Leonard Earl Howze

Howze was born in Los Angeles, California on April 26, 1977, where he attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and graduated in the class of 1995. Howze also, attended Purchase college in the State University of New York and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts to begin an acting career.[3][4] Howze made his acting debut as a supporting character in the 2002 blockbuster film Barbershop, where he portrays Dinka, an optimistic stereotypical African immigrant who attempts charm his crush and barber colleague, Terri played by Eve.[5][6] Howze after reprising his role in the 2004 sequel to Barbershop started to make more appearances in entertainment, receiving future roles in the films Antwone Fisher as pork chop, The Ringer, 1 episode of My name is Earl in 2006 and Blood River credited as Tri-pod.

In the 2010's Howze continued to retain roles in the media, having roles in the films A Thousand words starring Eddie Murphy and in the 2013 film The Lone Ranger as Homer.[7] He appeared in multiple minor television roles as well including separate episodes of NCIS, Shameless, Legit and The League. Howze has had a recent role in 48 episodes of the television sitcom Kevin can Wait as a supporting role.[8][9] Howze says his faith in God and timing as a attribution to his commercial success and lengthy acting career.[10]

Howze's hobbies when he's not acting include playing basketball, bowling and playing golf. Howze currently resides in New York during his intervals from filming.[11]

• Leonard Earl Howze at IMDb