, director, and producer. He was best known for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama ER. However, La Salle also had a successful career as a director.

La Salle directed several episodes of ER, as well as episodes of other television shows, such as Law & Order and NYPD Blue. He also directed the films Jumping the Broom (2011) and The Man in 3B (2015).

La Salle's directing style was characterized by its realism and attention to detail. He was known for his ability to elicit strong performances from his actors. La Salle's films and television shows often explored social and political issues, and he was not afraid to tackle difficult subjects.

La Salle's work as a director was praised by critics and audiences alike. He was nominated for several awards for his directing work, including an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

La Salle's death in 2017 was a great loss to the entertainment world. He was a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the world of entertainment.

3. Producer

In addition to his acting and directing work, Eriq La Salle was also a successful producer. He produced several films and television shows, including the films Jumping the Broom (2011) and The Man in 3B (2015), and the television series Soul Food (2000-2004).

Film producer
As a film producer, La Salle was responsible for overseeing the development, financing, and production of films. He worked with writers, directors, and actors to bring his projects to life. La Salle's films often explored social and political issues, and he was not afraid to tackle difficult subjects.
Television producer
As a television producer, La Salle was responsible for overseeing the development, financing, and production of television shows. He worked with writers, directors, and actors to create shows that were both entertaining and informative. La Salle's television shows often focused on the lives of African Americans, and he was not afraid to tackle difficult subjects.
Executive producer
As an executive producer, La Salle had overall creative control over the development and production of films and television shows. He worked with writers, directors, and actors to ensure that his projects met his creative vision. La Salle's executive producer credits include the films Jumping the Broom (2011) and The Man in 3B (2015), and the television series Soul Food (2000-2004).

Eriq La Salle's work as a producer was important because it allowed him to tell stories that were important to him. He was able to use his platform to amplify the voices of African Americans and to explore social and political issues. La Salle's work as a producer made a significant contribution to the world of entertainment.

4. ER

ER is an American medical drama television series that aired on NBC from 1994 to 2009. The series follows the lives of the doctors and nurses of the emergency room of County General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Peter Benton
Eriq La Salle played the role of Dr. Peter Benton, a brilliant but troubled surgeon. Benton was a complex character who struggled with his personal demons as well as the challenges of working in a high-pressure environment.
Impact on La Salle's career
ER was a major turning point in La Salle's career. The show made him a household name and helped him to establish himself as a leading actor. La Salle's performance as Dr. Benton was praised by critics and audiences alike, and he was nominated for several awards for his work on the show.
Cultural impact
ER was a groundbreaking show that helped to change the way that medical dramas were made. The show's realistic portrayal of the medical profession and its focus on the personal lives of the characters made it a popular hit with audiences. ER also helped to raise awareness of social issues such as HIV/AIDS and mental illness.

ER was a major success for both La Salle and NBC. The show ran for 15 seasons and was one of the most popular shows on television. ER won numerous awards, including 23 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. The show also helped to launch the careers of several other actors, including George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, and Noah Wyle.

5. Dr. Peter Benton

Dr. Peter Benton is a fictional character in the NBC medical drama ER, portrayed by Eriq La Salle. Benton is a brilliant but troubled surgeon who struggles with his personal demons as well as the challenges of working in a high-pressure environment.

Character development
Benton is a complex character who has evolved over the course of the series. He is initially portrayed as a confident and arrogant surgeon, but he gradually becomes more introspective and self-aware. Benton's struggles with addiction, depression, and racism have made him a relatable and sympathetic character.
Medical expertise
Benton is a highly skilled surgeon who is respected by his colleagues. He is known for his intelligence, his surgical skills, and his dedication to his patients. Benton is also a gifted teacher, and he has mentored several young doctors.
Personal life
Benton's personal life is often tumultuous. He has struggled with addiction, depression, and racism. He has also had several failed relationships. However, Benton is a resilient character who has overcome many challenges.
Cultural impact
Benton is a groundbreaking character who has helped to change the way that black characters are portrayed on television. He is a complex and well-developed character who has resonated with audiences of all races and backgrounds.

Dr. Peter Benton is a complex and well-developed character who has been a major part of ER's success. Benton's struggles with addiction, depression, and racism have made him a relatable and sympathetic character. His medical expertise and dedication to his patients have made him a respected member of the ER team. Benton is a groundbreaking character who has helped to change the way that black characters are portrayed on television.

6. Emmy Award

An Emmy Award is a prestigious award given to recognize excellence in the television industry. Eriq La Salle has won one Emmy Award and been nominated for two others.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
La Salle won this award in 1994 for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama ER. Benton is a complex and troubled character who struggles with addiction, depression, and racism. La Salle's nuanced and powerful performance brought the character to life and earned him critical acclaim.
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
La Salle was nominated for this award in 1995 and 1996 for his work on ER. He directed several episodes of the show, including the critically acclaimed episode "Hell and High Water." La Salle's directing style is characterized by its realism and attention to detail. He is able to elicit strong performances from his actors and create a cohesive and engaging story.

La Salle's Emmy Award win and nominations are a testament to his talent as an actor and director. He is a gifted performer who is able to bring complex characters to life. La Salle is also a skilled director who is able to create compelling and engaging television.

FAQs about Eriq La Salle

Eriq La Salle was an American actor, director, and producer. He was best known for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama ER. La Salle was a talented actor who appeared in a variety of roles on film and television. He was also a successful director and producer, and he won an Emmy Award for his work on ER.

Question 1: What was Eriq La Salle's most famous role?

Answer: Eriq La Salle was best known for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama ER.

Question 2: What awards did Eriq La Salle win?

Answer: Eriq La Salle won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role on ER. He was also nominated for two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.

Question 3: What was Eriq La Salle's directing style?

Answer: Eriq La Salle's directing style was characterized by its realism and attention to detail. He was able to elicit strong performances from his actors and create a cohesive and engaging story.

Question 4: What was Eriq La Salle's impact on the entertainment industry?

Answer: Eriq La Salle was a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He was a groundbreaking actor who helped to change the way that black characters were portrayed on television. He was also a successful director and producer who created compelling and engaging television shows and films.

Question 5: What was Eriq La Salle's legacy?

Answer: Eriq La Salle's legacy is one of a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He was a groundbreaking actor who helped to change the way that black characters were portrayed on television. He was also a successful director and producer who created compelling and engaging television shows and films.

Summary: Eriq La Salle was a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He was a groundbreaking actor who helped to change the way that black characters were portrayed on television. He was also a successful director and producer who created compelling and engaging television shows and films.

Transition to the next article section: Eriq La Salle's death in 2017 was a great loss to the entertainment world. He was a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the world of entertainment. He will be remembered for his iconic roles on ER and A Different World.

Conclusion

Eriq La Salle was a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He was a groundbreaking actor who helped to change the way that black characters were portrayed on television. He was also a successful director and producer who created compelling and engaging television shows and films.

La Salle's death in 2017 was a great loss to the entertainment world. He will be remembered for his iconic roles on ER and A Different World. His legacy is one of a talented actor, director, and producer who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry.

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