Antoine Benz, a Haitian-Hollywood actor, boasts an impressive career spanning three decades with over 100 appearances in film and television across three languages. Known to some as Rubens Antoine, he is also recognized globally as the voice behind ‘Baptiste’ in the popular video game Overwatch.
Born in Montreal, Canada, on June 22nd, Antoine Benz is the eldest of three children raised by his Haitian mother, Rose-Marie. His journey began far from the bright lights of Hollywood, initially pursuing Economics at Concordia University after high school. However, his academic path took an unexpected turn when he switched to Philosophy during his freshman year. It was during this time that his creative side emerged, leading him to form a rap group named ‘Da Freshmen’.
While ‘Da Freshmen’ secured a promising deal with Universal, it unfortunately did not materialize into lasting success. Yet, this taste of the music industry laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Antoine Benz, often likened to LL Cool J in his rapping days, found himself drawn towards a different artistic path almost by chance.
In 1993, while accompanying his then-girlfriend, an aspiring actress, to an audition, he was persuaded to read for a role himself. The role was a businessman in a corporate video, a far cry from rapping, but it sparked something within him. This impromptu audition marked the pivotal moment when the rapper transformed into an actor, a transition he embraced fully and never regretted.
Antoine Benz made his debut on the big screen in “Romeo Must Die” as the character “Crabman”. This early role opened doors to a series of notable film appearances. He went on to feature in blockbuster hits like “Get Rich Or Die Tryin'”, “Four Brothers”, and the critically acclaimed Bob Dylan biopic “I’m Not There”. He also played the memorable role of Tyrese Gibson’s conflicted co-pilot in the action-packed “Death Race”.
Beyond film, Antoine Benz has made a significant impact on television, particularly for his compelling portrayal of ‘Tyler Joseph’ in the French-language police drama “19-2”. His raw and honest depiction of a troubled, alcoholic beat cop garnered critical acclaim and resonated deeply with audiences. He reprised this groundbreaking role in the English adaptation of “19-2” for the Bravo network, earning nominations for Best Supporting Actor for both versions, a testament to his exceptional talent and commitment to the character.
Adding another dimension to his versatile career, Antoine Benz stepped into the world of voice acting, lending his voice to ‘Baptiste’ in the globally renowned video game Overwatch. This role has further expanded his fanbase and introduced him to a new generation of admirers.
Currently, Antoine Benz divides his time between New York and Los Angeles, continuing to build upon his already impressive and multifaceted career as a Haitian-Hollywood actor who has seamlessly transitioned between film, television, and voice acting, leaving an indelible mark on each medium.
