Eriq La Salle Movies and Career Information

Eriq Ki La Salle (born July 23, 1962) is an American actor and director, known for his portrayals of Darryl in the 1988 comedy film Coming to America and Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC drama series ER. La Salle, one of four children, was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut by his mother, Ada Haynes. La Salle studied at Juilliard for two years, then moved on to New York University's theater program in 1984, but did not complete either degree. After leaving school, he was cast in the first of several productions for Joseph Papp's Shakespeare in the Park theater company. Soon after, he found continuous acting work on Broadway, off-Broadway and in the daytime TV drama One Life to Live as reporter Mike Rivers. In 1988 Eric starred in Eddie Murphy's breakthrough movie Coming to America. He played Lisa's 'slick' and obnoxious boyfriend Darryl with an even slicker 'Soul Glo' haircut. In 1994 the medical drama ER premiered on NBC with La Salle starring as Dr. Peter Benton. He held the role until leaving during the eighth season. In 2009, La Salle returned to ER for two episodes (including the series finale) during its 15th and final season. He also returned to direct one episode. In 1996,