Richard Brooks Biography

Fast Facts

• Appeared in "84C MoPic," an independent war drama that won acclaim at the1989 Sundance Film Festival and the 1990 Independent Spirit Awards
• Studied acting, dance and vocals at Michigan's Interlochen Academy of Arts before moving to New York to excel in the Circle in the Square Professional Theater School
• Alternating effortlessly between film, television and stage acting, he decided to use the doors that opened for him after his success on the television series "Law & Order" to move into directing
• Known for his commanding presence and deep, full voice which he utilizes not only for his acting roles, but also for his career as an R&B artist
• Founded Flat Top Entertainment LLC, his own production company
• Law & Order producers let him go in favor of adding a female presence to the show just one week after he'd turned down a part for the sake of the series