Tyrone Benskin

Biography

Tyrone Benskin has been a significant presence in theatre, film, television and music for over 30 years. As part of the Canadian and International cultural landscape Tyrone has amassed an impressive resume and acclaim for a significant and varied body of work;, from no-nonsense cop to caring and devoted father, from ancient warrior to the characters showing the darkness of human nature. His numerous theatre credits include appearances on many of the celebrated stages across Canada.

His over 100 film and television credits include co-starring with Tori Spelling in the TV movie "Mind over Murder", the new Christmas classic "The Christmas Choir", "The Wool Cap" and the civil rights drama "Deacons for Defense" opposite Forrest Whitaker and Mr. Ossie Davis. Mr. Benskin also appeared in the NBC mini-series 10.5: Apocalypse and starred as Karl Lubinsky in the cult science fiction series "Charlie Jade" which aired in Canada, the US and internationally including South Africa, France, England and Japan. Feature films include the blockbuster hit "300", Bob Dylan bio-pic "I'm not There" and acclaimed independent films "Peepers" and "Adam's Wall."

For over 5 years, Mr. Benskin served as Artistic Director of Black Theatre Workshop, Canada's oldest Black theatre company. He served President of the Board of Creations Etc., a youth arts and outreach organization as well as serving on the board several community based non-profit organizations. Mr. Benskin was twice elected to the post of National Vice President of ACTRA, Canada's national film and television actors union.

On May 2nd, 2011 Mr. Benskin was elected to the 41st Parliament of Canada as the Member for the diverse riding of Jeanne-Le Ber. Mr. Benskin was subsequently appointed to the post of "Official Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage" by the Honorable Jack Layton. Mr. Benskin also serves as Deputy Critic for Official Languages and served on the Sub-Committee for International Human Rights. Benskin served as a Member of Canada's House of Commons for four and a half years returning to the big screen in 2016 in Bad Santa 2 and the small screen as recurring character Rev. Wardell Cobb in season 2 of The Art of More opposite Denis Quaid.