August 2022

Prior to his current role as Detective Marcus Dante on CBS’ hit series THE EQUALIZER, Tory Kittles was best known for his television roles in the drama series “True Detective,” opposite Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey; Carlton Cuse’s “Colony,” with Josh Holloway; and Kurt Sutter’s “Sons of Anarchy.”

On the big screen, Kittles made his feature film debut in “Tigerland” opposite Colin Farrell. He would go on to play Frederick Douglass in Kasi Lemmons’ “Harriet”; star in Antoine Fuqua’s “Olympus Has Fallen” and Spike Lee’s “Miracle at St. Anna”; and appear opposite Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in “Get Rich or Die Tryin.’”

Kittles’ additional film credits include “Stop-Loss,” “The Sapphires” and “Man Down.” Kittles also starred in the acclaimed television films “Bessie” and “Steel Magnolias,” opposite his EQUALIZER co-star, Queen Latifah.

In 2018, Kittles appeared in S. Craig Zahler’s “Dragged Across Concrete” opposite Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn. His recent titles include “Wander Darkly” with Sienna Miller and Diego Luna, and “Those Who Wish Me Dead” opposite Angelina Jolie.

On the stage, Kittles played Paul Robeson in the Minerva Theatre’s 2019 production of “8 Hotels.” Prior to that, he played “Bollingbroke” in The Old Globe Theatre’s production of “Richard II.”

Kittles was born in Lawtey, Fla., a small town of over 700 people that has only one stoplight. Kittles overcame a childhood stutter after reading James Earl Jones’ autobiography and learning the actor did the same himself. After college, Kittles studied Linklater and Shakespeare with the esteemed Fran Bennett of Cal Arts.

Kittles’ hobbies include playing tennis, basketball, golfing, hiking and chess. He loves to read plays, particularly by Shakespeare and August Wilson. He enjoys watching movies and television, as well as listening to music. In his free time, Kittles plays the piano and creates musical scores for all of his characters.

Kittles is involved with the Children’s Defense Fund, a nonprofit advocacy organization that works to uplift all children, with a focus on poor children, children of color and those with disabilities.

His birthday is Dec. 30. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @torykittles.