Larenz Tate, born September 8, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, is an acclaimed American actor known for his impactful roles in film and television. He gained widespread recognition as O-Dog in Menace II Society (1993), a landmark role that cemented his status in Black cinema. He followed this with major performances in Dead Presidents (1995) as Anthony Curtis and Love Jones (1997), a romantic drama now considered a cult classic.
In television, Tate is widely known for portraying Councilman Rashad Tate in the Power franchise, showcasing his range in a political and dramatic role. His other notable film credits include The Inkwell (1994), A Man Apart (2003), Crash (2004), Waist Deep (2006), and Ray (2004), in which he played Quincy Jones.
Born to Peggy and Larry Tate, he is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom are actors. The family relocated to California in the early 1980s, and the brothers began acting after being inspired by Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s early success. Larenz made his TV debut in The New Twilight Zone in 1985 and later graduated from Palmdale High School in 1993.
